Trip Planner: Europe / Belgium / Wallonia / The Ardennes / Liege Province / Eben-Emael / Fort Eben-Emael

Fort Eben-Emael, Eben-Emael

4.7

#2 of 51 in Museums in Liege Province

Military Museum · Military Facility

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Fort Eben-Emael (French: Fort d'Ében-Émael, French pronunciation: [fɔʁ debɛn emal]) is an inactive Belgian fortress located between Liège and Maastricht, on the Belgian-Dutch border, near the Albert Canal, outside the village of Ében-Émael. It was designed to defend Belgium from a German attack across the narrow belt of Dutch territory in the region. Constructed in 1931–1935, it was reputed to be impregnable and at the time, the largest in the world. The fort was neutralized by glider-borne German troops (85 men) on 10 May 1940 during the Second World War. The action cleared the way for German ground forces to enter Belgium, unhindered by fire from Eben-Emael. Still the property of the Belgian Army, the fort has been preserved and may be visited.

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Fort Eben-Emael reviews

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316 reviews

Google

4.5

By Sanne P

We arrived 10.30am by taxi from Maastricht- (a good tip-get there early). Easy by car - more difficult by public transport. We didn't have a pre-booked guide (you need one really - it's a huge...

We arrived 10.30am by taxi from Maastricht- (a good tip-get there early). Easy by car - more difficult by public transport. We didn't have a pre-booked guide (you need one really - it's a huge... more »
By Skirt_H

Large, interesting, and amazing structure to visit. Great time with the kids. Staff was knowledge and nice. Will return!

Large, interesting, and amazing structure to visit. Great time with the kids. Staff was knowledge and nice. Will return! more »

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Google

By Andrew Walker

A remarkable example of how a state of the art facility can become obsolete just five years later. Designed to guard a crossing of the Albert Canal, it was rendered inoperable in short time by the first deployment of airborne troops and the hollow charge. Areas have been recreated to show how life was in the fort, along with seeing some of the damage suffered in the form of twisted steel and broken concrete. Especially poignant at this time is the memorial to the young men who lost their lives here defending their country from unprovoked attack.

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By Damien C

Must do. Passionate guides/volunteers, unique historical venue, great visitor experience. Will come again.

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