Fort Eben-Emael - here, history comes to life

On Saturday, November 23,
the fort will be exceptionally closed
for a cleanup and workday with volunteers

today (21-11-2024) visiting by prior booking only

Openinsgdays until 31 March 2025

News

The 99-year-old veteran Kenneth C. Thayer visited the fort

On 15 September, Eben-Emael Fort welcomed a special guest: Mr Kenneth C. Thayer, a 99-year-old US World War II veteran.

Unique. Visit the Maastricht 2 casemate destroyed by explosions

Due to the attack on 10 May 1940, the casemate had remained sealed off. After being inaccessible for 84 years and undergoing two years of restoration, the casemate is now open for visits.

Dear visitor,
During the fighting for the fort on 10 and 11 May 1940, both civilians and soldiers lost their lives in the fort. May we therefore ask you to show due respect during your visit.

Visit the fort

  • Individually or with a few others

Self-guided visits
Follow a set route at your own pace.  No pre-booking needed.  Standard adult ticket €10.

Self-guided visits, plus 2h standard guided tour
Includes a visit to an artillery casemate.  Pre-booking recommended.  Standard adult ticket €15.

  • Families or small groups

Private guided tours
VIP-visit with a guide just for your group.  Suitable for 1 to 15 people. Pre-booking required.  Visit the interior, or the interior and exterior.

Guided themed visits
VIP-visit to exclusive areas of the fort.  Suitable for 1 to 15 people.  Pre-booking required.  Visit Cupola 120mm, Cupola 75mm or explore the interior to the Albert Canal by torchlight.

Private all-day visit
An all-day visit that lasts 6h30 whereby you compose your own itinerary from our ‘a la carte’ menu of options.

  • Larger groups of 16 or more people

Guided group visits
Minimum of 16 people required.  Three visit options available. Pre-booking required. Ticket prices from €10 per person.

  • Accessibility
  • Ample and free parking. Please allow for a 10-minute walk to the ticket office inside the fort.
  • Temperature
  • The underground barracks and museum are heated.
  • In the corridor system and the bunkers there is a constant temperature of 11°C.
  • Mobility
  • The underground barracks and museum area are fully wheelchair accessible.
  • The fort has a lift to the underground galleries on the middle floor. Part of the underground galleries is wheelchair accessible, but there are some slopes. A helper is strongly recommended.
  • Visiting an artillery casemate, a gun turret or a blockhouse is unfortunately not possible for wheelchair users.
  • Personal safety
  • Visiting a bunker, artillery casemate or turret is not recommended for visitors with limited mobility, visitors with claustrophobia or visitors suffering from pre-existing heart conditions or having had recent surgery.

Welcome to one of Europe's largest fortresses

Fort Eben-Emael, constructed between 1932 and 1935, was one of the largest fortifications in Europe. The spectacular and innovative attack on the fortress by an elite unit of German paratroopers on 10 May 1940 marked the tragic start of World War II for Western Europe.

The fortress is more than a museum, it's an experience

It is an experience and an exciting adventure to step into the world of the young soldiers of the time, some of them barely 18 years old. The gigantic complex is the largest and best-preserved underground fortress from the Second World War that can still be visited. 90% of the underground complex is open to visitors. More than 80 guides are on hand to show you this immense underground structure and its history. Immerse yourself in the secret and innovative German plans and attack of 10 May 1940, the beginning of World War 2 for Western Europe.

An immense underground complex

The complex extends on 2 underground and 1 above-ground levels. Barracks for 1200 soldiers, 5 km of underground galleries, and 17 battle bunkers.

2024 annual calendar and opening times

By visiting the fortress, you accept our terms and conditions and privacy policy.

Fort Eben-Emael A.S.B.L.
Addrese: rue du Fort 40 – B-4690 Eben-Emael / Bassenge
Enterprise number: 0433.501.512
Bank: BE80 8601 0494 4177

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