I'm a big history buff and we're going to be in the Alsace this summer. My non-history loving wife is allowing me to see one fortification - either Fort De Mutzig/Feste Kaiser Wilhelm OR the Schoenenbourg Maginot Line fort. Has anyone in this group been to either or both and can offer a suggestion as to which is more interesting? We'll have a car so transport isn't an issue.
Posted by
San Francisco
14980 posts
This suggestion is in addition to your seeing one fortification, ie, a bonus to visiting that. I have not any of the three listed above in Alsace.
I did visit in Lorraine the village of Gravelotte, just west of Metz, where the horrific battle took place in August 1870, comparable to Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg but far more lethal.
The Prussian-German military cemetery is in that village along with the museum. The memorial plaques (Gedenktafel) belonging to the various Prussian and German regiments are along the wall of the arcade in the cemetery. Of course, when the Mrs and i went that day in 1997 by bus from Metz, it was closed. Now, what?
Since you're motorised, I suggest getting out to the other nearby battle site, Mars-la-Tour. Walking form one end of Gravelotte to the other end, one sees the sign to Mars-la-Tour. In Metz itself see the remnants of the ramparts, that city was fought over besides 1870, also 1918, 1940 1944.
With transport not being an issue, I would also suggest driving out of Metz going west to see other German grave sites along the road. You'll recognise the crosses.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7886 posts
I don't mean to mix fact and fiction, but I think the (real) castle used for the classic WW I film "Grand Illusion" is available to visit. Could appeal to both.
Posted by
IJzendijke, The Netherlands
2086 posts
In 2017 I have visited Gros Ouvrage Hackenberg near Thionville, north-east of Metz. It’s huge and a ride with a small narrow gauge train to one of the gun posts was in the visit included. Schoenenberg is also a Gros Ouvrage or large fortification of the Maginot Line and look very similar, seeing the pictures of google streetview I have the idea that Schoenenberg is a bit better preserved. Would be nice if a train ride will be possible there too, you can always send an email for more info.
Did not visit Fort de Mutzig, so no opinion about that, but for those interested in history Hackenberg is anyway worth a visit. If Schoenenberg also has a train ride it’s to my opinion certainly worth a visit too.