Travel to significant sites offers more than a view of the present, it allows you to catch a glimpse of the past, too. You can take a journey through the darkest days and most pivotal moments of humanity’s history by discovering the WWII landmarks across Europe.
Here are seven landmarks and memorials we recommend that World War II history fans visit.
This is a collaborative post.
The Normandy Invasion Landing Beaches, France
D-Day, 6th June 1944, marked a turning point in the Second World War. It’s the day that Allied Forces landed on the shores of Normandy in Northern France. Here, the Allied Forces fought bravely against the occupying German troops.
They landed at five beaches, which they code-named Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword. Sadly, thousands of troops who fought on D-Day and in the ensuing Battle of Normandy did not live to tell their stories.
But their stories and those of their brothers-in-arms live on nonetheless, relayed by the experts on every Band of Brothers Tour. You’ll walk in the footsteps of these brave soldiers, and see the significant sites and artifacts. Most importantly, you’ll hear the facts about the sacrifices they made for us all.
Eagle’s Nest, Germany
The Kehlsteinhaus (in English called the Eagle’s Nest) is a building that was erected for the Nazi government.
Positioned at the summit of a rocky outcrop near the German town of Berchtesgaden, it offers visitors magnificent views and loads of historical value. A visit to this WWII landmark is a must when traveling through Germany.
Fortunately, it’s included with many wartime history tours, such as those offered by Band of Brothers.
Anzio Beachhead, Italy
Italy’s rich culture and history make any parent want to pack up and travel with their kids.
But if Italy is calling your name, don’t forget to include a trip to the Anzio Beachhead. Anzio is a fishing town with clean beaches and clear waters. But that’s not the only reason visitors are attracted to this seaside town. It has a fascinating history, both ancient and more recent.
In ancient times Anzio was the base for Coriolanus’s rebellion against Rome. And during World War II, it became the beach landing site for Allied forces intent on liberating Rome. The Anzio Beachhead Museum was established to commemorate all the soldiers who took part in the landings and battles here.
The Town of Oradour-sur-Glane, France
There’s a lot that goes into planning the perfect getaway. Perhaps you’re after adventure, or cultural experiences, or simply want beautiful surroundings.
France offers all of these, but for war history fans, it offers even more. It offers a realistic view of the devastation of war, at Oradour sur Glane. By the end of the Second World War, many European towns lay in ruins. Most were rebuilt over the years that followed. Oradour sur Glane was not.
Although a new village was built nearby, the French president declared that the ruins of the old village remain an everlasting memorial. The Memorial Center offers guided tours.
The Fuhrerbunker, Germany
This infamous bunker is where Hitler spent the last few weeks of WWII.
He married his partner Eva Braun, sought shelter from events at the end of the war, and eventually committed suicide here in April of 1945. It was located below ground level, was heavily fortified, and had an exit point in the Reich Chancellery gardens.
Today, not much remains to indicate its dark past. But you’ll find a plaque and information board on-site detailing the bunker’s location.
Mardasson Memorial, Belgium
The Mardasson memorial is an enormous star-shaped monument in Bastogne. This structure marks the furthest point of the German troops’ advance in their Ardennes Offensive on the Western Front.
Now known as the Battle of the Bulge, this was the site of one of the most significant battles of the war. The catastrophic losses the German troops suffered meant they were ill-equipped to stave off the Allied Forces advancing into Europe.
This memorial, which honors the 76,000 US soldiers who fell on Belgian soil during this battle, therefore marks a pivotal point in the war.
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial, Poland
Auschwitz-Birkenau was originally constructed as a detention center for political prisoners but soon became the site of unspeakable horrors. This came to an end when the Soviet Army liberated the camp in 1945. But by then, an estimated 1.1 million people had lost their lives to the Nazi party’s atrocities, here.
Today, visitors flock to this symbol of the Holocaust to pay their respects to those who suffered and died in this camp and others like it. Admission to the memorial’s grounds is free of charge, but guided tours are also available, giving deeper insights into the harrowing experiences of camp detainees.