Sanctuary Wood Cemetery: A Place of Remembrance
A serene WWI cemetery near Ypres, Belgium, honoring the valor and sacrifice of Commonwealth soldiers in a tranquil woodland setting.
Sanctuary Wood Cemetery, near Ypres, Belgium, is a poignant World War I memorial. It serves as the final resting place for nearly 2,000 Commonwealth soldiers, many unidentified, who fought and died in the surrounding battlefields. The serene woodland setting offers a space for reflection on the immense sacrifices made during the conflict.
A brief summary to Sanctuary Wood Cemetery
- Canadalaan 35/21, Ypres, Zillebeke, 8902, BE
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience and to appreciate the serene atmosphere.
- Take time to read the inscriptions on the gravestones; many offer poignant insights into the lives of the soldiers.
- Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Sanctuary Wood Museum and Hill 62 for a more complete understanding of the area's WWI history.
- Maintain a respectful and quiet demeanor to honor those commemorated at the site.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From the Ypres market square, walk to the bus stop (Ieper - Grote Markt). Take bus number 80 towards Zillebeke Bellewaerde. Get off at the Zillebeke Bellewaerde stop. The bus ride is approximately 10 minutes. From there, walk along Canadalaan for about 10 minutes to reach Sanctuary Wood Cemetery. The bus fare is approximately €3.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Ypres. A taxi from the Ypres train station to Sanctuary Wood Cemetery takes about 8 minutes. The estimated cost is between €13 and €16.
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Walking
From the Ypres Cloth Hall (Lakenhallen), walk east on Meenseweg (N8). Continue for approximately 1.5 kilometers. At the roundabout, take the second exit onto Ieperstraat. After 600 meters, turn left onto Canadalaan. The cemetery is at number 35/21 Canadalaan. The walk is approximately 5 kilometers and takes about 1 hour.
Discover more about Sanctuary Wood Cemetery
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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