Lochnagar Crater: A Somber Reminder of the Somme
Witness the immense scar left by the Battle of the Somme at Lochnagar Crater, a powerful and poignant World War I memorial in France.
The Lochnagar Crater, located near the village of Ovillers-la-Boisselle, France, is a massive crater created by a British mine explosion on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, July 1, 1916. It stands as a memorial to the immense loss of life during World War I and is a stark reminder of the horrors of trench warfare.
A brief summary to Lochnagar Crater
- Rte de la Grande Mine, Ovillers-la-Boisselle, 80300, FR
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 10:15 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit the crater early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds, especially during peak tourist season and on commemorative days.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the ground around the crater is uneven.
- Take time to read the information panels around the crater to fully understand the historical context and personal stories.
- Consider bringing a donation to support the Lochnagar Crater Foundation, which maintains the site.
Getting There
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Car
The Lochnagar Crater is located south of the D929 road between Albert and Bapaume. From Albert, take the D929 in a northeasterly direction. As you approach La Boisselle, stay to the right on the D20 and follow the signs for 'La Grande Mine'. The crater is a short distance along a no-through road. There is free parking available near the crater. Be aware that the roads are narrow and can be busy with tour buses, especially during school tours. Parking can be limited on special days like July 1st.
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Public Transport
To reach Lochnagar Crater via public transport, take a train from Amiens to Albert. From Albert, you can take a Trans80 bus to Ovillers-la-Boisselle. The bus journey takes approximately 16 minutes and costs €1-€2. Alight at Ovillers - Ecole, from which the crater is a short walk. Alternatively, taxis are available from Albert to Lochnagar Crater for approximately €11-€14. Note that the bus service operates once daily, Monday to Friday.
Discover more about Lochnagar Crater
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