Footsteps of WWII · Paris, Champagne & Alsace
Fort de Schoenenbourg (Maginot Line)
Fortification · 19 Jun–1 Jul 1940
The story
Schoenenbourg is a gros ouvrage of the Maginot Line, with six combat blocks and two entrances linked by deep tunnels, manned in 1939 by 491 men and 17 officers under Commandant Reynier. In June 1940, with the line outflanked, it held out alone: Stukas attacked on 19, 20 and 21 June, and from 21 June 420 mm siege mortars shelled it for three days. Its walls cracked but it kept firing; over the campaign it fired more than 17,000 shells and took over 3,000 shells and 160 bombs. Undefeated, it surrendered on 1 July 1940 under the armistice.
What to look for
A walk of several kilometres through tunnels 30 metres underground, past barracks, kitchens, the power station and magazines, to the combat blocks and a retractable gun turret. Above ground, the craters of 1940 are still visible.
Plan your visit
Self-guided visits start at Block 7, the ammunition entrance. Hours and prices for 2026 could not be confirmed. Underground temperature is low, so bring a warm layer; check the website before you go.
Things change, so check opening times before you travel.
Nearby sites
- Natzweiler-Struthof · 74 km
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