Hartmannswillerkopf
Wattwiller, France
A First World War battlefield where trenches and bunkers still scar the forest, with a crypt and a Franco-German museum. Allow at least two hours for the paths.
The Hartmannswillerkopf, known to the soldiers as "Vieil Armand", was fought over for four years during the First World War. More than 150,000 men fought here, and about 25,000 French soldiers died. The mountain was listed as a monument historique in 1921, the memorial was built between 1924 and 1929 and inaugurated in October 1932. The crypt holds the remains of about 12,000 unknown soldiers, and the Silberloch cemetery contains 1,264 identified graves. An exhibition shows weapons and equipment recovered from the battlefield.
Around 45 km of paths and trenches run across the battlefield. Allow about two hours for a visit, wear sturdy shoes and bring a torch. The sources give differing, seasonally changing opening times for the crypt and the exhibition, in some cases Sundays and public holidays only, so check before you go (as of October 2026).
- Nearest town
- Wattwiller, France
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 47.8580, 7.1520
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- France: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autoroutes; the limit drops to 110 km/h in rain. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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- Camping Les CastorsCampsite12 km from Hartmannswillerkopf · 103 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camping de MasevauxCampsite15 km from HartmannswillerkopfTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camping Municipal Benelux-BâleCampsite16 km from Hartmannswillerkopf · 157 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camping du SchlossbergCampsite18 km from HartmannswillerkopfTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Camping municipal de l'IllCampsite19 km from HartmannswillerkopfTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in France · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Hartmannswillerkopf?
Hartmannswillerkopf is in Wattwiller, France, at GPS 47.8580, 7.1520. It is about 7 km from Thann.
Can you camp near Hartmannswillerkopf?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camping Huttopia Wattwiller, about 3 km away; within 25 km there are 70 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Hartmannswillerkopf?
Hartmannswillerkopf is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Route des Crêtes through the Vosges.
What is there to see near Hartmannswillerkopf?
Places worth a stop nearby: Grand Ballon (6 km), Hohneck (23 km), Eguisheim (24 km) and Ballon d’Alsace (24 km).
When is the best time to visit Hartmannswillerkopf?
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)