Tim Saunders - Fort Eben Emael

The fort, the upper surface and the ground alongside, remains the property of the Belgian Army who, for many years, used it for a variety of training functions but since 1998 the fort has been administered by the Association Fort Eben Emael (asbl). However, the Belgian Defence Ministry is now actively maintaining exterior parts of the fort as a military monument.

The fort is regularly open at weekends to the public, monthly from March to November. During these weekends, visitors can both enter the fort and explore the superstructure. Details of public open days, hours and entry fees can be found at http://www.fort-eben-emael.be . There is normally a tour in English around mid-day but contacting the fort is recommended. Booking visits to Eben Emael at other times can be made (see website for details), however, this facility is normally only available to groups or larger private tours.

For obvious safety reasons, tours of the forts labyrinthine galleries are conducted by volunteer Belgian guides. However, the order in which the forts internal features are described in Chapter 2 is approximately in line with the normal tour route, although, as access to additional areas of the fort is opened, the route taken is becoming more variable. It is worth following progress underground by using the map on page 34. Please note the following advice, issued by the asbl:

• It is not possible to visit the whole fort.
• A visit to the interior of Cupola 120 can NOT be guaranteed.
• A visit to the Command Posts complex is an alternative to CU 120.
• The tour in the interior of the fort covers just under a mile.
• Visitors with heart problems or other health considerations, should think twice before considering a visit to the upper galleries! The tour involves climbing several long staircases. However, a visit to the barracks is confined to the lower level and is safe for most.
• Those who suffer from claustrophobia are also not encouraged to visit the upper galleries.
• The temperature in the fort is approximately 11 degrees Celsius, therefore visitors should always wear warm clothes and comfortable shoes.
• Remember, the fort was built for the military, not for civilians: for the safety of the group and yourself follow the guides instructions at all times during your visit.
  

  The Guardroom Bloc I.

• Smoking is not allowed in the galleries of the fort.
• Mobile telephones do not work inside the fort.
• Do not leave the group to wander: you could end up being confined in the fort in total darkness!
• Do not take items from the fort: as military property, the fort is within the jurisdiction of the Belgian military police!

A tour of the fort, including a stop in the Caf, the forts former kitchen, normally takes 2-3 hours and normally includes:

• The machinery-room (generators)
• The Commanders office
• The guardroom cell (signed Cachots or Cells)
• The officers mess
• The infirmary
• Officers, SNCOs and soldiers barrack room
• The ventilation system
• A display with German uniforms
• The room of remembrance
• V1 display
• The ablutions

The tour of the forts interior gives the visitor a particularly strong Belgian perspective of what it was like to live and fight in Eben Emael during early May 1940. To complete the story, a visit to the upper surface is a must. From here the problems facing Leutnant Witzig and his fallschirmjger can be fully appreciated along with the dramatic views from Bloc 01 to the east, which demonstrate the forts pivotal role in the defence of this part of Belgium. The major difference between 1940 and today is that there are many more trees and bushes on the slopes and in the moat surrounding much of the fort. The hanger building on the upper surface has gone and the football field is now used for growing crops.