The Nieuwpoort lock complex is better known as 'De Ganzepoot'. The name refers to the shape of the entire complex. This place played a crucial role during the First World War. In October 1914, the opening of the locks caused the flooding of the IJzervlakte. This put an end to the advance of the German troops. With the help of the locks, the IJzervlakte remained flooded throughout the war.
At the end of 2014, the Westfront Nieuwpoort Visitor Center opened here, where you can learn more about the role of the lock complex and the flooding during WWI.

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🇧🇪 Herwig Aertbeliën

August 25, 2022

Cycling

De Ganzepoot is located on the shipping channel to the North Sea. Six watercourses come together at the Ganzepoot: three navigable canals and three drainage canals. From the air it looks like an enlarged leg of a goose.
This form dates back to the construction period 1867 - 1878. De Ganzepoot regulates water management and shipping on the IJzer. In the early days of the First World War, this complex played a crucial role in partially flooding the Yser Plain and therefore stopping the German military crush.

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Willem VS

October 5, 2024

Cycling

The Ganzepoot in Nieuwpoort played a crucial role during the First World War. This lock complex, where six waterways meet, was used to stop the German advance by flooding the surrounding areas. On 29 October 1914, Hendrik Geeraert and Fernand Ume opened the locks, flooding the IJzervlakte and stopping the German troops.
The lock complex was completely destroyed during the war, but was rebuilt in a slightly modified form after the hostilities. Today, there are several memorials at the Ganzepoot, including a monument for King Albert I and a memorial plaque for the military lock keepers.

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Best routes to King Albert I Monument and the Ganzepoot Locks

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1. Veurne Market Square – Yser Estuary, Nieuwpoort loop from Westende

42.4km

02:33

80m

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.5

(142)

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2. Coastal Path Middelkerke – Raversyde and the Atlantic Wall loop from Nieuwpoort

36.9km

02:15

80m

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

4.4

(38)

395

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3. Yser Estuary, Nieuwpoort – Nieuwpoort Harbour Entrance loop from Nieuwpoort-Bad

32.7km

01:58

50m

Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Weather

Thursday 5 February

12°C

7°C

46 %

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Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h

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Location: Nieuwpoort, Veurne, West Flanders, Flanders, Belgium

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King Albert I Monument and the Ganzepoot Locks

1. Veurne Market Square – Yser Estuary, Nieuwpoort loop from Westende

2. Coastal Path Middelkerke – Raversyde and the Atlantic Wall loop from Nieuwpoort

3. Yser Estuary, Nieuwpoort – Nieuwpoort Harbour Entrance loop from Nieuwpoort-Bad

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