Merkem between waterways, nature and history

Merkem combines distinctive traces of the past with tranquil waterscapes. In the historic village stands the medieval Hoge Mote motte, while traces of the former 17th-century Fort de Cnocke landscape have been preserved at the confluence of the IJzer and Ieperlee. There are also wetlands, canals, a historic mill and various opportunities to explore the surrounding area on foot, by bicycle or on the water.

History that remains visible in the landscape

The Hoge Mote is a circular motte mound approximately 3 metres high and about 35 metres in diameter. The mound is surrounded by an 18-metre-wide moat. Those interested in medieval landscapes and historic architectural forms will find a tangible destination here that fits well into a cultural and historical exploration of Merkem.

Drie Grachten also tells part of the village's history. During the First World War, Drie Grachten was an important military outpost. The Drie Grachten walking route showcases the historic landscape of that period. The Ieperlee also flows into the Ieper-IJzer Canal at Drie Grachten. This is where waterways and history come together in a place that can appeal to different interests within a travel group.

The Beukelaremolen in the hamlet of Luigem in Merkem is part of this historical diversity. It was rebuilt as a standard mill in 1923, using the Steentjesmolen acquired from Poperinge. In 2011, the Beukelaremolen was the only remaining working mill in Merkem. This chronological detail is important if you would like to discover the mill as part of the village's history.

Wetlands, birds and open waterways

The Eendenkooi van Merkem showcases another side of the village. It includes an approximately rectangular pond surrounded by ditches, with four catching pipes. A wooded area with various standard trees and a shrub layer surrounds the site. After losing its original hunting function, the Eendenkooi van Merkem is now a habitat for breeding and resting waterbirds. The riverside woodland is home to a breeding colony of grey herons and cormorants.

The Broeken of Merkem are marshy grounds that absorb excess water from the IJzer Valley during periods of heavy rainfall. In dry periods, you can explore the Broeken on foot or by bicycle. This gives Merkem a clear contrast between a water-dominated landscape and more active excursions. The Knokkebrug observation tower offers views of the remains of the star-shaped Fort De Knocke, the course of the IJzer and the floodable Broeken.

Experience Merkem on the water and on foot

At the Driegrachtenbrug, you can explore the surroundings with a Brompton folding bicycle, kayak or solar boat, on foot or by packraft. The boats operated by De Boot are moored there on the Ieper-IJzer Canal. This gives you a choice of different ways to get around when planning your day, without having to limit yourself to purely cultural and historical visits.

The “Op zoek naar Merkem-Brousse” offering combines a solar boat trip with a 2.5-kilometre walk. The order can also be reversed. During the activity, participants hear stories about the French Zouaves. With a little luck, you may also spot kingfishers, long-eared owls or European honey buzzards. For families and groups with different interests, this combination of water, activity, history and nature is a vivid way to plan the day.

The right accommodation for planning your trip

If you are looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Merkem, it is helpful to first consider what pace of experiences suits your trip. Those who want to focus on historic sites and mills can plan their days around the Hoge Mote, Drie Grachten and the Beukelaremolen. If nature observation and waterways are more important, the Eendenkooi, Broeken, IJzer and Ieper-IJzer Canal offer other points of interest.

When planning your trip, consider whether you would prefer to combine walks, cycling excursions, a solar boat trip or several historic sites. This way, you choose a holiday apartment as a base for your holiday not according to a generalised idea, but according to the experiences you actually want to discover in Merkem.

For the overarching travel overview: Houthulst.