Ouvrage du Simserhof Maginot Line Fortress — Attraction in Sarreguemines

Simsershof is a gross ouvrage of the Maginot line near Bitche. It was one of the largest built to provide artillery support for the surrounding petite ouvrages of that extraordinary defensive work. It held the big guns and was very extensive. It's combat blocks were linked by an elaborate electric tramway system. Tours are guided and cost 10eu. The tour begins with a 10minute multi screen presentation, mostly old newsreels, which give a historical background to the fort. The tour itself takes in only the accommodation and munitions storage areas of the site. I gained the impression from several websites that you could visit a combat block via the tramway but this was not the case, so it was a bit disappointing. The guide was knowledgeable enough but not particularly enthusiastic and did little to explain the actual way the fort was used in battle. A much better understanding of this can be gained by visiting nearby fort Casso. There is a concession available for visiting both. The fort itself is in an indifferent state of preservation with water leaking in and corrosion and rust on many surfaces. It is dank and looks its age. The elevator doesnt work so its 160 steps down from the entrance to the ground floor, although the exit is on the ground level. I cant understand why they did this as having both entrance and exit on the ground level would make the ouvrage more accessible for mobility impared visitors. Perhaps this is a possibility on reguest. So would fixing the lift and getting a tramway working. The air filtration and generating systems are working however and the guide activated them to demonstrate the racket the poor soldiers would have endured. The kitchens catered for about 900 soldiers and were impressive, as was a typical menue. Beef in endless variations, plus wine and champagne for a treat. Simserhof makes up for its shortcomings with its sheer size. A visitor will gain an appreciation of the extraordinary scale of the defensive enterprise, the Maginot line, and the immense expense in its construction. One should wear warm clothes however as the temperature 30m underground is about 13 °...

Amazing glimpse into the Magniot Line fortifications - the bunker system is incredibly well preserved and huge in scope! The 3 hour tour is great value at 12 euros, although if you want it in English you have to book ahead (I jumped on a German tour but knowing some WW2 background helped me understand most of it through context). Bring something to keep you or kids warm as it's about 9 Celsius in the bunker and you quickly chill! Info in English is essentially nonexistent, but to see some of the above-ground structures and tank/infantry defences you'll need to follow the red and green trails (no charge). I just drove slightly north and parked on the E85 road which has easier access - you can't miss the tank defences! All-in-all a great attraction and great value - I highly...

I've been to Simserhof twice. Each time the English tour guides were friendly, excellent, interesting, informative, and fun. A big thanks to the current manager for answering all my questions in a timely fashion. I would definitely bring visitors there in the future. While there are other places on the Maginot line one can visit, I would only do one as there is an overlap of information. The difference between Simserhof and Fort Casso is that Fort Casso has several hands-on activities at the end. However, I absolutely do not think the this made one place better than the other because we thoroughly enjoyed each tour, so feel free to just choose to do one and pick another type of activity if you want to see more sights...