Originally housing 3,233 graves, Vladslo was expanded to hold 35,644 dead in 1956, when thousands of German graves from 61 nearby cemeteries were moved to the site. Each horizontal headstone marks the resting place of 20 men and bears their names, ranks, and dates of death. Another moving sight is a statue depicting two mourning parents, the 1932 work of German sculptor Kathe Kollwitz, whose son lies here.
Cemetery admission is free and visitors can explore independently. Many people choose to visit as part of one of the area’s many WWI battlefield tours, which allow them to easily visit other nearby sites, learn from a guide’s insight, and enjoy the convenience of round-trip transport. Several of these tours depart from Bruges and Brussels. Private tours—ideal for those requiring a customizable itinerary and one-to-one attention from a personal guide—are also available.
Vladslo Cemetery is at 3 Houtlandstraat, 18.5 miles (30 kilometers) north of Ypres, near the village of Vladslo. While many visit on a WWI battlefields tour, the next-easiest option is self-driving. By car from Ypres, take the N369 and N35 north to the village of Vladslo before following Gentweg, Wijnendalestraat, and Houtlandstraat. From Bruges, head south on the E403 before following the R34, N33, and N363 to Houtlandstraat.
The cemetery is open daily from sunrise to sunset. The cemetery is never busy but if you wish to avoid the regular arrival of tour groups, aim to arrive early morning or late afternoon.
Vladslo’s trees and dark tombstones make it seem more somber than other nearby WWI cemeteries—an atmosphere accentuated by Kathe Kollwitz’ statues of “The Grieving Parents.” This pair of granite figures depicts herself and her husband bent in grief over their son’s grave, which lies in sight. Aged just 18, Peter Kollwitz was killed near Diksmuide in October 1914.
