The machine gun post “Villa Bertha” is a Belgian military construction from the First World War, located along the former railway bed between Nieuwpoort and Diksmuide—the so-called Frontzate. This railway line, line 74, played a crucial role as a defense line after the flooding of the IJzervlakte in 1914. The machine gun post was located in the railway embankment near Ramskapelle, approximately 150 meters from the current A18 bridge.

According to local tradition, the post was nicknamed “Villa Bertha”. The construction was part of a network of brick and concrete shelters, kitchens, medical stations and footbridges that the Belgian troops used to hold out in the swampy no man’s land. The opening in the roof of Villa Bertha is said to be the result of a post-war attempt to recover iron.

Translated by Google •

In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

Details

Informations

Elevation 50 m

Weather

Today

Sunday 9 November

14°C

8°C

0 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h

See rides here

Take Me There

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

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Frontzate Railway Path

King Albert I Monument and Ganzepoot Locks

Frontzate-pad tussen het groen

Belgian Coast Sandy Beaches and Beach Sculptures

The Polar Explorer Sculpture (De Poolreiziger)

Nieuwpoort Lighthouse

Ieperbrug Bridge

King Albert I Monument (Westfront Nieuwpoort)

Hannecartbos - single track

Kreek van Lombardsijde

Michael Yzer War Memorial

Vismijn Nieuwpoort

Machine gun post Villa Bertha

1. Frontzate Railway Path – Leaning Tower of Pervijze loop from Nieuwpoort

2. Leaning Tower of Pervijze – Yser Estuary at Nieuwpoort loop from Station Wickieland

3. Koolhofput Nature Reserve – Frontzate Railway Path loop from Miamiwijk

Other Popular Places to Check Out

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️