The sites
of war
In the footsteps of Alsatian history
War Sites around Camping Labaroche
Sometimes French, sometimes German, Alsace is full of sites that shed light on the sad history of the wars that took place on its soil. Closer to Labaroche are the Memorial Museum of the Colmar Pocket Battles in Turckheim and the Alpine Ambulance in Mittlach.
A few minutes from the campsite or via a beautiful hike, the trenches of the Battle of Linge can be visited. Don’t miss the guided tour of the Linge Memorial Museum which will teach you about the Great War of 1914-18.
An immersion in history amidst nature
Around Linge: Battlefield, Museum, and Nearby Sites
Near the campsite, the Linge massif features several points of interest. The layout of the French and German lines is still visible, with shelters, observation posts, and trench networks. The Battle of Linge (summer 1915) left a rugged terrain where one can understand the difficulties of progression at altitude and in the forest. The
On the scale of the valley, other places are added: the Memorial Museum of the Colmar Pocket Battles in Turckheim, dedicated to the winter battles of 1944-45, and the Alpine Ambulance in Mittlach, which tells the story of caring for the wounded in the mountains.
By varying the approaches — museum then terrain — one grasps both the strategy, logistics, and experience of the combatants. To prepare for your day, visit the campsite reception: maps, opening hours, and itinerary ideas will be provided, depending on the weather and your walking level.
Discovering iconic sites
Further Afield: Tête Des Faux, Hartmannswillerkopf, and Maginot Line
Beyond Linge, several sites complete your memorial panorama. La Tête des Faux, accessible via a more challenging route, overlooks the valley and preserves traces of high-altitude positions and necropolises; it’s a popular outing for experienced hikers. Towards the south of Haut-Rhin, the Hartmannswillerkopf (also called Vieil Armand) combines a necropolis, crypt, interpretation center, and kilometers of ridge trenches: together, these help to gauge the scale of fighting on a strategic summit.
Finally, the Maginot Line illustrates the interwar period: some fortified structures can be visited and explain engineering, artillery, and garrison life. By combining these stages, you cover a historical arc ranging from mountain positional warfare to modern fortification.
For practical matters, adjust your trips over one or two days: prioritize a morning at an outdoor site (trench tour) followed by a museum visit in the afternoon. From the campsite, these destinations remain easily accessible by car; in season, some offer guided tours at fixed times, useful for understanding the locations.
Prepare your visit with peace of mind
Visit Tips, Safety, and Respect for Sites
These landscapes are both places for walks and spaces for contemplation. For a successful experience, prepare sturdy walking shoes, water, a warm layer, and rain protection: the altitude makes the weather changeable. Stay on marked trails; undergrowth can conceal cavities, deep trenches, or unstable blocks. Read the signage: it specifies regulated areas, access, and recommendations.
During high season, anticipate museum and memorial opening hours; some guided tours quickly sell out. On-site, adopt a respectful attitude: do not move objects, do not climb on walls, leave no trace of your visit. For families, alternate outdoor time and interpretation spaces to maintain everyone’s comfort.
Finally, consider integrating these visits into your nature program: after a historical itinerary, a stroll to Lac Blanc or a detour through a wine village on the Alsace Wine Route provides a pleasant break before returning to Camping Labaroche. Our team is available to help you choose routes, travel times, and variations adapted to your level.
