Diksmuide is a city known as the "Butter City". A flourishing dairy trade was one of the most important pillars of prosperity of Diksmuide for centuries and the municipality has a mainly agricultural character. Diksmuide only really gained fame during its strategic contribution during the First World War. Diksmuide fought hard in the Battle of the Yser. A notorious trench complex is the Dodengang, which was one of the most dangerous positions of the Belgian army. The Yser Tower, which was built after the war, first the fallen Flemish soldiers and serves as a peace monument.
The picturesque Beguinage of Diksmuide, which has existed since the thirteenth century, is special. In the past, the beguines earned their living by washing, bleaching and processing wool, cloth and linen, by making lace and by caring for the sick. In 1914, the original inhabitants disappeared and the Beguinage suffered greatly during the First World War. Later, the courtyard was rebuilt and since 1990, the Beguinage has had a social role: adults with a mental disability live there semi-independently.
On the way you can visit Beauvoorde Castle. This moated castle was already there in 1408. In 1584 the Geuzen set fire to the castle, which caused it to be rebuilt in 16717. When it had fallen into disrepair, the building was saved from total demolition in 1875. Jonkheer Arthur Merghelynck, who had the building restored, also had a French-English garden built. After his death he assigned Beauvoorde Castle to the State. In 2014 the castle can be visited, as can the heritage shop and the visitors' centre in the building. In the summer an exhibition and other cultural activities are organised.