Dikkebusvijver

Dikkebusvijver is an artificial lake located right next to the village of Dikkebus, a few kilometers southwest of Ypres (Ieper) in the Belgian province of West Flanders. Covering roughly 36 hectares, it ranks among the larger bodies of water in this part of the region and was formed by damming the Kemmelbeek stream.

How did this lake come to be?

The story of the reservoir goes back to the Middle Ages. Permission to dig it was granted by the Count of Flanders on 23 July 1310, with the aim of securing enough water for the cloth industry in Ypres, at the time one of Europe's leading textile centers. Acquiring the necessary land took around ten years, and the whole project was completed and fully operational by about 1323. From the very start, the lake served a clearly practical, economic purpose tied to the city's needs.

How did the lake supply the city with water?

For centuries, Dikkebusvijver served as the main source of drinking water for Ypres. Water initially reached the city through urban waterways and channels, and this system was later replaced by wooden pipelines capable of carrying water over greater distances. It wasn't until 1926 that a modern pumping station was built, modernizing the entire distribution process. Remarkably, the reservoir still fulfills this supply role today — water from Dikkebusvijver continues to feed into the drinking water network of Ypres, though this function is now accompanied by a far more prominent recreational role.

What can visitors do at Dikkebusvijver today?

Today the lake is primarily known as a popular recreation spot for both locals and visitors. A quiet walking path and a cycling route, lined with oaks and poplars that provide shade on warmer days, circle the reservoir. The best-known hiking route is a loop of roughly 6.4 km (4.0 miles) that follows the perimeter of the central pond — an easily accessible trail suitable for most visitors regardless of fitness level. The area draws cyclists, runners, and anyone looking for a quiet escape from the busier center of Ypres.

Are there World War I remnants nearby?

Yes — the surroundings of Dikkebusvijver, like much of the region around Ypres, carry visible traces of the First World War. Nearby, on the grounds of Kemmelberg, four concrete bunkers from that era have survived, built in the spring of 1917 by British soldiers. They stand as a reminder of the intense fighting that took place across this part of West Flanders and attract visitors interested in the region's military history.

Is Dikkebusvijver worth a visit?

Dikkebusvijver brings together several layers of interest at once: a site with centuries of economic history, a still-active piece of the city's water infrastructure, a popular destination for walks and bike rides, and a place connected to the legacy of the First World War. For anyone exploring Ypres, it offers a calm alternative to the busier town center — a spot where nature and local history meet.

Frequently asked questions

How large is Dikkebusvijver? The reservoir covers approximately 36 hectares.

When was the lake created? Permission to build it was granted in 1310, and it became fully operational around 1323.

Is the lake's water still used today? Yes, Dikkebusvijver still supplies Ypres with drinking water, although its recreational role is now equally important.

How long is the walking route around the lake? The most popular loop around the reservoir is about 6.4 km (4.0 miles) and is accessible to most visitors.