Alsace-Moselle Memorial: A Border Region's Tumultuous Past

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Explore Alsace-Moselle's unique heritage: a region shaped by conflict, resilience, and the pursuit of European unity.

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Alsace-Moselle Memorial

The Alsace-Moselle Memorial in Schirmeck chronicles the turbulent history of the Alsace-Moselle region, a land contested between France and Germany for centuries. Through immersive exhibits, the museum explores the lives of its people, particularly during World War II, and their journey towards reconciliation and European integration.

A brief summary to Alsace-Moselle Memorial

All. du Souvenir Français, Schirmeck, 67130, FR
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Monday 9:30 am-6 pm
Tuesday 9:30 am-6 pm
Wednesday 9:30 am-6 pm
Thursday 9:30 am-6 pm
Friday 9:30 am-6 pm
Saturday 9:30 am-6 pm
Sunday 9:30 am-6 pm

Local tips

Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully experience the museum's exhibits and multimedia presentations.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Natzweiler-Struthof concentration camp for a more complete understanding of the region's WWII history.
The Memorial is accessible to people with reduced mobility, with an upper parking lot available for those with walking difficulties.

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Getting There

Train

From Strasbourg, take a train to Schirmeck-La Broque station. Trains run approximately hourly and the journey takes about 40 minutes. From the Schirmeck-La Broque train station, the Memorial is a short 10-minute walk. Follow signs for the Mémorial Alsace-Moselle. A single train ticket from Strasbourg to Schirmeck-La Broque costs approximately €7-€16.
Car

The Alsace-Moselle Memorial is located about 40 minutes from Strasbourg. From Strasbourg, follow the A35/E25 towards Molsheim, then take the D392 to Schirmeck. Follow the signs for the Mémorial Alsace-Moselle. Free parking is available for visitors. Note that only visitors with mobility issues can park directly at the Memorial; others must use the lower lot and walk up the hillside.

Discover more about Alsace-Moselle Memorial

The Alsace-Moselle Memorial in Schirmeck offers a poignant and immersive journey through the complex history of a region caught between France and Germany. From 1870 to the present day, the museum vividly portrays the lives of Alsatians and Mosellans, who changed nationality four times between 1871 and 1945. The Memorial focuses particularly on the period of World War II, when Alsace-Moselle was the only part of France annexed by the Third Reich. Visitors will gain insight into the German terror, the forced enrollment of locals into the German army, and the conflicting loyalties that arose in this border region. The interactive exhibits use film sets, documents, and dynamic scenography to help visitors understand the impact of the war and the challenges faced by the local population.Beyond the historical narrative, the Memorial emphasizes the importance of Franco-German reconciliation and the construction of Europe. It serves as a reminder of the need for unity, respect for diversity, and the pursuit of peace and freedom. The museum also provides resources for researchers, including documents and photographs illustrating the history of Alsace-Lorraine.Located in Schirmeck, the Memorial is near the former Natzweiler-Struthof concentration camp, making it a significant site for remembrance tourism. A visit to the Memorial complements a visit to the Struthof, providing a comprehensive overview of the region's history during the Second World War.