Brûly-de-Pesche 1940: Hitler's WWII Headquarters

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Explore Hitler's WWII headquarters and a poignant memorial to occupation and resistance in the Belgian Ardennes.

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Brûly-de-Pesche 1940

Brûly-de-Pesche 1940 is a historical site in Belgium where Adolf Hitler established his headquarters in June 1940 to oversee the Battle of France. The village, now a memorial, features original and reconstructed structures, offering insights into the German occupation and local resistance.

A brief summary to Brûly-de-Pesche 1940

Pl. Saint-Meen, Couvin, Brûly-de-Pesche, 5660, BE
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Monday 10 am-4:45 pm
Tuesday 10 am-4:45 pm
Wednesday 10 am-4:45 pm
Thursday 10 am-4:45 pm
Friday 10 am-4:45 pm
Saturday 10 am-4:45 pm
Sunday 10 am-4:45 pm

Local tips

Visit on weekdays for a quieter experience and better engagement with the historical displays.
Take time to read the informative plaques throughout the site for a deeper understanding of its history.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the site is best explored on foot.
Consider bringing cash, as it may be needed for some purchases on-site.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Brussels, take a train to Charleroi-Central, then transfer to a train to Couvin. From Couvin station, a bus (Line 59/2) will take you to Brûly-de-Pesche. The bus stop is near the train station; check local bus schedules in advance as service may be infrequent. The bus ride is approximately 13 minutes. A single bus ticket costs €2-€3.
Car

From Couvin, head towards Rue de l'Ermitage and follow signs for the N5 towards Charleroi. After 2.5 kilometers, turn right onto Rue de la Station. Continue for about 1 kilometer until you reach Pl. Saint-Meen, where Brûly-de-Pesche 1940 is located. Parking is available nearby, but check for any restrictions.

Discover more about Brûly-de-Pesche 1940

Brûly-de-Pesche 1940, nestled in the Ardennes forest near Couvin, Belgium, marks a significant World War II site. In May 1940, this tranquil village was chosen as Hitler's headquarters , a decision influenced by Reich Minister Fritz Todt who identified the clearing within the dense woodland as an ideal location. From June 6 to 28, 1940, Hitler orchestrated the Battle of France from here, referring to the site as Wolfsschlucht, or Wolf's Ravine. To maintain secrecy, the area was heavily guarded, and local residents were forced to evacuate their homes in late May 1940. Approximately 27,000 inhabitants from 28 villages were displaced, allowed to take only essential belongings. Today, Brûly-de-Pesche 1940 serves as a memorial, offering visitors a glimpse into this pivotal period. The site includes a concrete bunker and two reconstructed Bavarian-style chalets that once served as Hitler's quarters. These chalets have been transformed into exhibition centers, featuring photographs, documents, films, and interactive displays in multiple languages. One chalet focuses on Hitler's arrival and the German occupation, while the other commemorates the local resistance efforts, specifically the Hotton Service Group D. Visitors can also explore a reconstructed forest shelter used by the resistance. The experience includes audio guides in four languages , and an escape game for younger visitors.

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