Visit Maginot Line Forts in Moselle: Practical Guide to Hackenberg, Simserhof and Immerhof Protected Blockhouses

Eastern Moselle is home to some of the most impressive fortifications of the Maginot Line. These underground forts, built in the 1930s, represent an exceptional piece of military heritage open to the public today. Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply curious, visiting these sites is a truly memorable experience, accessible from Bening in under an hour.

Here is a practical guide to organising your visit to the main open forts in Moselle: Hackenberg, Simserhof and the Immerhof protected blockhouses.

Hackenberg Fortress: the Largest Fort on the Maginot Line

Located in Veckring, approximately 45 minutes from Bening, the Hackenberg fortress is the largest underground fort on the Maginot Line. It extends over nearly 10 kilometres of galleries and offers one of the most comprehensive visits available at any Maginot Line site.

The guided tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours and takes you aboard a small electric train through the underground galleries. You discover the barracks, military equipment, observation bells and turrets still in working order. A passionate guide tells the story of this unique monument in Europe.

• Address: Veckring (Moselle), 45 min from the gîte
• Duration: approximately 2.5 hours including the electric train
• Opening: April to October (check current times on the website)
• Official website: maginot-hackenberg.com

Simserhof: a Modernised Immersive Visit

Simserhof, at Siersthal, is approximately 35 minutes from Bening. This fort stands out for its modern, immersive scenography that brings the history of the Maginot Line to life in a way that is particularly accessible, including for children and those unfamiliar with military history.

The visit lasts about 2 hours and combines staged scenographic spaces with authentic galleries. Projections, sounds and lighting effects bring to life the story of the soldiers who lived for months underground, ready to defend the border.

• Address: Siersthal (Moselle), 35 min from the gîte
• Duration: approximately 2 hours
• Ideal for families with children
• Official website: simserhof.fr

Immerhof Protected Blockhouses

The Immerhof protected blockhouses, located in the Hettange-Grande and Cattenom area, offer a quieter and less crowded visit than the larger forts. These small fortification works, typical of field defences, help you understand how the Maginot Line functioned as a whole, beyond the major forts.

About 1 hour from Bening, this visit is particularly suited to history enthusiasts wishing to explore less touristy, more authentic sites. Access is freer than at the major forts, offering a different and complementary experience.

• Area: Hettange-Grande / Cattenom (Moselle), 1h from the gîte
• Quieter visit, ideal for history enthusiasts
• Contact local associations for current opening times

How to Organise Your Visit

Most forts are open from April to October. It is advisable to book in advance, especially for Hackenberg and Simserhof, whose guided tour slots fill up quickly during peak season.

• Recommended clothing: the galleries are around 12°C all year round — bring a jumper or jacket, even in summer
• Footwear: comfortable, closed shoes are essential
• Duration: allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the fort visited
• Rainy days: the visit is entirely underground — making it a perfect activity even in bad weather

For more information on all the Maginot Line sites in Moselle, see our dedicated page: Visit the Maginot Line from Gîte Bening.

Combining the Forts in One Weekend

It is perfectly possible to visit two or three forts over a 2 to 3-night weekend. Here is a sample programme to make the most of your stay:

• Day 1: Arrive at the gîte in the late afternoon. Take a walk in the Warndt Forest to stretch your legs after the journey.
• Day 2: Morning visit to Hackenberg fortress (2.5h). Lunch in Veckring or the surrounding area. Free afternoon or a trip to Saarbrücken (20 min).
• Day 3: Morning visit to Simserhof (2h). Lunch then departure in the early afternoon.

This programme allows you to discover the two iconic Maginot Line sites without rushing, and to enjoy the natural setting of Eastern Moselle between visits.