The Four Days of the Yser

The “Four Days of the Yser” is an international march organised by the Belgian Defence, in partnership with the local authority of Koksijde and the cities of Newport, Diksmuide, Poperinge and Ypres.

This annual activity at the coast and in the Westhoek is open to civilian people as well as military participants from Belgium and abroad and pursues four main goals:

1/ Walking - exercise

In our busy society, it is important to dwell on our health and exercise plays a crucial role in this. Walking, for example, not only provides a sporting challenge, but also contributes to both our physical and mental health.

2/ Strengthening the relationship - fraternisation

Strengthening the relationship between the Belgian Defence and the society by bringing military and civilian participants together during a shared sporting activity.

3/ Commemorating the fallen

Commemorating with great respect the people who perished during the two World Wars, in particular those who fell in the Westhoek during World War I.

4/ Promoting tourism - discovering

Helping walkers uncover the historical and tourism value of the Westhoek and the southwest coast.