Description

History of Fortresses in the Upper Rhine Region for School Classes

An exciting and educational guided tour for school groups through the historic fortified towns of Breisach and Neuf-Brisach! This tour is designed specifically for upper and middle school students and serves as a valuable supplement to history classes. Here, in the picturesque landscape of the Upper Rhine, students discover the historically fascinating tension between Germany and France, which has been marked by conflicts and wars over the centuries.

The meeting point for this guided tour is to be arranged; we are also happy to meet at the group’s hotel in Freiburg. During the group’s drive to Neuf-Brisach, we’ll provide an initial historical overview of the area.

In Neuf-Brisach, the masterpiece of the famous fortress builder Vauban, students learn how military conflicts and sieges were organized around the year 1700. The town impresses not only with its imposing architecture but also with the stories of the people who lived there during turbulent times. In Breisach, students explore the fortifications and the towering Münsterberg, which overlooks the city. History was made here when Breisach was one of the most important fortresses in the southwest; due to its strategic location, it was repeatedly at the center of military conflicts.

During the “Upper Rhine Fortress History” guided tour for school groups, dedicated tour guides explain the traces of fortifications, sieges, and warfare at these historic sites. A wealth of information and in-depth history, combined with anecdotes, shed light on what has shaped this region.

A unique experience exploring the history of fortresses and warfare in the Upper Rhine region for the entire class! The Breisach & Neuf-Brisach guided tour for school groups can only be conducted using the group’s own bus. Since the tour involves walking long distances, students should wear sturdy shoes and bring a snack.

Meeting Place

By appointment (Google Maps)

What to Expect

Students can look forward to tour guides who are passionate about history and bring the material they’ve learned in class to life. During the tour, history becomes “tangible.” Highlights include:

Interesting stories and details about the construction of the fortress and its architect, Vauban
Stories and anecdotes about the lives of soldiers in the fortress spanning two centuries
Walls, towers, and gates still serve as reminders of the time when Breisach, thanks to its strategic location, was the most important military fortress on the Upper Rhine. The Rhine Gate, designed by the great fortress architect Vauban himself, is an impressive example of this.
The Radbrunnenturm. The well inside it is over 40 meters deep, making it clear that daily life on the Münsterberg was not always easy due to the natural conditions.