Schoenenbourg Fort: the Invincible Guardian of the Maginot Line

Immerse yourself in French military history with a visit to Fort de Schoenenbourg, located between the charming villages of Hunspach and Ingolsheim in Alsace. The largest artillery fort open to the public in Alsace, the fort offers a unique insight into the daily lives of soldiers between the wars. Built between 1931 and 1935 as part of the Maginot Line, this historic site, restored since 1978 by passionate volunteers, has retained all its original equipment.

Explore 3 kilometers of underground galleries at a depth of 30 meters and discover the kitchen, dormitories and infirmary, which reflected the daily life of 630 men in 1939. The tour also highlights the technical innovations of the period, such as the power plant that ensured the fort’s autonomy. Outside, you can observe the eclipsible turrets and combat blocks equipped with 81 mm mortars and 75 mm cannons.

Fort Schoenenbourg is also a place of remembrance. It was the most heavily bombed site between May and June 1940, but its crew remained undefeated, surrendering only at the request of the French High Command on July 1, 1940. Each visit is an opportunity to relive history through preserved installations and poignant testimonies.

Whether in its underground galleries or through its defense equipment, the Schoenenbourg fort offers a captivating immersion in history and military architecture. Book your visit now!