Fort d'Embourg
Small fort of the Liège ring overlooking the Vesdre valley, with a museum of weapons and uniforms, visited on guided days by reservation.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Fort d'Embourg is one of the twelve forts built at the end of the 19th century to protect Liège. Designed by General Brialmont and built between 1888 and 1892, it is made of unreinforced concrete and has a trapezoidal rather than triangular plan. It overlooks the Vesdre valley from the heights of Embourg, in Chaudfontaine.
In August 1914 it came under attack from 4 August. After bombardment by 210 mm howitzers, its cupolas were put out of action and the garrison, without weapons or water, had to surrender. In the 1930s the Belgian army modernised it: four 75 mm turrets, an anti-aircraft battery, an infantry casemate, an air tower and improved ventilation, electricity and communication systems. In May 1940 its garrison of 323 men was surrounded on 13 May and attacked from 15 to 17 May; the fort raised the white flag on 17 May.
A commemorative association, founded in 1946, erected a monument there and maintains a museum of weapons, uniforms and equipment from both World Wars. The fort belongs to the municipality of Chaudfontaine; history enthusiasts guide visitors on occasional tours.
Highlights
- Liège ring fort with a trapezoidal plan
- Museum of weapons, uniforms and equipment from both World Wars
- Guided tours led by history enthusiasts
- Views over the Vesdre valley from the heights of Embourg
Permanent exhibition
- Le musée du fort – Collection of weapons, uniforms and equipment from both World Wars, displayed in the fort.
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|
A participation fee of €5 is announced for the guided visit on 25 October 2026.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The fort is not suitable for visitors with reduced mobility, due to stairs and narrow corridors.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
Access by car or by TEC bus lines; the nearest station allows a bus connection. The fort is at the top of the Embourg hill, at the start of rue du Fort.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Visits are led by history enthusiasts and recreate the daily life of soldiers in both World Wars. Wear sturdy shoes and suitable clothing: it is around 8 to 13 °C inside. Booking and information through the Maison du tourisme de Chaudfontaine. |
