Top 20 Natural Monuments around Mesen
Natural monuments around Mesen present a landscape significantly shaped by historical events. This region in Belgium features preserved battlefields and craters from World War I, alongside natural water bodies. These sites offer a unique perspective on both geological formations and the profound impact of human history on the terrain. The area provides opportunities to explore historical landmarks integrated into the natural environment.
Best natural monuments around Mesen
- The most popular natural monuments is Hill 60 preserved Battlefield (World War I), a historical_site that was created by excavation work and changed hands multiple times during the First World War. This mound is a cemetery without a headstone, bearing witness to intense battles.
- Another must-see spot is Caterpillar Crater, a historical_site. This is a gigantic mine explosion crater with a diameter of 79 meters and a depth of 15.5 meters, one of the largest craters in the Ypres Salient.
- Visitors also love The Bluff Memorial and Crater, a historical_site. This location, an artificially raised ridge, shows how the landscape was altered by the war machine, featuring numerous large and small craters.
- Mesen is known for preserved battlefields, mine craters, and historical sites that have become natural monuments. The region offers a variety of natural monuments to see and explore, often intertwined with significant historical narratives.
- The natural monuments around Mesen are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 400 upvotes and over 150 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: May 1, 2026
The Bluff Memorial and Crater
Highlight • Historical Site
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Hill 60 preserved Battlefield (World War I)
Highlight • Historical Site
Source: hiking guide Flanders route GR 128
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Caterpillar Crater
Highlight • Historical Site
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Coming World Remember Me Sculpture
Highlight • Monument
With this permanent installation of the same name, the Province and Koen Vanmechelen want to give the victims a definitive place in our history, our present and our future.
Central to this installation is the large egg from which the figurines roll. This in an organic way, almost like during birth. The sculptures are the children of a torn world. The whole forms the world map, with all continents connected to each other. The statues themselves form the base. They support each other, stand on each other's shoulders, the big ones support the little ones.
Source: west-vlaanderen.be/artikelen/groot-oerei-coming-world- Krijgt-nieuwe-permanente-plaats-installation-van-koen-vanmechelen
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Zillebeke Pond
Highlight • Lake
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Tips from the Community
An interesting anecdote concerns the battles around the pond during the war. Soldiers used the pond as a natural barrier and shelter. There are stories of soldiers wading through the water at night to reach enemy lines, which gave the pond strategic significance.
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another very beautiful work
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some very beautiful works on the route
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Strategic hill called Hill 60 in the First World War.
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At the beginning of the 14th century, Ypres was a very prosperous and densely populated city. Two ponds were constructed for water supply: one in Dikkebus and one in Zillebeke, and these ponds still provide Ypres with drinking water today. The 28-hectare Zillebeke Pond is fed by the Zillebeek stream. On the western bank lies the pumping and treatment plant, which produces approximately four to five thousand cubic meters of drinking water daily. The pond is surrounded by a beautiful double row of trees. Fishing is permitted with a special permit. The pond is a valuable natural feature. The large fields of water lilies are particularly picturesque. A colony of grebes breeds there, but grey herons, coots, moorhens, mallards, and sandpipers also call the pond home. During the migration season, the pond is frequently visited by numerous bird species. You can cycle and walk around the pond. Source: knooppunter.com/zillebekevijver
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Old pond that supplies fresh water to the city of Ypres. Some explanation: The Dikkebus Pond is a pond near the village of Dikkebus, south of Ypres. On July 23, 1310, the City of Ypres received permission from the Count of Flanders to dig the pond, which, next to the Zillebeke Pond, was intended to ensure sufficient water in the city for fulling and dyeing cloth. The pond was created by damming the Kemmelbeek stream and was excavated on land belonging to the parishes of Vlamertinge, Dikkebus, and Voormezele. The expropriation of the necessary land was arranged by the city of Ypres and took about ten years. The thirty-six-hectare pond was not completed until around 1323. The pond supplied and still supplies Ypres with drinking water, initially via the Ypres canals and later via a system of oak pipes. Since 1926, this has been done via a modern pumping station. The Zillebeke Pond and Bellewaarde Pond were also created this way. Besides providing drinking water, the pond also serves a recreational purpose. Enjoy the shady banks at a moderate pace.
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Old pond that supplies fresh water to the city of Ypres. Some explanation: The Dikkebusvijver is a pond near the village of Dikkebus, south of the city of Ypres. On July 23, 1310, the City of Ypres received permission from the Count of Flanders to dig the pond next to the Zillebeke pond to ensure that sufficient water was available in the city for fulling and dyeing sheets. The pond was created by damming the Kemmelbeek and was excavated on the grounds of the parishes of Vlamertinge, Dikkebus and Voormezele. The expropriation of the necessary land was arranged by the city of Ypres and took about ten years to complete. The pond of thirty-six hectares was not realized until around 1323. The pond provided and supplies Ypres with drinking water, formerly via the Ypres canals and then via a system of oak pipes. Since 1926 this has been done via a modern pumping station. The Zillebeke pond and Bellewaarde pond were also created in this way. In addition to the drinking water supply, the pond also has a recreational function. Enjoy the shaded banks at moderate speed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular natural monuments around Mesen?
The most popular natural monuments around Mesen are deeply intertwined with World War I history. Visitors highly appreciate Hill 60 preserved Battlefield (World War I), a site created by excavation work that witnessed intense battles. Another significant spot is Caterpillar Crater, a gigantic mine explosion crater, and The Bluff Memorial and Crater, an artificially raised ridge showing the landscape's alteration by war.
What makes the natural monuments around Mesen unique?
The natural monuments around Mesen are unique because they are largely a result of the profound impact of World War I on the landscape. Instead of purely natural formations, you'll find preserved battlefields, massive mine craters, and altered terrain that bear witness to historical events, offering a blend of geological features and historical narratives.
Do the natural monuments around Mesen have historical significance?
Yes, the natural monuments around Mesen are profoundly historically significant. They are primarily sites from World War I, such as Hill 60, Caterpillar Crater, and The Bluff Memorial and Crater. These locations were battlegrounds where the landscape was dramatically reshaped by military actions, serving as poignant reminders of the past.
Are there any memorials or sculptures related to the history of the area's natural monuments?
Yes, the area features significant memorials and sculptures. The Coming World Remember Me Sculpture is a notable land art installation that commemorates the victims of World War I. Additionally, sites like The Bluff Memorial and Crater and Hill 60 also feature memorials and monuments dedicated to the soldiers who fought there.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around Mesen?
Around Mesen, you can expect to see a landscape marked by both natural elements and the scars of history. Key features include large mine craters like Caterpillar Crater, preserved battlefields such as Hill 60, and the tranquil Zillebeke Pond, which also has historical anecdotes related to the war.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments around Mesen?
Yes, several natural monuments around Mesen are considered family-friendly. Caterpillar Crater, Coming World Remember Me Sculpture, and Zillebeke Pond are all suitable for families. These sites offer accessible paths and engaging historical contexts that can be explored together.
What outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?
The area around Mesen offers various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous road cycling routes, with options ranging from easy loops like the Comines Town Hall – Lys Greenway (29.6 km) to moderate ones like the Mont Noir (West) – Baneberg Climb loop (54.9 km). Gravel biking is also popular, featuring challenging routes such as the Mont des Cats – Mont Noir (West) loop (51.1 km). For runners, there are trails like the Ploegsteertbos loop (10 km) or the Poppy Field – Irish Peace Park loop (7.9 km). You can find more details on these activities in the Road Cycling Routes around Mesen, Gravel biking around Mesen, and Running Trails around Mesen guides.
Are there hiking trails near the natural monuments around Mesen?
Yes, there are hiking opportunities near the natural monuments. For instance, at The Bluff Memorial and Crater, a hiking trail winds around the mine craters and into the bed of the old Ypres – Komen Canal, offering an immersive experience. Many of the historical sites, including Hill 60 and Caterpillar Crater, are accessible via paths suitable for walking and exploring the preserved battlefield landscapes.
What should I wear when visiting the natural monuments around Mesen?
Given the nature of the sites, which include preserved battlefields and craters, it is highly recommended to wear sturdy walking shoes. The terrain can be uneven, and some areas, like The Bluff, may require appropriate footwear to comfortably explore the historical traces and mine craters.
What do visitors enjoy most about the natural monuments around Mesen?
Visitors frequently express awe at the preserved war history and the dramatic impact on the landscape. They appreciate the opportunity to witness the scars of the Great War firsthand, with many finding sites like Hill 60 and Caterpillar Crater to be incredibly impressive and thought-provoking. The blend of natural environment with profound historical narratives is a key draw.
How long should I plan for a visit to the natural monuments around Mesen?
To fully appreciate the historical and natural significance, you could easily spend half a day exploring a site like The Bluff Memorial and Crater, which includes cemeteries, an information pavilion, mine craters, and no man's land. For other key sites like Hill 60 and Caterpillar Crater, allow a few hours to explore the sites and absorb the history.
Are there viewpoints to appreciate the landscape around Mesen?
Yes, several natural monuments also serve as viewpoints. Hill 60 offers elevated perspectives of the surrounding area, while The Bluff Memorial and Crater provides views of the war-altered landscape. Even Zillebeke Pond offers scenic views of the water and its natural surroundings.
Most popular attractions around Mesen
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