Roesbrugge-Haringe: IJzer, History and Heritage

Discover Roesbrugge-Haringe through its river landscape, historic buildings and craft offerings. When planning a stay, it is worth distinguishing between the different places and themes: Roesbrugge is shaped by the IJzer, while Haringe is home to the protected village scene and seasonal activities, among other things.

The IJzer, the valley and the trails

The IJzer flows through Roesbrugge, offering numerous river views. The IJzer Valley stretches along the river to the Belgian-French border near Roesbrugge-Haringe. A former course of the IJzer, known as the Dode IJzer, has also been preserved near Roesbrugge. The name refers to an earlier river course and distinguishes it from the present-day IJzer.

The Dode-IJzer Trail explores the Belgian-French border region, shaped by the Zwijnbeek, the IJzer and the Heidebeek. The Westhoektrail Roesbrugge-Pollinkhove offers another route: it runs for 12 to 17.5 kilometres through the flooded IJzer Valley. The trail includes towpaths, low-traffic roads and unpaved paths.

Packrafting has its own seasonal timeframe: in Haringe, you can take part from the start of the Easter holidays until October. If you plan to try it, check the specific dates and booking options in advance. This helps distinguish this time-limited option from trails described in terms of their route and surface.

History and architecture

The Haringhe (Bandaghem) Military Cemetery in Roesbrugge-Haringe is a protected monument. It is the burial place of 811 First World War dead and five Second World War dead. The cemetery was designed by R. Blomfield and W. C. Von Berg. It dates back to 1917, when it was established near so-called Casualty Clearing Stations, or field hospitals. In connection with the Third Battle of Flanders, the British Fifth Army decided to increase the number of these stations.

Haringe’s village centre is also protected as a village conservation area. It includes a church with a cemetery, a presbytery and two farms. In Roesbrugge, St Martin’s Church tells a different architectural story: built in the 17th and 18th centuries, the hall church was intended to replace a chapel. During the First World War, its tower served as a transmitting and receiving station for messages sent by telegraph and telephone.

Roesbrugge’s origins are linked to the construction of a bridge over the IJzer by a certain Rohard. A weekly market and a free fair, where anyone could set up a stall, are documented there from the 14th century. These historic forms of market offer a glimpse into trade and public life in earlier centuries.

Crafts and local stories

A bronze statue of Karel de Blauwer, a work by Rik Ryon, stands on Haringeplein at the junction with Moenaardestraat. According to local tradition, the figure represents smugglers of the past. Karel de Blauwer is therefore both a tangible public artwork and a figure from local history.

In Roesbrugge, Nathalie makes jewellery, soap and candles at Upstream Studio. Workshops there include watercolour techniques, earring-making and artisanal soap-making. If you are interested in a workshop, confirm availability directly with the studio in advance.

At Stefan's Pottery, Stefan Ferlin works with stoneware clay. Visitors can watch him make mugs, breakfast bowls, goblets and egg cups. Short, hands-on taster sessions for individuals are also available; all equipment and protective clothing are provided. Check access and booking arrangements before travelling. This will help you distinguish between a look inside the pottery and a short hands-on session of your own.

Whether your stay is shaped by the river landscape, protected buildings, local history or crafts depends on which of these themes you would like to explore further.

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