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Fort Eben-Emael: A Colossus of Concrete and History

Explore a colossal WWII fortress in Belgium: Fort Eben-Emael. Discover its underground tunnels, artillery, and the daring glider attack that marked history.

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Fort Eben-Emael, a massive Belgian fortress built in the 1930s, stands as a testament to pre-World War II military engineering. Though once considered impregnable, it fell to a daring German airborne assault in 1940, marking a turning point in military history. Today, it serves as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of the soldiers who manned it and the innovative tactics used in its capture.

A brief summary to Fort Eben-Emael

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy shoes as you'll be exploring extensive underground tunnels.
  • Check the website for special events or exhibitions during your visit.
  • Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid larger crowds.
  • Guided tours are available in multiple languages, offering a more in-depth experience.
  • Free parking is available for cars, motorcycles and coaches.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach Fort Eben-Emael by public transport from Liège, begin at Liège-Guillemins train station. Take a train to Visé (approximately 15 minutes). From Visé station, take bus line 76 towards Bassenge/Eben-Emael. Get off at the stop 'Ében-Émael, Rue du Fort', and walk about 500 meters to the fort. The total cost for the train and bus may range from €5 to €10. Be sure to check the current bus schedule as timings may vary.

  • Car

    If driving from Liège, head southeast on Rue de la Régence, then continue onto Rue de l'Académie. Take the E25 motorway toward Namur. After approximately 8 km, take exit 2 toward Visé/Landen. Merge onto N608 and follow signs for Ében-Émael. Stay on Rue du Fort until you reach Fort Eben-Emael. Free parking is available near the fort.

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Discover more about Fort Eben-Emael

Fort Eben-Emael, located near Liège on the Belgian-Dutch border, is a sprawling military complex that was once the largest in the world. Constructed between 1932 and 1935, the fort was designed to defend Belgium from a German invasion. Its strategic position alongside the Albert Canal and its formidable array of weaponry made it seem unconquerable. The fort's design incorporated the latest military technology of the time, including a network of underground tunnels, casemates, and artillery cupolas. The underground barracks could house up to 1,200 soldiers. Above ground, 17 bunkers were equipped with heavy artillery, including guns with a 360-degree firing arc and a range of up to 17 kilometers. Despite its imposing defenses, Fort Eben-Emael was captured by German forces in a swift and stunning attack on May 10, 1940. German paratroopers, landing on the fort's roof in gliders, used innovative shaped-charge explosives to disable the fort's artillery. The element of surprise and the effectiveness of the new explosives allowed the Germans to quickly neutralize the fort, opening the way for their invasion of Belgium. Today, Fort Eben-Emael is preserved as a museum, offering visitors a chance to explore its underground tunnels, artillery bunkers, and restored barracks. The museum tells the story of the fort's construction, its defense, and its capture, providing insights into the lives of the soldiers who served there and the military strategies of World War II. Visitors can see the damage inflicted by the German attack and learn about the innovative tactics used by both sides. One of only three surviving German DFS 230 assault gliders is on display.

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