Shelter Museum

Details

The shelter was located 1 km behind the Maginot Line and was used during the war as a barracks with 240 beds and a location for casemates. 28 rooms have been restored to their original condition; there is also an exhibition room. In addition to the bunker, there is a large collection of military material from 1939 to today, a room of models, a room dedicated to the “Malgré-Nous” (men of the Alsace-Moselle conscripted into the German army), as well as a hall containing American and German equipment from 1939 to 1945. Reconstructions recall the battle of January 1945 in Hatten. German and American fighters confronted each other in and around the village from 9 to 21 January 1045, during Operation Nordwind launched by Hitler. During this German offensive, Hatten and the neighbouring village of Rittershoffen were at the heart of one of the largest tank battles in France. Both villages were 85% destroyed; there were 83 civilian victims in Hatten, 31 in Rittershoffen. Outside, on the museum site, the Bois du Souvenir is a place of contemplation dedicated to the civilian victims of the battle. 114 trees were planted in tribute to the 114 civilian victims from the 2 villages. Since 2021, a specially dedicated room presents a part of the collection of the former JOST museum (museum of the Air Force Base 901 of DRACHENBRONN).

Situation and access

Shelter Museum

6, rue de l'Abri
67690 Hatten


Languages used

English English German German French French

Practical information and services

Practical information

Practical service
Shops /Sale of goods, Group reception
Bicycle equipment/services
Bicycle parking or racks
Amenities / services attached
Toilets, Terrasse
On-site catering
Drinks
Opening hours
March 1 to November 11, 2026: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Open on public holidays
Animals accepted
Yes, under certain conditions

Visits

Visitation formulas
Free visit, Guided tour for groups with reservation
Duration
2h30 min

Rates

Rates (€)
Adult rate : 9
Child rate : 5
Group rate (per person) : 7
Students : 5
Tariff advantages
Free for children (age limit) : 7 years
Group (minimum number of people) : 15
Discounts for children : from 6 years
Payment method
Cheque, Cash, Credit card

Accessibility

Access to disabled persons
Yes
Access stroller
In a cane stroller, In a 4x4 baby carriage

Access and parking

Parking for vehicles
Free parking for cars, Free parking for camper vans, Free coach parking
Nearest railway station
6 km
Name of nearest station
Hoffen
Social networks