22/02/2025

Open for visitors today from 10am to 5pm .

Last admission at 2:30pm .

The largest
underground fortress

Fort Eben-Emael was built between 1932 and 1935 and was one of the largest and strongest fortifications in Europe.

 

The spectacular and innovative attack on the fort on 10 May 1940 by an elite unit of German paratroopers was the first gliderborne commando raid in world history and the tragic start of World War II in Western Europe.

Experience history where it really happened

Take your family on a fascinating and enriching adventure. Visit this unique historical site, where young and old can immerse themselves in the daily life of our young soldiers of the 1930s. Discover the largest and best preserved military complex of WW2. The guns are still in place.

Respect
Respect

During the battle for the fort and its surroundings on 10 and 11 May 1940 many civilians and soldiers lost their lives. May we therefore ask you to show due respect during your visit.

To book or not to book?
To book or not to book?

If you want to visit the fort without a guide , you do not need to book in advance.

Our individual tours take you to areas of the fort that you can't reach without a guide and that will show you so much more. For these tours it is best to book online in advance. The number of places we offer each day is limited. When you book online, your booking is confirmed immediately. Payment will be taken at the ticket office upon arrival.

For all other group visits and school visits , you must always book online in advance. Your reservation request will be validated by us and you will then receive a confirmation email. You must then accept this confirmation.

Temperature
Temperature

The underground barracks are heated.

The corridor system and bunkers have a constant temperature of 11° C. Please wear a sweater and closed footwear.

Accessibility
Accessibility

The underground barracks and the museum are accessible for wheelchair users. There is a lift to the tunnel system on the middle floor. Part of this tunnel system is accessible for wheelchair users, but assistance is required here . The bunkers, casemates and cupolas are not accessible for wheelchair users.

Visiting a bunker, casemate or cupola is not recommended for people with heart problems or limited mobility due to the number of stair steps .

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Individually, with friends, family, ...
Individually, with friends, family, ...
Individually, with friends, family, ...

A combination ticket includes a guided tour in a group of around 20 visitors. Tours start on fixed days and times.

Pre-booking is not required, but recommended. The number of places per tour is limited.

Private tours up to 10 people
Private tours up to 10 people
Private tours up to 10 people
(a 'VIP' visit)

Visit the fort with a private guide, exclusively for you and your small group. On any day and time of your choice.

Ideal for families, friends, colleagues, team building,...

Pre-booking is required.

Themed expert tours
Themed expert tours
Themed expert tours
(an ‘Expert’ visit)

Let one of our expert guides take you to exclusive parts of the fort.

Tip: visit the fort in advance as an individual or in a (private) group.

Pre-booking is required.

Full day visit
Full day visit
Full day visit
(a 'Top' visit)

You design your programme à la carte together with your guide.

On any day and time of your choice.

Pre-booking is required.

Groups of 11 or more
Groups of 11 or more
Groups of 11 or more
(...and no maximum group size)

Always with a guide and tailored to the group. On day and time of your choice.

History for everyone!

Pre-booking is required.

School groups
School groups
School groups
(history in practice)

For primary and secondary schools.

Choice between interior only and interior & exterior tours.

Always with a guide. Pre-booking is required.

The fort is more than a museum
it is an experience

Experience

The tour through the mysterious corridors will allows you to experience the tragic consequences of modern war.

What you will see will leave no one untouched.

 

No more war!

If we are to avoid the horrors of war, peacekeeping is an absolute necessity.

This important message will continue to resonate after visiting the fort.

News

The casemate 'Maastricht 2' is accessible after 84 years
The casemate 'Maastricht 2' is accessible after 84 years

In collaboration with

Nationale Loterij
Federation Wallonie-Bruxelles
Defensie
Visit Wallonia
365
Herita
Bassenge