History · Hettange-Grande
The Maginot Line: the ghost town hidden beneath the fields of Moselle
On the surface, nothing. Meadows, woods, a few grey concrete blocks you'd take for ruins. But beneath your feet lies a genuine underground town: barracks, kitchens, a sick bay, a power station, kilometres of tunnels and a little train to travel through them.
Welcome to the Maginot Line. And around Thionville, you're at the heart of its most impressive stretch – the perfect base for a Maginot Line tour.
Hackenberg: the largest fort on the Maginot Line
In Veckring, about 25 minutes from Hettange-Grande, Hackenberg is quite simply the largest fort on the entire Maginot Line. A few figures say it all:
- 19 combat blocks;
- 10 kilometres of underground tunnels;
- around 1,800 workers to build it, starting in 1930, before it was handed over to the army in 1936.
The tour takes place aboard a vintage electric train that glides through the tunnels as if the crews were still on duty. At the end of the route, you watch a 163-tonne turret swing into action. The silence before the manoeuvre, the rumble of metal: this is the moment the kids stop talking.
Hackenberg also bears the scars of history. In November 1944 it was taken by General Patton's US Third Army. Traces of the fighting are still visible on Block 8.
Practical info. Guided tours only, about 2.5 hours. Adults €15, under-16s €8. Open daily from April to mid-November, with limited days in winter. Booking recommended. It's 12 °C inside all year round: bring a jacket, even in midsummer.
Immerhof: Hettange-Grande's secret
You could drive past it a thousand times without noticing. Yet two kilometres from the centre of Hettange-Grande, the Immerhof fort reveals another side of the line.
Built between 1930 and 1935, it cost 31 million francs at the time. What makes it special? The ground was too soft to dig tunnels as elsewhere. So the engineers built everything in the open air, then covered it all with earth. It is one of the very few forts on the line built this way.
Nearly 200 men lived inside. The town bought it in 1974, and it became a museum in 1975. The visit is more intimate than at Hackenberg, often led by enthusiasts who know every nook and cranny.
Practical info. Adults €7, children €2, free for under-8s. Open on certain Sunday afternoons from April to September, and all year round for groups by reservation. Visit of about 1.5 hours, 12 °C inside. Check the dates before you come.
Hackenberg or Immerhof?
| Hackenberg | Immerhof | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | The largest on the line | A more modest fort |
| Duration | About 2.5 hours | About 1.5 hours |
| Highlight | Electric train, 163-tonne turret | Open-air construction, intimate visit |
| Best for | Big spectacle, families | Enthusiasts, a shorter visit |
Our advice: do both. Immerhof on a Sunday afternoon, Hackenberg on another day.
Taking it further
The whole area is an open-air lesson in military history. On the heights above Thionville, Fort de Guentrange (1899–1906), built by Germany for 2,000 soldiers, still has a working military bread oven.
→ All our visit ideas: things to do near Thionville.
Stay a stone's throw from the Maginot Line
Our three large apartments in Hettange-Grande are a few minutes from the Immerhof fort and about 25 minutes from Hackenberg. They sleep 10 to 12 people: perfect for a group of history-loving friends, a club outing or a big family.
Separate beds, spacious living areas to get together in the evening, a fully equipped kitchen and self check-in. When you book directly on our website, you pay less than on the booking platforms.
Frequently asked questions
What is the largest fort on the Maginot Line?
Hackenberg, in Veckring: 19 combat blocks and 10 kilometres of tunnels.
Do you need to book a Hackenberg tour?
It's strongly recommended, especially at weekends and during school holidays. Visits are by guided tour only.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes. The electric train and the turret fascinate children. Bring warm clothes: it's 12 °C underground.