Maginot Line in Alsace – Visit of the Schoenenbourg Fort
Although I grew up a long way from France, visiting the Maginot Line is a childhood dream for the history buff in me. Little did I know that I would one day be living in Alsace, the region where one of the line's most important structures is open to the public: Fort Schœnenbourg in Hunspach.
My summary
I liked
- This fort is very typical of the great works of the Maginot Line: if you have to visit only one, I recommend you this one
- This fort was actually used during World War II and saw a lot of action.
- Most of the tour is accessible to everyone.
- At the entrance to the fort, you can visit a combat block (only accessible by stairs), and see how an eclipse turret works. Don’t hesitate to ask the association staff on site if you can operate it!
I liked a little less
- Despite the ventilation systems, the atmosphere is very humid which can be difficult for people with respiratory problems like me!
- The temperature is low, remember to dress warmly.
- Use comfortable shoes! You’ll need at least 2 hours to visit this fort.
Introducing the Maginot Line
Where is the Maginot Line?
The Maginot Line is located along the French border with Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland and Italy.
What is the biggest fort on the Maginot Line?
The two largest forts on the Maginot Line are Fort Hackenberg at Veckring in Moselle (Lorraine) and Fort Schoenenbourg at Hunspach (Alsace).
How long is the Maginot Line?
The large works of the Maginot Line extend over 140km along the north-eastern border.
Where to go to visit the Maginot Line in Alsace?
If you have to choose just one structure or museum, I’d recommend Fort Schoenenbourg as the best way to visit the Maginot Line in Alsace. It’s one of the largest structures on the Maginot Line, and in my opinion the most interesting!
History of the Maginot Line
The Maginot Line, named after the Minister of War André Maginot, is a line of fortifications built by France along its northeastern border from 1928 to 1940 and is a testament to the trauma of World War I.
We know the rest of the story. France was quickly defeated in June 1940, and we had to blame someone… or something! This is how the Maginot Line came to be seen by many as a useless construction.
The defensive line, however, succeeded in its mission:
- Protecting the industrial zone of Alsace and Lorraine
- To allow the mobilization of the French army.
- And most importantly: Avoiding a surprise attack by the German army on French territory!
The Schoenenbourg Fort during the Second World War
For military history buffs, this fort on the Maginot Line is of great historical importance. In June 1940, it was attacked not only by German artillery but also by the Luftwaffe (Nazi Germany’s air force), making it the most heavily bombed structure on the Maginot Line. Do you remember “Big Bertha” from your First World War lessons? This artillery piece also took part in the attacks on this construction!
Another interesting fact: although the armistice between France and Nazi Germany was signed on June 22, 1940, Schoenenbourg did not surrender. It was only abandoned by its troops on July 1, 1940, without having surrendered. In fact, the French high command must have told them that the war was over!
The construction was sabotaged by the Werhmacht, the armed forces of Nazi Germany, during the winter retreat of 1944-1945. It was subsequently repaired, but the site was abandoned in 1967. Years later, in 1982, volunteers from the Association des Amis de la Ligne Maginot en Alsace (Friends of the Maginot Line in Alsace) began the lengthy restoration work to bring it back to a state similar to that of 1940, when it was occupied by 630 men.
Tour of the interior of Fort Schoenenbourg in Hunspach
Named after the nearby village of Schœnenbourg, the fort is the last major artillery fortification in northeastern France after the Maginot Line, and consists of casemates. You can also see some of them in Strasbourg’s Robertsau forest.
A visit to Fort Schoenenbourg takes you down to 30 meters below ground. An elevator is available for people with reduced mobility, who can visit around 90% of the fort!
To discover this building, you’d better enjoy walking! This fort has 6 combat blocks, 2 entrance blocks (one for men and one for ammunition, through which you enter the fort) and a 3 km network of underground galleries. One detail I particularly appreciated on this visit was that there is no specific itinerary to follow, so you’re free to visit the fort in any order you like.
The tour will give you an idea of how the soldiers lived underground: their dormitories, their kitchens, their command posts… You can even see the drawings made by the soldiers on the walls, and there’s something for everyone, from Mickey Mouse to 1940s French muse Joséphine Baker! Some areas feature sound effects to immerse you in the atmosphere of the 1940s.
If you are passionate about history and architecture, a visit to the Schoenenbourg Fort is a must!
Other sites of remembrance tourism of the Maginot Line in Alsace
My favorite sites to learn more about the subject:
- Path of the Casemates of Boofzheim
- The Forts Trail
- But you can also visit: the lime kiln in Lembach, the shelter museum in Hatten, the casemate 35/3 in Marckolsheim south and the Esch casemate
Practical information
Rates and Schedules
Buy your ticket for the visit of the Schoenenbourg Fort directly here
Access
By car
- 62,5 km from Strasbourg (52 minutes)
- 132 km from Colmar (1h39)
- 168 km from Mulhouse (2h10)
By public transport
The Fort is not served by public transportation.