Bayernwald

Bayernwald is a reconstructed network of German First World War trenches and bunkers located between the villages of Wijtschate and Voormezele, in the municipality of Heuvelland, Belgium, roughly 6 km south of Ypres. The name — literally "Bavarian Wood" — comes from the Bavarian troops under the command of Crown Prince Rupprecht von Bayern, who captured the position in 1914 and turned it into a heavily fortified section of the front line. Today Bayernwald is one of the few sites within the former Ypres Salient where visitors can walk through restored trenches and get a direct sense of what frontline life looked like.

Why is this site called Bayernwald?

The area, known locally as "Croonaertbos," took on its German name after Bavarian units occupied it in 1914. The position sat on a slight rise along the ridge between Wijtschate and Messines, giving its defenders a clear view over the lower ground and toward Ypres — which explains why it remained strategically important for the entire war.

What happened here during the fighting?

The Germans built an extensive trench system here, including two mine galleries, a mine shaft, and five bunkers, holding the position until June 1917, when it was captured by the British Second Army during the Battle of Messines. During the German spring offensive of 1918, Bayernwald briefly fell back into German hands, but on 28 September of that same year the British 34th Division retook the position for good, closing the chapter of fighting over this stretch of front.

What is the site's connection to Adolf Hitler?

Bayernwald is also known for an episode involving the young Adolf Hitler, who served as a dispatch runner (Meldegänger) with the 16th Bavarian Reserve Infantry Regiment, known as the "List Regiment." According to accounts, on 15 November 1914 Hitler and three other dispatch runners took part in an action to rescue their regimental commander, Lieutenant Colonel Philipp Engelhardt, under heavy fire during the fighting to seize this position. Hitler himself was lightly wounded in the process. For this act he was awarded the Iron Cross, Second Class, on 2 December 1914.

What can visitors see at Bayernwald today?

The site was reconstructed by archaeologists to recreate an authentic First World War trench network, although it now covers only about 10% of its original extent. It reopened to the public on 17 April 2004. Visitors follow a marked footpath through the restored trenches, passing information panels along the way that explain the events that took place here and describe the day-to-day realities faced by soldiers at the front.

How should you plan a visit?

Bayernwald is located at Voormezelestraat 2a in Heuvelland. It's worth knowing in advance that tickets are not sold on site — they must be purchased beforehand from the Heuvelland tourist office. This is an important detail for anyone planning a route through the Ypres Salient's memorial sites, since without a ticket obtained in advance, access to the trenches won't be possible.

Who is this site for?

Bayernwald appeals mainly to First World War history enthusiasts, visitors following the wider Ypres Salient trail, and anyone who wants to experience tangible remains of the Western Front beyond cemeteries and monuments alone. The reconstructed trenches and bunkers make it easier to picture the realities of the static, grinding warfare that played out across this ground over four years of conflict.

Frequently asked questions

Are the Bayernwald trenches original from the First World War? The trenches were reconstructed by archaeologists based on the original layout, but they cover only a portion of the historical system — around 10% of its original size.

Can tickets be bought on site? No — entry tickets must be purchased in advance from the tourist office in Heuvelland, as there is no ticket sales point at the location itself.

How far is Bayernwald from Ypres? The site lies about 6 km south of Ypres, between the villages of Wijtschate and Voormezele.