Ouvrage du Simserhof
Large Maginot Line fortress in Siersthal, owned by the Communauté de communes du Pays de Bitche, with an underground guided visit and exhibitions.
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About the museum
The Simserhof was built from 1929 to 1935 as a large artillery fortress and is among the largest works of the Maginot Line (fourth by size). Its crew of 876 men only surrendered on June 30, 1940, on the orders of the French General Staff.
The fortress has belonged to the Communauté de communes du Pays de Bitche since January 12, 2012, and reopened to the public on July 10, 2002; it holds the “Qualité MOSL” label.
The guided visit, lasting about two hours, begins with an archive film, followed by a walk through the fortress: barracks, living rooms, kitchens, infirmary, power plant, workshops, ammunition stores, command post and firing chamber. Two free exhibitions, lent by the ONAC of Moselle (Office national des anciens combattants), cover the periods “D’une guerre à l’autre – 1919-1939” and “1940, combats et résistances”. A free trail of 9.8 km runs around the eight combat blocks.
Highlights
- Underground town with barracks, kitchens, infirmary and power plant
- Guided visit with archive film, about two hours
- Free exhibitions “D’une guerre à l’autre – 1919-1939” and “1940, combats et résistances”
- 9.8 km Sentier d’excellence around the eight combat blocks
- Café, shop and picnic area, free to access
Permanent exhibitions
- Visite guidée du Simserhof – Archive film, then a walk through the fortress: barracks, kitchens, infirmary, power plant, command post and firing chamber.
- D’une guerre à l’autre – 1919-1939 et 1940, combats et résistances – Two free exhibitions, lent by the ONAC of Moselle, on the interwar years and on the fighting and resistance of 1940.
- Founded
- 1930
- Operated by
- Communauté de communes du Pays de Bitche
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €10 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €8Students, job seekers, people with reduced mobility, holders of the Pass Destination Moselle, the Fort Casso ticket or the Cezam card (with proof), and during special events. |
| Children & teens | €8free up to age 3 · €8 for children aged 4 to 18 (€6 with a Fort Casso ticket, the Pass Destination Moselle or during special events); free for children under 4. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €8Reduced rate for people with reduced mobility. |
| Students & apprentices | €8Reduced rate for students. |
| Groups (10+ people) | €8 per personGroups of 10 adults or more: €8 per person; groups of 10 children or more: €6 per person. Booking required. |
Free admission for children under 4, members of the “Maginophiles” associations and holders of the Pass Pro Destination Moselle (with proof). Payment by card, holiday vouchers, bank transfer, cash and check.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- 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
Reduced rate for people with reduced mobility; the visit is on foot through galleries. The site gives no further accessibility information, so it is advisable to call before visiting.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 3 |
|---|
Free for children under 4; child rate for ages 4 to 18.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
The 9.8 km Sentier d’excellence around the combat blocks starts from the upper car park.
Address: rue André Maginot, Le Légeret, 57410 Siersthal.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
Café and shop freely accessible from 10:00 to 18:00; indoor and outdoor picnic area; screening room; toilets.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 2 hrs |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Guided visit of about two hours with an archive film and a walk on foot; visits in French, in German (every day at 14:30) and, according to the tourist office, in English. It is about 10 to 12 °C inside the fortress: bring warm clothing. No smoking; animals are not allowed. Groups of 10 or more (schools, associations, works councils) by reservation only. |
