Background

Struthof: A Memorial to Remembrance

A somber yet essential visit to the site of the only Nazi concentration camp on French soil, offering a place for reflection and remembrance.

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Struthof, also known as Natzweiler-Struthof, was the only Nazi concentration camp established on French soil during World War II. Today, it stands as a poignant memorial to the victims of Nazi oppression, offering visitors a chance to reflect on the atrocities committed and honor those who suffered within its walls.

A brief summary to Struthof

  • Tuesday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5:30 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

  • Wear appropriate attire to show respect for the site and its history.
  • Check the opening hours before visiting, as they vary depending on the season and weather conditions.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore the entire site, including the museum and CERD.
  • Consider visiting the gas chamber, located 1.5 km from the main camp, to gain a deeper understanding of the atrocities committed.
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Getting There

  • Car

    The most convenient way to reach Struthof is by car. From Strasbourg, take the A35 towards Colmar, then follow signs to Schirmeck and Molsheim. Take the exit for Saint-Dié, Schirmeck, and Mutzig. Cross Schirmeck and continue to Rothau. At the entrance of Rothau, follow the signs for 'Camp du Struthof'. The drive is approximately one hour from Strasbourg. Free parking is available at the entrance to the European Centre of Deported Resistance Members. Note that the signs only say 'Le Struthof' and do not mention 'Natzweiler' until you get to the actual gate.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Struthof by public transport, take a train from Strasbourg to Rothau. From Rothau, you can take bus line 253 to Natzwiller / Le Struthof. Please check the current bus schedules, as services may be limited. A single train ticket from Strasbourg to Rothau costs approximately €7-€17. Bus fares are additional. Alternatively, a taxi from Strasbourg to Natzwiller costs approximately €110-€140.

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Discover more about Struthof

Located near Natzwiller in the Vosges Mountains, the Struthof camp operated from 1941 to 1945, initially intended to exploit a nearby pink granite quarry. Over 52,000 prisoners from more than 30 countries were deported to Natzweiler and its subcamps. Approximately 22,000 people perished due to exhaustion, inhumane treatment, hunger, and medical experiments. The camp held political prisoners, resistance fighters, and those deemed undesirable by the Nazi regime. Visitors can explore several key areas, including four barracks (one housing a museum), the crematorium, and the site of the former gas chamber. The museum displays photos, documents, and artifacts that detail the camp's history, organization, and the lives of the deportees. The European Centre of Deported Resistance Members (CERD) provides further context and information. It serves as a place for reflection and education. Outside the main camp, the former SS compound contains the gas chamber, where medical experiments were conducted. The site also includes a national necropolis and memorial. Visiting Struthof requires respectful attire, and the management reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone disrespecting the site. Due to its location in the mountains, weather conditions may cause closures.

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