Old pond that supplies the city of Ypres with fresh water.
Some explanations: The Dikkebusvijver is a pond near the village of Dikkebus, south of the city of Ypres. On July 23, 1310, the city of Ypres received permission from the Count of Flanders to dig the pond next to the Zillebeke pond to ensure that there was enough water in the city for fulling and dyeing sheets.
The pond was created by damming the Kemmelbeek and was dug on the site of the municipalities of Vlamertinge, Dikkebus and Voormezele. The expropriation of the necessary land was arranged by the city of Ypres and took about ten years. The 36-hectare pond was not completed until around 1323. The pond supplied and supplies Ypres with drinking water, previously via the Ypres canals and later via a system of oak pipes. This has been done since 1926 via a modern pumping station. This is how the Zillebekevijver and the Bellewaardevijver were created.
In addition to providing drinking water, the pond also has a recreational function.
Enjoy the shady banks at a moderate pace.