THE ROUNDTRIP
Feste Kaiser Wilhelm II
An exciting historical trip
Many themes are discussed during the visit: the massive arrival of new techniques in many fields, the carefree good times and the sneaky rise of nationalism and militarism which will plague our Europe, the diplomatic and military aspects with of course WWI. The peoples will bear the heavy price of the industrialization of war and of nationalist blindness. The conclusion is self-evident at the end of the visit: war is stupid and Europe has saved us from it for 77 years!
Good to know
A guided tour takes around 2:30 hours and the circuit is 2 km long (with a big subterranean part).
The indoor temperature is about 12-14 ° during the whole season. In case of bad weather, please prepare with adequate shoes, an umbrella or a rain coat.
The course is unfortunately not accessible to people with reduced mobility (nearly 2 km, 200 steps and quite narrow places)
A global historical presentation
• The geopolitical situation in Europe before the First World War<
• The beginning of the industrial era
• The tecnhical revolution
• The development of the society and the living conditions between 1890 and 1914
• The first world war and its consequences
• The Franco-German history
An underground journey
The new German fortifications will be built after 1900 on the new concept of the exploded fortification invented at the Feste. This makes it necessary to connect the works by underground galleries. From 1908 they will be built in an ovoid shape to withstand pressure on all sides.
You will be able to discover two of them during your visit.
The model of the Feste
In the old infirmary of shelter 1, we present a map and relief to describe the whole of this immense fortification, of which you only visit about 10%. It allows you, in connection with several paintings, to take the measure of the immensity and the complexity of this fortress like no other. A keyboard is at your disposal to illuminate the different parts of the fortification.
Absolute respect for original equipment
The whole equipment in the visitable area (kitchen, power station, bakery, well, etc.) is still at the same place, was restored and is for the most part unique. The Fort of Mutzig is the only German fortress owning its complete original equipment.
Thematic exhibitions
During the visit, our guides offer an overview of all the problems of modern fortification from a historical point of view, architectural and technical. Added to a formal Franco-German perspective and reflection on the origins and consequences of these warlike logic that led to the catastrophe of the First World War.
The underside of the Fort
After the subterranean stage the way outside presents you the firing trenches, artillery observation points and a battery of canons. It is also a nice walk with a wonderful view of the plain of Alsace and the Vosges.
Beautiful landscapes
The hill of Mutzig was chosen for the construction of the Fort because it offers views of the Rhine plain and the Vosges in all directions. Depending on the season, the panoramas are magnificent and always changing.
An ecological site
The Fort is located on a hill in Vosges limestone, the ecosystem is exceptionally well preserved. The site of the fort is home to many species of rare wild orchids, plants and protected species.