King Albert I memorial

The King Albert I memorial is a circular structure in Nieuwpoort where visitors walk around a central courtyard containing an equestrian statue of the king. Ten brick columns rise from the ground, creating an open ring that frames views across the flat landscape of the Yser Plain and toward the North Sea coast.

Built in 1938, the memorial honors King Albert I and Belgian forces who held the Yser Front during the First World War, a crucial defensive line against German advances. This location marked the boundary where Belgian resistance helped stabilize the wider allied position in the region.

The central courtyard displays an equestrian statue of King Albert I created by sculptor Karel Aubroeck, representing Belgian leadership during wartime resistance.

Visitors walk freely around the circular structure and enjoy sweeping views across the surrounding landscape and sea as they go. The site is best visited on clear days when visibility extends far across the plains toward the coast.

Inside the courtyard hangs a massive panoramic painting by Alfred Bastien depicting the 1914 battle, bringing the historical moment directly to life in front of visitors. The artwork allows people to step into the scene and understand the scale of what happened there.