Just like many other European countries, Belgium suffered a great deal during World War 2. Withe the country being stuck between Germany and France, there have been quite a few WW2 battles in Belgium and today, there are plenty of World War 2 tours and war sites around Belgium that commemorate these awful events and educate younger generations in the hopes that something alike will never happen again.
Read on for a list of Belgium WW2 sites and tours.
Contents
- Belgium WW2 sites and tours
- World War II Museums in Belgium
- 1. Bastogne War Museum
- 2. Bastogne Baracks Museum and the Vehicle Restoration Centre
- 3. 101st Airborne Bastogne Museum
- 4. Führer Headquarters Wolfsschlucht I
- 5. Fort Breendonk
- 6. Atlantikwall Museum Oostende
- 7. Dossin Casern
- 8. Truschbaum Museum Elsenborn
- 9. Musée de la bataille des Ardennes
- 10. December 1944 Historical Museum in La Gleize
- 11. Baugnez 44 Historical Center
- 12. Mons Memorial Museum
- 13. Museum Cabour Adinkerke
- 14. Avenue du 12e de Ligne Prince Léopold
- The Fortifications of Liège
- The fortifications of Namur: Fort de St Heribert
- World War II Cemeteries and war Memorials in Belgium
- Other important places to visit in regards to WWII in Belgium
- World War II Tours
- Where to stay in Belgium
- Don't forget travel insurance
Belgium WW2 sites and tours
Please note that I have not yet visited all of these sites myself. I'm working my way through the list and will update it as I go.
World War II Museums in Belgium
1. Bastogne War Museum
The Battle of the Bulge, also known as the Battle of Bastogne, was one of the key military engagements of World War Two. It was the last German offensive push of any scope and was effectively neutralized by the Allied forces, though not without a staggering number of deaths and injuries.
This World War II museum commemorates the intense fighting which took place in and around Bastogne. In addition to fascinating artifacts and a multilingual audio tour, there are films and photographs to capture the feel of the battle.
This museum is also one of the biggest players for Bastogne tourism.
2. Bastogne Baracks Museum and the Vehicle Restoration Centre
In December of 1944, as American forces were engaged in the Siege of Bastogne. The U.S. 101st Airborne and 10th Armored Division were surrounded and set up headquarters in the Belgian “Heintz” barracks. Today, these barracks are a museum dedicated to explaining how the defense of the area was accomplished, complete with soldiers as tour guides.
Some of the key scenes which took place in these barracks have been painstakingly recreated using vintage photographs as models for restoring offices, a map room, a radio room, and other areas.
The Vehicle Restoration Centre is the size of a football field and houses an impressive collection of restored military vehicles used in Belgium in WW2. There are tanks, armored cars, howitzers, and a variety of miscellaneous vehicles, all returned to like-new condition. Some are even still driveable.
3. 101st Airborne Bastogne Museum
If you are not familiar with The Bastogne Battle or the US 101st Airborne’s part in it, this museum will provide you with all the information you could need, as well as a close-up look at a vast array of military artifacts from the defense of Bastogne. There are dioramas, detailed recreations of hospital facilities, and even an opportunity to experience what it was like to hide out in a bomb shelter during a German raid.
Located in the former Belgian Army Officers Mess, the museum is conveniently near the center of Bastogne and McAuliffe Square.
4. Führer Headquarters Wolfsschlucht I
Following the German occupation of Belgium in May of 1940, the Germans began an aggressive construction project to provide Hitler with a secure outpost from which to direct his continued assault on France. Deep in the forests of Bruly de Pesche, close to the French border, Hitler’s construction crews built a modern-day fortress called Wolfsschlucht or “Wolf’s Gorge”.
Heavily armed and fortified with machine gun nests, and anti-aircraft batteries, the facility was also ringed with barbed wire and landmines. This was Hitler’s field headquarters for only one month in June of 1940.
Now, there's a museum comprised of reconstructed buildings and exhibition areas that offers a glimpse into what bunker life must have been like for those stationed at Wolfsschlucht.
5. Fort Breendonk
Although Fort Breendonk began as part of an overall plan for protecting the port of Antwerp, it became a prison/transit during World War Two when it fell in the hands of the Nazis. This is where Belgian citizens were held captive prior to being transferred to concentration camps in Germany, Austria, and Poland.
As was the case in many of these camps, the treatment of prisoners was inhumane and hunger and health problems were everyday occurrences. It is estimated that approximately 3500 prisoners were sent through Fort Breendonk. Around half of them never returned from the camps.
Read about my experience visiting the fort here.
6. Atlantikwall Museum Oostende
Some of mankind’s most prolific building projects have been the result of conflicts, and the open-air Atlantikwall Museum gives visitors the opportunity to appreciate some truly impressive engineering that took place during the First and Second World Wars.
Featuring 2 kilometers of trenches and underground passages, as well as more than fifty spotter posts, re-enforced bunkers, and artillery sites, this section of the Atlantic Wall was just part of a larger project that stretched along coastal areas from Norway, all the way to the border between France and Spain.
Many of the features of this WWII Belgian battle site have been refurbished and carefully returned to their original state, including furnishings and artifacts. Detailed dioramas depict the everyday life of a typical soldier stationed at this historic site.
7. Dossin Casern
The Dossin Casern or “Kazerne Dossin” in Mechelen was originally a Belgian military base. During World War II, it was converted into a temporary internment camp for both Jews and Roma prior to them being sent to concentration camps in Germany.
Today the site is a combination of museum and memorial about and for those who passed through the gates. The history of the rise of antisemitism, the German occupation, and the Holocaust are illustrated here using photographs, personal papers, and other artifacts of those who never returned from the German camps.
The Dossin museum also explores the broader causes that can lead to genocide and mass murder, even in today’s world.
8. Truschbaum Museum Elsenborn
This museum is a part of Camp Elsenborn, an active military base, and houses a century of the fort’s history. Through displays of military weaponry and other artifacts, as well as photos and dioramas, visitors can get a first-hand feel for what life was like in this historic fort in Belgium in WWII.
A portion of the museum is dedicated to World War II's Battle of the Bulge.
Good to know:
Since the museum is situated on the grounds of an operational military base, access is very limited. You can only visit as a group of minimum 15 people and have to make a reservation at least two weeks in advance
9. Musée de la bataille des Ardennes
This rather small museum in La Roche-en-Ardennes has three levels of historical items through which it gives a perspective on the Battle of the Bulge which is more inclusive of the British forces that fought there.
Weapons, clothing, and vehicles from the era are on display and tell the story of what happened in the Ardennes in World War Two. Maps, photographs, and films help visitors appreciate the significance of this famous battle, along with an entire room dedicated to a variety of rifles and sidearms.
There is also an area dedicated to the veterans of the battle who have donated uniforms and other personal items to the museum.
10. December 1944 Historical Museum in La Gleize
The Belgian village of La Gleize was a geographical turning point for the Germans during the Battle of the Bulge. US forces had taken control of all roads in the area that could handle tank traffic. This left a large group of German tanks and soldiers stranded.
What happened after that is a tale told in this museum. With numerous dioramas and an impressive display of Allied and Axis soldiers in full battle gear, visitors will discover how important this village became in December of 1944.
The museum is not large but with everything there is to see and experience, tourists should allow themselves at least an hour and a half to take it all in.
11. Baugnez 44 Historical Center
This museum is dedicated not only to the historic Battle of the Bulge but also to the victims of the massacre of Baugnez/Malmedy. It has a large variety of historical material, films, and photographs on display. Some of these items are very unique and help convey the feel of the area in 1944.
A restaurant and gift shop are located inside the museum and multilingual audio guides are available to enhance the experience.
12. Mons Memorial Museum
Featuring a large area dedicated to permanent displays rich with historic items, the Mons war museum not only tells the stories of the multiple military conflicts which affected the area; it invites visitors to actually contemplate the events which led to the conflicts.
Learning the details and historical facts is important, but this museum takes things a step further by giving context to the cause and effect of wars. Many aspects of World War Two’s effects on the area are dealt with including occupation, resistance, genocide, survival, and liberation.
Over 1200 square meters of displays exhibit all aspects of the war’s lasting mark on the population, including the social and the economic.
13. Museum Cabour Adinkerke
This museum covers the progression of World War Two in western Belgium near the French border. It incorporates a large portion of artifacts and historical items from the Robert Moeyaert collection which was acquired in 2009.
The photos, texts, and displays follow numerous central themes such as the role of the air forces, refugee migration, the siege of Dunkirk, and others. The museum also gives tribute to the 2/4 Lancers Regiment and their part in the war.
14. Avenue du 12e de Ligne Prince Léopold
This museum documents the long and proud history of this unit, from its beginning in 1830 right up to today. Vintage military equipment, maps, uniforms, and weapons tell the story of this infantry group as it progressed to its present status of a mechanized infantry regiment.
The Fortifications of Liège
Twelve army forts were constructed in the 1800s in an effort to provide protection to Liege and the surrounding areas. Some of these battle forts were destroyed over time and others added after World War I. Currently, only the 10 Liège forts below are open to the public.
1. Fort Eben-Emael
Although known as a “Giant Among Fortresses”, the artillery in this huge complex was completely taken over within 15 minutes by an elite team of German paratroops in May of 1940. The planning and execution of this takeover were a perfect example of German innovation, efficient use of weaponry, and, frankly, their willingness to take calculated risks.
Today, visitors to this gigantic fortress compound can see the actual living quarters, dining area, kitchen, hospital, and more just as they looked in 1940. Sound effects and displays featuring dozens of mannequins help to recreate what daily life inside this behemoth must have been like for military personnel.
Group tours require advanced reservations; individual tours do not. However, it is a good idea to check their calendar online to see the daily availability of the individual tours.
2. Fort d'Aubin-Neufchâteau
Built in the 1930s as part of a network designed to defend the city of Liege, this historic fort and its defenders are famous for standing up to a coordinated German attack for ten days, before surrendering.
Visitors can join a walking tour of the fort's exterior as well as visit the on-site World War Two museum.
A large portion of the tour takes place underground where it is cold and damp most of the year, so dress appropriately. In the underground network of tunnels and galleries, visitors will see the large munitions storage area, as well as the machine and generator rooms.
Further still, away from the actual combat areas, are the barracks, hospital, and chapel. After returning to the surface, the tour ends at a nearby cafe where visitors can relax and recharge with a variety of refreshments before experiencing the museum.
After the Germans took possession of the fort they used this unusually strong structure to test weapons they designed to penetrate even the deepest bunkers. This caused serious damage to many of the rooms.
Good to know:
The fort is open for tours on the third Sunday of every month from April through November.
3. Fort d'Embourg
During the Battle of Belgium in 1940, this fort was surrounded by German troops. In the days that followed, the artillery of the fort and the artillery of Fort de Chaudfontaine took turns providing suppressing fire for one another until aerial bombardments took out the 75mm guns at Fort d’Embourg. Soon after, the garrison was forced to surrender.
Today, the fort tells visitors of its history through an impressive collection of uniforms, weapons, and other artifacts.
4. Fort de Barchon
It is widely recognized that the Liege forts, as originally constructed, had some serious design flaws which were responsible for enemy successes against them. However, after World War One, the Germans and later the Belgians made some major improvements which increased their practicality and survivability during combat.
Ceilings were reinforced, ventilation was improved, steam engines were replaced with diesel, and the toilets and kitchen facilities were moved into the forts. When walking through the bunkers of Fort de Barchon, visitors can still see evidence of these structural improvements.
At Fort Barchon you can't just walk the tunnels but also visit the museum located within the fort. It displays a collection of historical memorabilia, photos, maps, diagrams and more.
5. Fort de Battice
This fortification was 1 of 4 which were built after World War One to augment the original 12 forts built to defend the town of Liege. Designed with more modern weapons in mind, Fort de Battice had pillbox constructions to house heavy caliber guns, and large turrets to accommodate the latest in longer-range artillery.
Aware that enemies would also have more powerful and effective weapons, allowances were made for increased defensive constructions, too. More attention was also paid to the day to day living facilities of the soldier stationed there as a way to keep morale high.
At the museum, visitors can see a demonstration of a 75mm two-cannon turret gun and an actual casement for a 60mm cannon, as well as a wonderfully restored machine gun from the era among other things.
6. Fort de Tancrémont
The southernmost of the four fortifications built around Liege in the 1930s, the soldiers of Fort de Tancremont hold the title of the last Belgian unit to actively fight the Germans. Prior to surrendering, they held off the attacking forces for 19 days. They only surrendered due to a lack of ammunition, not to any deficiency of the fort itself.
With a total of over two kilometers of tunnels, the fort not only held a command post and barracks for the troops, but also ammunition storage, a hospital, a radio post, kitchen, and engine rooms. The turrets which could be raised or lowered either for firing or for observation, as well as the elevator system which supplied ammunition for the turret guns, were all impressive feats of engineering.
When you visit the fort, you can still see many of these features as well as learn about them at the newly-opened museum attached to the fort.
7. Fort de Chaudfontaine
Part of the original 12 fort configuration built in the late 1800s to protect and defend Liege, Fort de Chaudfontaine was updated in the 1930s with better armaments, improved electrical and communications systems, and drastically upgraded ventilation.
In may of 1940 the fort came under attack from both German ground troops and the Luftwaffe, causing severe structural damage when munitions exploded within the fort. This resulted in the fort’s surrender on May 17th, 1940.
In tribute to the battle and loss of life, there is now a small memorial and cemetery located near the main entrance to the fort. The fort itself has been repurposed into an adventure park with zip-lines, an intricate 3D labyrinth, and more for use by classes, businesses, or groups of individuals looking for team-building activities.
8. Fort de Flémalle
As was the case with many of the original Fortified Position of Liege forts, this one was a survivor of the First World War which was reconditioned and updated just prior to the Second World War. To truly appreciate the condition of the fort in the early days of the second global conflict, you can check out a 3D reconstruction of the fort, complete with armaments and ready for action.
You can also take a walking tour of the facility, which includes walking through 1700 meters of underground corridors and a chance to see first-hand the bomb craters which helped lead to the fort’s surrender in 1940.
The fort’s museum adds to the experience with a collection of documents, medical equipment, Belgian uniforms, weapons and other pieces of original equipment from the fort.
9. Fort de Hollogne
Although Fort de Hollogne was one of the original fortifications built to protect Liege, it was not included in the list of forts upgraded in the 1930s. Since it was still heavily fortified, after the First World War it was designated as an ammunition storage facility.
Sadly, German Stuka bombers mistook the fort for the nearby Fort de Flemalle and targeted it for bombing. Fortunately, by this time the ammunition had been removed and the fort evacuated.
The fort was soon occupied by the Germans with the idea of launching V2 rockets from it, but the area was liberated before that could happen. The fort was later used as a US military hospital during the Battle of the Bulge and after that, the Belgians used it once again as a storage depot. Today, much of the fort has been restored and you can visit it on a walking tour.
10. Fort the Pontisse
Fort de Pontisse was one of the original 12 forts constructed in the area of Liege and it took a major strike to its 105mm turret gun by air and a shortage of ammunition to cause its surrender in 1940.
The fort has been used as a munitions storage both by the military and private companies, but it has been stripped of its equipment. It is currently used by a group which offers shelter to donkeys and other abandoned animals. In the winter, it is also a shelter for the local bat population.
In summer, you can walk through the remains of the fort.
11. Fort de Boncelles
The actual Fort de Boncelles doesn't exist anymore. At its former location, you can now visit La Tour d'Air, a museum dedicated to Belgium's military history displaying many artifacts from both World War I and World War II.
Many items come from private collections and most special is probably the entire section dedicated to military scale models. The outside area holds a collection of military vehicles and the museum's cafe is decorated with actual furniture from officer cantines and seats taken out of tanks. Pretty cool!
The fortifications of Namur: Fort de St Heribert
This fort is one of nine built to defend Namur and the surrounding areas and the only one of the Namur fortifications that can still be visited. Like many forts in the area, this fort was originally built in the late 1800s and refurbished, re-equipped and rearmed in the 1930s.
Despite the upgrades to the armaments and reinforcement of the structure, a German assault in 1940, including bombardments by artillery and air raids, left the fort indefensible and the garrison surrendered.
Although the fort was abandoned and sold to a private owner who basically buried it, associations of volunteers are now making great progress in unearthing and restoring much of it.
World War II Cemeteries and war Memorials in Belgium
Below you can find a list of dedicated World War II cemeteries in Belgium. Be aware, though, that many soldiers were also buried on communal cemeteries which aren't listed here. Belgian war graves specifically can usually be found on regular communal cemeteries.
For what concerns the memorials, I've made a small selection here as there are literally hundreds of smaller and bigger memorials all over Belgium.
1. Ardennes American Cemetery and Memorial in Neupré
One of three American War Cemeteries in Belgium, Ardennes American Cemetery and Memorial in Neupre' is the final resting place of 5,317 Americans who lost their lives in combat. Approximately 65 percent of those interred under the neatly lined rows of headstones were airmen serving in the United States Army Air Forces. Many of the service people buried here died during the Battle of the Bulge.
Outside the large stone memorial with the American Eagle and marble carvings, visitors will find the Tablets of the Missing. 463 names were carved on the Tablets when they were created. Since then, rosettes have been added next to the names of those who have been recovered over the years.
Until 1960, this cemetery served the important function as the central identification point for the Graves Registration Service. Unfortunately, nearly 800 of the soldiers buried here have never been identified.
2. Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery and Memorial
Like Ardennes, Henri-Chapelle is the final resting place of American World War II Veterans. The 57-acre cemetery holds the remains of 7,992 soldiers. Many of those interred lost their lives during the advance of the United States armed forces into Germany. Others buried there died during the Battle of the Bulge. Their headstones are arranged in neat, gently arcing rows along one side of the large memorial.
The memorial, which includes a chapel and map rooms, overlooks the burial area. In the memorial area are rectangular piers where the names of 450 missing service personnel are inscribed. The names of those who have since been located and identified are marked by small rosettes. The beautiful Angel of Peace statue was added in 1956.
3. Mardasson Memorial
Located near the Bastogne War Museum, the Mardasson Memorial honors Americans who died or were wounded during the Battle of the Bulge in 1945. The walls of the gallery are engraved with the story of the tough battle fought, and won, paying homage to those who died in the effort. The monument, shaped like the five-pointed American Star, was inaugurated on July 16, 1950.
While this World War 2 war memorial honors the fallen and wounded Americans from the war, it also celebrates the friendship between the United States and Belgium.
For those who can handle the climb, a spiral staircase carries visitors up to the top of the memorial. The breathtaking views of the Bastogne forest and city center, along with plaques describing various areas of importance during the battle for Bastogne, offer viewers the opportunity to truly imagine many aspects of the battle that raged and the heroism of those who fought so hard to protect others.
4. Lommel German war cemetery
The Lommel German War Cemetery is the largest German military cemetery outside of Germany. It was established in 1946, after World War II and over 39,000 fallen German soldiers are buried here. Most of the soldiers died in battles from World War II, although there are also 542 graves from World War I. Around 6,000 people buried here have never been identified.
At the entrance to the cemetery, a large crypt is decorated with a large crucifix on top. Inside, visitors can see a sculpture of a fallen soldier as well as several murals of gold tile.
In the cemetery, the 39,102 headstones rest in long neat rows, covering the ground as far as the eye can see.
5. Recogne German war cemetery
The Battle of the Bulge was one of the last great battles of World War II, with many lives lost on either side. In the Recogne German War Cemetery, more than 6,500 fallen German soldiers are buried, their graves marked by headstones placed in long, straight rows.
This small cemetery is known for having a sobering effect on visitors. The youngest soldier buried in Recogne German War Cemetery was only 17 years old when he was killed in combat and the cemetery itself is largely maintained by people these soldiers once fought against.
6. Heverlee War Cemetery
Heverlee War Cemetery is the final resting place of over 980 casualties from World War I and World War II. Established by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the majority of those interred here part of the British Expeditionary Force which fought in defense of Belgium in later stages of the war.
There are 977 Commonwealth soldiers from World War II burried here, of which 37 have never been identified. In addition, there are twelve World War Two graves not part of the Commonwealth. They belong to eleven Polish airmen and one American.
Other important places to visit in regards to WWII in Belgium
1. Dinant Citadel
The first fortification built on the site of what is now Dinant Citadel was was completed in 1051 at the direction of the Prince Bishop of Liege. The current structure was constructed in 1815, after numerous other structures on the site had be destroyed over the centuries.
Due to its important location high above the Meuse River the Citadel was considered a militarily strategic target and was occupied by Germans during both World Wars. Today this historic structure is open to the public, either by climbing a massive set of stairs or by taking a cable car to the top.
2. Huy Citadel
Overlooking the strategically located Meuse River, the Huy Citadel was built in the 1800s to observe and control the river traffic and protect the town of Huy from invaders. Its location has always made it a prime military target and it was occupied in both World Wars.
During World War Two, the Citadel was used as a barracks to house political prisoners until they could be sent to concentration camps in Germany. It is estimated that as many as 6,000 prisoners passed through the Citadel during this time.
You can visit the citadel by taking the cable car up.
3. Royal Army Museum Brussels
Located in the two northern sections of the Cinquantenaire in Brussels, this museum offers an overview of centuries of military history and an opportunity to see the evolution of military weapons, equipment and strategies over the years.
Although the Brussels war museum’s exhibitions go all the way back to the days of armor-clad warriors on horseback, the World War II section of the museum is being given an update for the upcoming 75th anniversary of the war. An entire new wing, dedicated to the occupation of Belgium and the European liberation is being added. Weapons, armored vehicles, uniforms, and many other historical items will be presented in a new light.
4. The K-W Line
Though not possessed of any psychic precognition, Belgium knew that Germany’s remilitarization in the late 1930s could lead to a Franco-German conflict and that remaining neutral would call for extraordinary defense measures. This is what led to the creation of the K-W Line or “Iron Wall” as it was sometimes called.
This defensive line, constructed behind the Albert Canal, was to run from Koningshooikt to Wavre, and was to be primarily a bunker line with anti-tank barriers, augmented by floodable trenches and barbed wire barricades. Cointet elements, partially buried railroad tracks, and steel cables were also integral parts of this defense system.
5. Camp Beverlo
The original Camp Beverlo was constructed in 1835 after Belgium declared its independence from The Netherlands. During both World Wars the Camp was occupied by Germans.
During the Second World War this historic camp was used both to train thousands of member of the Hitler Youth, and as a holding area for prisoners before transporting them to the concentration camps of Germany.
Today, a museum dedicated to the history of the camp is located in the former military hospital. It showcases documents, scale models, and photographs. The area can be seen either by coach or by taking a walking tour.
6. The Tir National and the Enclos des Fusillés
Tir National is a firing range that opened in 1859. As time progressed and weapons became more powerful and more accurate, the range was enlarged. During both World Wars the facility was under German control and in both wars the range was used to execute prisoners.
To memorialize those who were killed in both World Wars, a small cemetery and memorial have been erected adjacent to the range. Known as the Enclosure of the Shot, there are 365 aligned crosses as well as an urn which contains the ashes of many victims of the German concentration camps.
7. Vierfrontenbrug and the “Maïskot”
The Vierfrontenbrug or “Bridge of Four Battles” was of strategic importance during both World Wars as a crossing point of the Lys River. It suffered a tremendous amount of damage, but is still standing to this day.
Although the river has been redirected, visitors can still walk across the bridge itself. An adjacent corn silo is also famous for the pummeling it took, and is also still standing. The silo was said to be blocking the view of the Belgian defense line and so came under heavy fire. You can still see the bullet holes and other damage.
8. Railway Battery E690 Bredene
In the Belgian Province of West Flanders is the town of Bredene. This is the site where, in 1941, the Germans decided to build a railway gun battery. It was an amazing piece of wartime engineering and gave the Germans a considerable advantage in their control of the area.
To allow a 360 degree field of fire, two 280mm guns were mounted on a turntable device with the fire control bunker out in front. When completed, the complex included munitions storage areas and crew bunkers.
Although the guns and other equipment were dismantled and transported as the Germans retreated, the Regelbau 636 bunker is still accessible and in good shape since it was used after the war by the Belgian Navy.
9. Gun Battery Bamburg, Westende
The Germans constructed the gun battery at Westende with the idea of protecting the entrance to the port of Nieuwpoort but they were hindered by design changes that had to be made due to the high water table that close to the coast.
To accommodate this inconvenience, the bunkers were built above ground and trenches were lined with brick. In addition to the main guns, the Germans also set up firing positions in a defensive configuration around the bunkers.
Because of their sturdy construction, most of these bunkers are still in good shape and can be viewed by the public.
10. Gun Battery Adinkerke
Built in late 1943 by the German Army, the Gun Battery Adinkerke was intended to be used by the German Navy to attack enemy forces in the water. Fortunately, Canadian forces captured the bunker in 1944, before it could be put to its intended use.
After the war, the gun battery was dismantled and the area became a protected historical monument in 1999. You can now access several of the bunkers and there are plans to establish a museum at the Gun Battery Adinkerke at some point in the future.
And that was it! As said, there are many more monuments and smaller memorials all over Belgium but if you're planning a World War II tour around the country, this should already keep you busy for a while :-)
World War II Tours
The list above should give you enough material to plan your own trip around the Belgian World War II sites but if you prefer to leave the planning and logistics to others, you can also take a tour.
Battle of the Bulge tours from Brussels
1. Small-Group WWII Battle of the Bulge Tour from Brussels
The Small-Group WWII Battle of the Bulge Tour from Brussels takes you on a full-day trip from Brussels to the Belgian Ardennes in a luxury minivan. There, an expert guide will tell you all about the famous Battle of the Bulge. You'll travel along the battle line and visit several sites, including:
- the Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery
- the Mardasson Memorial
- the site of the infamous Malmedy massacre
The group is limited to six people so you get a personalized experience and don't miss a thing. It's available in English, French, and German.
Check it out.
2. Private Battle of the Bulge tour from Brussels
This tour is the same as the one mentioned above except that it's a private tour. The one above you can book to join a small group whereas this one you book just for you and your fellow travelers. It's a good option if you want to customize the experience to match your interests.
Check it out.
Staying in Belgium for a while? Go beyond the battle sites and check out these fun things to do in Belgium.
Where to stay in Belgium
With so much to do in Belgium, it's a good idea to stay for a while. I almost always use Booking.com for accommodation. It has an extensive list of hotel, apartment, and guesthouse options for all budgets and needs.
Don't forget travel insurance
Plan for the best, prepare for the worst. Travel insurance has you covered in case (part of) your trip gets canceled, you get sick or hurt abroad, and sometimes even when your electronics break or get stolen. I always make sure I'm covered every trip I go on.
Don't have travel insurance yet? Check out SafetyWing. They offer super flexible plans that you can even sign up for while you're already on your trip. On top of that, they were the first travel insurance to cover COVID, and when I got COVID, they reimbursed all of my expenses without making a fuss. Their customer support team is great and I can personally recommend them.
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Tony Toto says
Sofie, thank you for putting together this article. As a fan of WWII history, I was delighted to read this informative blog on WWII museums and tours in Belgium. Great work!
Sofie says
Thank you Tony. Also for checking it out. I appreciate that :-)
John Mcnally McNally says
Viator is booked the days I need. Any alternatives?
Sofie says
Ah damn.
Can you tell me what days you need and what kind of tour you’d be interested in?
You can always email me at sofie @ wonderfulwanderings dot com if you’d rather keep that private.
Kelly Macchiarelli says
Hi Sofie,
Just wanted to say a massive ‘Thank You’ for this amazing blog!! My husband and I are planning a trip to Belgium to see some WW2 sites, your post has saved me many hours of trawling the internet to find them all.
Thanks
Kelly
Sofie says
So happy to read that, Kelly! Thanks for letting me know :)
Adam Marshall says
Thanks Sofie great work on this. Have you done anything similar for France, specifically west coast?
Sofie says
No I haven’t, just for Belgium.
Aimee Kelly says
Thank you so much for all this info. It is making WWII vacation research so much easier.
Quick question, If we only have time to visit ONE of the forts which one would you recommend?
Sofie says
I’m glad you found it useful!
I find that question a bit had to answer as it depends on personal preferences.
I would try to see which one makes most sense given the rest of your itinerary as well, but that’s the optimizer in me :)