i 🕊️ Remembrance & the Great War
Hartmannswillerkopf – Vieil Armand
First World War battlefield and military cemetery, a summit memorial overlooking the Alsace plain.
Overview
On the ridge overlooking the Alsace plain, the Hartmannswillerkopf brings together a national monument with its crypt, a national military cemetery and a former battlefield. This battlefield was the first to be listed as a historic monument. You explore on foot, at your own pace: starting from the esplanade and the rows of graves, the paths climb towards the summit and its cross, through trenches, concrete shelters and tangles of barbed wire that the forest is gradually reclaiming.
At the entrance to the site, the Franco-German Historial opened in 2017. It recounts the fierce fighting between the two armies here and offers a joint French and German perspective on this mountain war. Allow half a day to take in the Historial and then the forest trail. The site invites silence, and the panorama from the summit, between the Rhine plain and the rounded Vosges summits (ballons), makes the visit all the more moving. During the season, guided tours of the battlefield are offered on Sundays.
Where to do it
In Wattwiller (Haut-Rhin (68)), in Alsace. Best season: 🗓️ All year round.
Good to know
One of the four national monuments of the First World War, nicknamed “the Man-Eating Mountain”.
Tips
Wear sturdy shoes: the summit trail passes through trenches and shelters.
Location
Frequently asked questions
When is the Hartmannswillerkopf Historial open in 2026?
According to the tourist office, in 2026 the Franco-German Historial is open every day from 28 March to 14 November. It generally opens at 10:00. Closing time depends on the day of the week and the season. Check the latest opening hours on the official website, memorial-hwk.eu, before you visit.
Do you have to pay to visit the Hartmannswillerkopf?
The battlefield, the military cemetery and the summit cross are free to visit. Only the Franco-German Historial charges admission. According to one tourist listing, entry is free for children aged 10 and under and for holders of the Pass Musées and the Pass Alsace. Check current prices with the Historial.
How do I get to the Hartmannswillerkopf?
The site is at the Col du Silberloch, on the D431 (Route des Crêtes), at the place known as Vieil Armand, in the commune of Wattwiller. It is reached by car via the Vosges mountain roads, from Cernay or from Guebwiller. In winter, the road can be difficult because of snow.
Are there guided tours of the Hartmannswillerkopf?
Yes. In season, the Historial runs Sunday guided tours of the museum and the battlefield, until early November in 2026. During the European Heritage Days (Journées du patrimoine), themed activities such as guided walks and workshops are also offered. The programme is published on the official website.
Information checked in October 2026. Opening hours, prices and conditions may change: check the official website before you travel.
Nearby (within 20 km)
Weekend idea around Wattwiller
- 1Hartmannswillerkopf – Vieil ArmandStarting point · Wattwiller
- 2Écomusée d’Alsace (Open-Air Museum)Must-see place · 10 km away
- 3Cité de l’Automobile — Schlumpf Collection (National Automobile Museum)Must-see place · 17 km away
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