"EBEN EMAEL – THE UNCONQUERABLE CONQUERED" Eben-Emael by mtncorg

Eben-Emael Travel Guide: 9 reviews and 32 photos

Looking out over the Meuse from Bloc 01 - Eben-Emael

When it was finished in 1935 – though work would continue up to 1940 – Fort Eben Emael was considered one of the most impregnable forts in the World. For a German invasion of the Low Countries to succeed, the fort’s elimination was essential. Ten gliders carrying some 77 paratroopers landed atop the fort on 10 May 1940 and the fort was put out of action within the first half hour – though the Belgian defenders would hold out another 30 hours before finally surrendering. The raid is one of the most famous Special Force operations of all time. The fort is still under the jurisdiction of the Belgian Army, but one weekend a month it opens to visitors. You can do a self-guided tour of the Barracks area and you can also take longer guided tours through the fort and/or to the gun cupolas. Outside, a trail will take you atop the fort where you can get a much better perspective of the German operations.

Last visit to Eben-Emael: May 2009
Intro Written Jun 22, 2009
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Reviews (8)

BLOC 01 Things to Do (8)

Bloc 01 was sited 100 meters outside the main fort, but it was the most important observation post of all since it... more travel advice

Gun turret camouflage burnt in by hollow charge - Eben-Emael

HOLLOW-CHARGE EXPLOSIVES... Things to Do (8)

Shaped or hollow-charge explosives were discovered by an American, Charles Munroe, in 1888. Improved upon by German... more travel advice

Map shows trail atop Fort Eben Emael - Eben-Emael

TRAIL ATOP THE FORT Things to Do (8)

After visiting the interior of the fort – maybe taking the extended guided tour to the gun cupolas – it is time to turn... more travel advice

DFS 230 glider on display in the fort - Eben-Emael

GLIDERS Things to Do (8)

The German attack of Fort Eben Emael on 10 May 1940 was the first time gliders were used in combat. An example of one of... more travel advice

Comments (3)

karenincalifornia Jan 11, 2010 at 3:18 PM Report Abuse

Checking out possible day trips when I'm in Belgium in March. This city looks quite interesting, and is a history lesson to boot.
SteveOSF Sep 20, 2009 at 10:55 AM Report Abuse

Another excellent page. Nice detail on the German assault on the complex. Very descriptive photos!
Pinat Jul 7, 2009 at 3:41 AM Report Abuse

It was interesting to read your tips on Eben-Emael as I work in the defense industry. Oops, and happy birthday to you:) Greetings from Ankara, Pinar.