Activity details
IJzerdijk 65
8600 Diksmuide
Belgium
HERITAGE DAY
Soldiers’ Humour at the Trench of Death
on Sunday 26 April 2026
The Trench of Death, an imposing First World War trench, was dug in 1915 by the Belgian army along the banks of the Yser. It served as an ‘approach trench’ towards the German positions.
The German troops did the same and, after fierce fighting, the two armies were separated by only a narrow strip of water. Concrete bunkers, trenches and firing posts created a dangerous stalemate that lasted for three years.
Today, the Trench of Death is a unique historical site where visitors can almost literally follow in the footsteps of the Belgian soldiers who experienced the hell of 1914–1918. The visitor centre brings their stories back to life through interactive applications, photographs, films and more than a hundred unique and original objects.
On Heritage Day, the Trench of Death will come to life once again. Belgian and German re-enactors will set up camp and invite you to actively participate. Step back in time and discover how soldiers at the front during the First World War, with a wink to their own situation, found moments of relaxation, made each other laugh and lightened the mood in the trenches through small, creative moments.
At the Yser Front, humour was an indispensable weapon against the harsh life in the trenches. Through a historical evocation, you will discover how soldiers found comfort some 110 years ago in cartoons, songs set to familiar melodies, homemade comedies and the slapstick of Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton.
During Heritage Day, this special heritage comes back to life at the unique site of the Trench of Death. Children can also get creative with an original craft activity. Humour may well have been the most powerful weapon against death. Free admission – laughter allowed!
And there is more…
Heritage Day is the ideal moment to discover several new features on the site. Visitors can explore the new visitor trail, consult the updated visitor guide and try out the brand-new application in the Heritage App. For schools, a new educational package for the third stage of primary education has been developed. In addition, an authentic First World War cannon will be displayed next to the site.
Practical information
Date: Sunday 26 April 2026
Time: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. (last admission at 5 p.m.)
Admission: as part of Heritage Day, the site can be visited free of charge.
Registration: not required - simply drop by and join in!
More information: dodengang@warheritage.be
Temporary traffic regulation
To ensure smooth and safe traffic flow, one-way traffic will be introduced on Dodengangstraat and IJzerdijk on Sunday 26 April 2026 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Cyclists will retain access in both directions. Parking is permitted on one side of the road only; parking is prohibited on the opposite side.
