i 🕊️ Remembrance & the Great War
Alsace-Moselle Memorial
A powerful museum on the fate of the people of Alsace and Moselle from 1870 to European reconciliation.
Overview
Built on the heights above Schirmeck, facing the Bruche valley, the Alsace-Moselle Memorial tells how the people of these lands changed nationality several times. The exhibition begins with the annexation of 1871 and ends with the building of Europe. In between, it covers the de facto annexation during the Second World War, forced Germanisation and the tragedy of the incorporés de force (men forcibly conscripted into the German army), before reaching Franco-German reconciliation.
The staging makes you experience these upheavals from the inside. In some sections the floor is deliberately uneven to convey the unease of the period, and reconstructed settings, archives and first-hand accounts punctuate the route. You can visit on your own or with a guide: discovery tours of about 1 hour 15 minutes are scheduled during the school holidays. The site holds the Tourisme & Handicap accessibility label, and the whole permanent exhibition is accessible. The Memorial combines naturally with the former Natzweiler-Struthof concentration camp, in the same part of the Vosges.
Where to do it
In Schirmeck (Bas-Rhin (67)), in Alsace. Best season: 🗓️ All year round.
Good to know
An immersive museum on the singular fate of Alsace-Moselle, from 1870 to the building of Europe.
Tips
Allow 2 hours for the visit; the staged exhibition also suits teenagers.
Location
Frequently asked questions
What are the Alsace-Moselle Memorial’s opening days and hours?
The Memorial is open every day, including public holidays, from 9:30 to 18:00. The ticket office closes at 17:00. The site is closed on 24, 25 and 31 December, 1 January and 1 May, and is partly closed in January. Check the official website before you travel.
Is the Alsace-Moselle Memorial wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The site holds the Tourisme & Handicap label, and its accessibility register states that the permanent exhibition is fully accessible. Four parking spaces are reserved, step-free access is possible by car via the top of the site, and wheelchairs can be borrowed on request in advance.
Can I bring my dog to the Alsace-Moselle Memorial?
No. Dogs are not allowed inside the Memorial, except guide dogs. If you’re travelling with a pet, arrange for it to be looked after during your visit.
Are there guided tours of the Alsace-Moselle Memorial?
Yes. Discovery tours of about 1 hour 15 minutes trace the history of Alsace and Moselle from 1870 to 1945. They run on certain dates, mainly during the school holidays. Book through the Memorial’s online ticket office.
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 Schirmeck
- 1Alsace-Moselle MemorialStarting point · Schirmeck
- 2Treetop Adventure at Parc Alsace AventureMust-do activity · 11 km away
- 3Mont Sainte-OdileMust-see place · 15 km away
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