I am going to visit Belgium next week. Just wanted to ask any good advice what to see there? If you know some interesting WW I and WW II things to see, please give a hint.
So far, plans are to visit Military Museum in Brussels, Arms museum in Ličge, Antwerp and perhaps visit Dunkerque... Well, my lady wasn't too happy for my military overloaded plans but she said that's ok, she will sit in some nice warm place drinking Belgian trappist beer while I am digging myself in the mud of Flanders...
The Military Museum in Brussels will probably keep you busy for the entire week... Note that the WW1 armour is inside, as is the Belgian WW2 armour, and not with your common or garden Shermans which are slightly more exposed (though not as much as the APG Mark IV).
Make sure you have change with you as they'll probably insist you put any rucksacks etc in a locker. I think you need a 2 euro coin but my memory may be playing tricks on me again.
Enjoy.
Gwyn
-- Edited by Gwyn Evans on Thursday 9th of January 2014 09:44:08 PM
I would check to make sure that the exhibitions you would like to see at the Military Museum in Brussels are open, my intel is that some are currently closed....
On walking distance from the Brussels Museum is the Librairie de l´Escadron in the Rue the l´Escadron. This bookshop is located on a little roundabout. It has an incredible collection of rare books and magazines on military history and worth a visit, even though it'll be tough on your credit card. In the little mall opposite the bookshop is a very nice modelshop. Have fun!
The WW1 & WW2 fortifications around Liege (Eben Emael, Loncin, ...). You have to check opening days/hours, some are only to visit with guide or closed for restoration.
Around Ypres: different sites
Around Dixmude: "Death trench" (Belgian sector), restored by Belgian army (I think entrance is free), the tower (no free entry): life in the trenches (1:1 scale), several places of Belgian sector (Ramskapelle railway station, Nieuport, Vladslo: German cemetary with Kate Kolwitz sculptures...)
Raversijde: German WW1 and 2 bunkers (You have to make choice which part to visit or pay twice, only to visit with guide, check opening because of winter closing)
Around Dunkirque: Eperleque (German V1/2 installation of WW2)