Maginot Line / Hackenberg Fortress
pictures
description
brief description:
Hackenberg Fortress is the largest fortification on the Maginot Line with underground corridors exceeding 10 km in length, 19 artillery combat blocks and anti-tank ditches measuring over 800 m in width and 8 m in height. Only one block was partly destroyed but is still visible. More than 50% of the fortification have been renovated and, to a large extent, restored to its original state. This section of the fortress is accessible to the public through guided tours, which are, in part, done by train. Hackenberg´s original electric train is still operating, it merely had to be somewhat altered to be able to carry visitors safely through the underground corridors. The rest of the compound, which is partly destroyed, may possibly be accessed for filming purposes upon prior agreement with the Amifort Association
relevant filming facts
opening times:
from 01 April through 12 November, guided tours start between 2:00 pm and 3:30 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays. From mid June through mid September, tours take place at 3:00 pm daily, and during the winter months (13 November - end of March) at 2:0
usage:
museum, memorial site
condition:
50% of the underground complex have been restored, including ammunition depot, canteen kitchen, power station, observation cupola, barracks converted into military museum
interior architecture:
munitions entrance with rail tracks, underground train, ammunition depot, munitions hoists (still fully functional), steel reinforced doors, kitchen equipment (officers´ and sergeants´ kitchen), power generator with 4 large diesel aggregates (still in use), artillery tower and guns in the casemates. The barracks have, in part, been left in their original state while another part has been converted into a military museum
Background noise:
electric train, generators, lifts, and rotating turrets
surroundings:
the fortification is located on the outskirts of Veckring amidst grassland and wooded terrain; it was built around the Hackenberg ridge, which dominates the region and offers a panoramic view of the surroundings
Lift/elevator:
4 lifts available
possible disturbing factors:
primarily for safety reasons, filming in those parts of the complex which have not yet been restored can only take place after detailed consultation with the Amifort Association. Also, there is no power supply in those areas, and ventilation will have to
Space restrictions:
primarily for safety reasons, filming in those parts of the complex which have not yet been restored can only take place after detailed consultation with the Amifort Association. Also, there is no power supply in those areas, and ventilation will have to be adjusted for more elaborate film shoots
Time restrictions :
to be discussed
Catering:
several restaurants approx. 2 km away
premises:
upon prior agreement, various underground rooms can be made available for make-up, wardrobe, technical equipment, etc.
accessibility
car:
coming from France on the A31 motorway, direction Nancy, Metz, Thionville, Luxembourg, take exit no. 37.2 (Yutz). Follow the D918 secondary road going in the direction of Bouzonville, Saarlouis. After you have passed Metzervisse, turn left onto the D60 going in the direction of Buding, Veckring. Follow the signposts indicating Hackenberg. The fortress is situated on a hill above the village of Veckring
coming from Germany on the A8 or the A620 motorway, direction Saarlouis, take the Saarlouis exit (3). Follow the B296/B405 federal roads, then change onto the D918 secondary road going in the direction of Bouzonville-Thionville. In Kédange, turn right onto the D2 going in the direction of Buding. In Buding, turn right onto the D60 going in the direction of Veckring. Follow the signposts indicating Hackenberg. The fortress is situated on a hill above the village of Veckring
supply
sanitary facilities:
available inside as well as outside (original latrines have been restored for visitors)
parking lot:
approx. 300 spaces available in front of the entrance
electricity supply:
available (220 V, 380 V and 440 V)
water supply:
available