Kemmel City Map Poster

About Kemmel

The hill is part of the Flemish Ardennes and lies within the municipality of Heuvelland, in West Flanders. It rises to a height of about 541 m (1,776 ft) above sea level. The Kemmelberg was formed during the last Ice Age by glaciers that pushed rocks from nearby Ardenne towards this area. These were later covered with sand and clay deposits which have been eroded away over time leaving only these hard rocks behind as a hill formation.[1] Kemmelberg is famous for its strategic position during World War I when it was occupied by German troops at least since October 1914 until April 1918.[2] In May 1940 it again saw fierce fighting between Belgian forces on one side and German forces supported by tanks on the other side[3]. It has also seen action in 1944-1945 when Canadian troops liberated Belgium from Nazi occupation[4]. A memorial site dedicated to those who fought here can be found at "Point 63".