Simserhof

Useful Information

Location:	Siersthal. 3 km from Bitche. (49.058993, 7.371592)
Open:	15-MAR to JUN Tue-Sun 10-18. JUL to AUG daily 10-17. SEP to 15-NOV Tue-Sun 10-18. School holidays daily 10-18. [2009]
Fee:	Adults EUR 12, Children (6-16) EUR 8, Children (0-5) free, Students EUR 8, Unemployed EUR 8, Veterans EUR 8. Groups (20+): Adults EUR 10, Children (6-16) EUR 7. [2009]
Classification:	World War II Bunker Ligne Maginot
Light:	Incandescent Electric Light System
Dimension:
Guided tours:	D=3 h. V=40,000/a [2008]
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:
Address:	Ouvrage du Simserhof, Rue André Maginot, Le Légeret, 57410 Siersthal, Tel: +33-387-963940, Fax: +33-387-962995. E-mail:
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1929	planning of the fort and begin of construction.
1938	completed.
MAY-1940	battle of Simserhof.
30-JUN-1940	delivered to the Germans after the conditions of the Armistice.
15-NOV-1944	used as resistance against allied troops by the Germans.
20-NOV-1944	ford is indefensible and abandoned by the Germans.
11-JUL-2002	opened to the public.

Description

The Simserhof, located in the corner of Lorraine bordering Germany was a part of the huge defense line, the Maginot Line. Actually it was the single most important artillery fort of the line.

The visit starts with a 15-minute film covering the period between 1918 and 1940. Then the visitors take a seat on a small train called le Ride, which is fully automated and has a sound system for explanations in French, English, and German. The bunker is entered through the munitions entrance, defended by antitank guns, machine guns and bren guns.

There is also a walking tour showing the quarters and the power plant. Highlights are the battery of filters which cleaned the air in case of an attack with gas. One of the four diesel engines in the power plant which provided electricity for light, hoist, material railroad and of course he tower, is still working.