Natzweiler-Struthof Memorial
The sole Nazi concentration camp on French soil, Natzweiler-Struthof stands as a stark memorial to the atrocities of WWII.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflection
Natzweiler-Struthof Memorial
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The sole Nazi concentration camp on French soil, Natzweiler-Struthof stands as a stark memorial to the atrocities of WWII.
"A somber but incredibly important site that powerfully educates on the horrors of the past."
Allocate Sufficient Time
Plan for at least 2.5 hours to fully absorb the history and exhibits.
Utilize Audio Guides
Enhance your understanding with audio guides available in English and other languages.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Original Barracks
Main Camp Area
Walk through the remnants of barracks, offering a stark glimpse into the cramped and harsh living conditions of prisoners.
The Gas Chamber
Offsite Location
A chilling testament to the camp's atrocities, this separate structure stands as a grim reminder of the systematic extermination.
Museum and Exhibition
Main Building
Explore exhibits detailing the history of the camp, its prisoners, and the broader context of Nazi atrocities, featuring artifacts and personal accounts.
The Gallows
Execution Site
A somber monument marking the place where many prisoners met their tragic end.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Reflection
Navigating the Site
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Allocate Sufficient Time
Plan for at least 2.5 hours to fully absorb the history and exhibits.
Utilize Audio Guides
Enhance your understanding with audio guides available in English and other languages.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The site involves walking on inclines and uneven terrain. :athletic_shoe:
Prepare for Emotional Impact
The history is deeply disturbing; approach with a mindset for respectful remembrance. :heart:
Tips
from all over the internet
Allocate Sufficient Time
Plan for at least 2.5 hours to fully absorb the history and exhibits.
Utilize Audio Guides
Enhance your understanding with audio guides available in English and other languages.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The site involves walking on inclines and uneven terrain. :athletic_shoe:
Prepare for Emotional Impact
The history is deeply disturbing; approach with a mindset for respectful remembrance. :heart:
Check Opening Hours
Verify operating times before your visit, as they can vary seasonally. :calendar:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently describe Natzweiler-Struthof as a somber, respectful, and deeply impactful memorial. The site and its museum are praised for effectively conveying the horror of history and educating visitors. While the emotional weight is significant, the preservation and storytelling are highly commended.
"Sombre but respectful. Those running this location have done an excellent job to convey the horror of the history of the camp and to educate the history of the associated camps also. Once again the French people have done themselves proud."
Jock McJock
"Amazing storytelling on the audio, highlights the cruelty and inhumanity well."
Tomas Taujanskas
"An excellent museum and site for holocaust memorial. A lot of quality items on display including many art and writings of camp prisoners. Somber but well preserved and we'll displayed. Some steeper hills for infirm or elderly and wheelchair users."
M .rockatowski
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The memorial is located in the Vosges mountains. Driving is the most common method, with parking available on-site. Public transport options are limited, so consider a car or organized tour.
Public transport is challenging. You might need to take a train to a nearby town like Obernai or Sélestat and then arrange a taxi or local bus, which can be infrequent.
From Strasbourg, take the A35 towards Colmar, then exit onto the D422 towards Obernai. Follow signs for Natzwiller and then the memorial. GPS coordinates are recommended.
Yes, there is parking available for visitors. It's advisable to arrive earlier in the day, especially during peak season, to secure a spot.
Yes, it's feasible as a day trip from Strasbourg, especially if you have a car. The drive is approximately 45-60 minutes each way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the memorial site itself is generally free, but there is a fee for the exhibition and museum. Audio guides are also available for a small charge.
Opening hours vary by season. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Yes, there is a modest admission fee for the museum and exhibition, which helps support the site's preservation and educational programs.
The gas chamber is located offsite but is typically accessible as part of a visit to the memorial. It's advisable to confirm access details when you arrive.
Information on discounts for students or seniors is usually available on the official website or at the ticket counter. It's worth inquiring.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend around 2.5 to 3 hours exploring the site, including the museum and outdoor memorial areas.
Some areas are accessible, but due to the terrain and historical structures, full accessibility can be challenging. Inquire onsite for specific routes.
Personal guided tours are available, but they are typically offered only in French. Audio guides in multiple languages are a great alternative.
The site is deeply moving and somber, offering a powerful and often upsetting glimpse into the horrors of the Holocaust. Visitors often report feeling profound sadness and a strong sense of remembrance.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential due to the terrain. Modest clothing is recommended out of respect for the memorial site.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at the memorial site. It's recommended to bring your own snacks and water or plan to eat before or after your visit in a nearby town.
Visitors are generally permitted to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages for consumption in designated areas or outside the main exhibition spaces.
Nearby towns like Obernai or Sélestat offer a range of restaurants and cafes. Local Alsatian cuisine is a popular choice.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted in outdoor areas for personal use, but it's important to be respectful. Photography inside the museum and exhibition spaces may be restricted.
Avoid taking photos of other visitors without their consent and refrain from intrusive photography that might disturb the solemn atmosphere.
The original structures, the watchtowers, and the panoramic views of the surrounding Vosges mountains offer poignant photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you do visit with younger children, it's crucial to prepare them beforehand, explaining the purpose of the memorial in age-appropriate terms. Focus on the lessons of remembrance and the importance of peace. Be prepared for their questions and emotional reactions. The museum's exhibits and personal stories are powerful and may be overwhelming for younger visitors.
🚶 Budget Travelers
To save money, consider packing your own snacks and water, as on-site dining options are limited. If traveling from a nearby city like Strasbourg, carpooling or utilizing public transport to the nearest accessible point (followed by a taxi) can be more economical than a private tour.
🤔 Reflective Visitors
Take your time to wander the grounds, absorb the atmosphere, and listen to the audio guide. The site encourages a somber and respectful approach, allowing for personal contemplation on the resilience of the human spirit and the devastating consequences of hatred.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Natzweiler-Struthof
+1The camp's location in the Vosges mountains was chosen for its granite quarry, which prisoners were forced to work in under brutal conditions. The harsh labor, starvation, and inhumane treatment led to widespread death. The site also gained notoriety for medical experiments conducted on prisoners, including the infamous 'Natzweiler anatomical collection.' The memorial today aims to preserve this history and educate future generations about the atrocities committed.
Tragically, the museum and camp were targeted by arsonists in 1976, an act attributed to Alsace separatists protesting the commemoration of victims of 'French Imperialism.' Despite this, significant portions of the original camp and a comprehensive museum have been restored and maintained, ensuring that the memory of Natzweiler-Struthof endures as a vital historical site.
Visiting the Memorial: What to Expect
While the main camp area is accessible, the gas chamber is located at a separate, nearby site, which is also a critical part of understanding the full scope of the camp's purpose. The memorial is situated on a hillside, meaning there are inclines and some uneven terrain, so comfortable footwear is essential. Audio guides are highly recommended, available in multiple languages, to provide detailed narratives and personal stories that bring the history to life.
Visitors consistently describe the experience as deeply impactful and educational. The staff are commended for their efforts in preserving the site and conveying the history respectfully. It's a place for quiet contemplation and remembrance, urging visitors to reflect on the past and the importance of never forgetting.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit