Located in the west of the province of Limburg, on the border with Flemish Brabant, Halen is a town closely linked to the history of the First World War. It was here that, on August 12, 1914, the famous Battle of the Silver Helmets took place, one of the few Belgian victories against the German cavalry.
Galerie photos
Garnhami, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A town marked by World War I
Halen is known for having been the scene of a major clash at the start of World War I. On August 12, 1914, the Belgian army faced off against the German cavalry in a decisive battle that went down in history as the Slag der Zilveren Helmen, or Battle of the Silver Helmets.
The Battle of the Silver Helmets
During this battle, the German cavalry was defeated by Belgian troops. This victory is considered one of the few Belgian military successes during the early months of the conflict. The event had a profound impact on local and national history.
The Museum of the Battle of the Silver Helmets
The Museum of the Battle of the Silver Helmets provides a detailed account of the battle. It presents the historical context, military strategies, and consequences of the battle, providing a better understanding of Halen’s importance in the history of the war.
The Silver Helmets Walking Route
A historical walk, the Silver Helmets Walking Route guides visitors through the various iconic locations linked to the battle. This walking route connects the historical sites and allows visitors to discover the landscape as it was at the time of the fighting.
A striking memorial installation
At the very spot where the fighting took place, near the memorial stone, stands an installation consisting of 44 large German concrete helmets. These Stahlhelmen symbolize the German occupation of Limburg and form a powerful memorial dedicated to the memory of the First World War.
A place of remembrance and reflection
This landscape installation invites silence and reflection. It is a key part of the duty of remembrance in Halen and serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of the conflict on the region.
