Ouvrage du Hackenberg
The largest fortress of the Maginot Line, visited in about 2 hours 30 minutes on foot and by small electric train through underground galleries.
No sound? Check your device’s silent switch.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Gros ouvrage A19 Hackenberg is one of the largest fortresses of the Maginot Line, the line of fortifications decided after the First World War to protect France's eastern frontier. Construction began in 1930, among the very first works, and it served as the prototype for the line's artillery fortresses. Around 1,800 workers spent six years building 19 combat blocks and boring some ten kilometres of galleries; the army took delivery of the fortress in 1936.
After the outbreak of war in 1939 and the period of the “Phoney War” (drôle de guerre), the fortress played its part in the German offensive of 1940, and its surrender came only a few days after the armistice. In November 1944 it was taken by General Patton's US Third Army during the Battle for the liberation of the Moselle.
The State remains the owner. The association AMIFORT Veckring, which has organised visits since 1975, maintains and restores the fortress with volunteers, with support from local authorities. Visits are made only in a guided group: they combine walking through the galleries with a ride on the original electric train to the combat posts. A souvenir shop is available at the end of the route.
Highlights
- Guided visit of about 2 hours 30 minutes through underground galleries at 12 °C
- Ride on the original electric train through the galleries
- Demonstration of a working artillery turret
- Kitchens, engine room, hospital and museum inside the fortress
- 360° virtual tour on the official website
- Founded
- 1975
- Operated by
- Association AMIFORT Veckring
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €15 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €12Students, holders of the Pass Culture, the CNAS card or the Pass Lorraine, veterans, on presentation of the card |
| Children & teens | €8free up to age 3 · Child rate for under-16s; free from age 0 to 3. |
| Students & apprentices | €12On presentation of the card. |
| Groups | –Group visits by reservation, by email to amifort@orange.fr or by telephone. |
Accepted payment methods: bank card, cash, bank cheque, Chèques-vacances and Chèque culture. Pets are not admitted.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- 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
Because of the multi-level underground structure, only 80% of the route is guaranteed for people with reduced mobility. Pushchairs are allowed.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 3 |
|---|
- Stroller-friendly
Pushchairs are allowed. Child rate of €8 up to age 15, free from age 0 to 3.
Getting there & parking
The AMIFORT association is located at 61bis Grande Rue in Veckring; the GPS coordinates given on the website are: N 49°20'30" E 6°21'55".
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
Souvenir shop at the end of the visit. Pets are not admitted.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Corporate events
Up to 180 guests.
Meeting and seminar rooms for 10 to 180 people for companies, with a welcome at the “La guinguette du soldat” restaurant, an aperitif in an unusual setting, a guided visit of the fortress and meals at partner restaurants.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 2.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Visits are possible only in a guided group, lasting about 2 hours 30 minutes, partly on foot and partly by small train. The temperature is 12 °C all year round: bring warm clothing and good shoes. Tours in German and English are available depending on guide availability. Online booking is recommended. |
