Report: Day trip from Strasbourg to Schirmeck to see World War 2 Museum

Posted by Valerie (Pacific Northwest) on 09/30/23 04:34 AM

We took the train from Strasbourg to see this museum: https://www.memorial-alsace-moselle.com/en/practical-information.

The museum focuses on the political history of the Alsace area of France - as it moved back in forth over time as part of Germany and France. This unique history meant that Alsace was annexed by Germany during WW2 and so life here during the war presented additional challenges. The museum does a fabulous job of conveying this. Given that the museum is out in the middle of nowhere - a 50 minute ride from Strasbourg - it’s a fabulous and extremely well-designed museum. The displays are immersive - like a movie set.

I highly recommend this!

Posted by Dave

Southeast US

09/30/23 11:00 AM

3857 posts

Thanks for sharing, Valerie. It looks like my kind of museum!

Posted by Carroll

Pittsburgh, PA, USA

09/30/23 12:46 PM

2714 posts

I am following your blog and enjoying it as always. I love it when you are on a trip!

I was in Colmar last year and did not make it to Strasbourg. (You can only fit in so much.) However, it sounds wonderful, so perhaps I’ll have another opportunity. I never heard of the Alsace museum you visited, but it sounds awesome, so thanks for the tip.

Have fun!

Posted by Valerie OP

Pacific Northwest

09/30/23 01:10 PM

2625 posts

@Carroll...thank you!!! The museum was a last minute change to the itinerary for us and we all felt it was worthwhile.

@Dave...this definitely seems like your kind of place!

Posted by Lyndash

Arlington TX

09/30/23 03:15 PM

406 posts

This looks great, this Alsace region has had such a turbulent history. When we were stationed at Ramstein AFB in the 80s we were told it was better to speak English rather than German when touring in the region. And it was such a cool place to visit too.

How long did you stay at the museum, were information displays in English as well as French?

Posted by Valerie OP

Pacific Northwest

09/30/23 03:18 PM

2625 posts

@Lyndash - we are quick at museums so you’ll probably stay longer but we were there about 90 minutes looking at things. Yes! There are English signs!!!!!!!! We were happy with that!

Posted by Fred

San Francisco

09/30/23 06:19 PM

14520 posts

Thanks for providing this link. Naturally, I was not aware of this museum, fascinating.... lots of museums in Alsace-Lorraine pertaining to the subject.

After reading the information given in the link, I will be going there...intriguing...next summer. I won't be in Alsace but in Lorraine. The trip next summer will include staying in Metz, although taking a little longer will still get me to Schirmeck and the museum.

Since I plan on staying in Lorraine for 5-6 nights, in Metz, a certain small towns, (battle sites, German and French military monuments and cemeteries) , accessible now by a more detailed bus network or the TER train are on the list to be visited.

No concerns with using French or German in Alsace-Lorraine. In Obernai the centre-ville I used German and my slow, haltingly French., in Metz too with German at one hotel....just depends. In Thionville/Lorraine this time I asked the Tourist Office girl if she spoke German. Since her answer was no, I started with my limited French.

Posted by Pam

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA

09/30/23 07:09 PM

13952 posts

Looks really interesting AND doable by train! Thanks so much!

Posted by Valerie OP

Pacific Northwest

09/30/23 07:13 PM

2625 posts

It was an excellent day trip and really quite easy. And Schirmeck is adorable - not touristy or anything, but there were cafes in the main area, with people relaxing, chatting, visiting. We were clearly the only Americans and some friendly residents took some group photos for us so we could all 4 be in the pictures. A very memorable visit. And the walk from the train station to the museum is less than 20 minutes. We were unsure about the actual routing - you walk up a country path, onto a road and then onto a dirt road for a few minutes but it was all good and the GPS worked.