Westwall Weg

An approx. 7 km long themed hiking trail as a place of learning and experience in the northern Kirkel forest, starting at the Palatinate Forest House. From 2023, an accompanying app is also planned, which will explain the former facilities along the edge of the themed trail. The trail can be hiked by young and old within a maximum of 2 hours.

Designation of an approx. 7 km long route in the northern part of the Kirkeler Wald forest, taking into account different trail categories along former "Westwall" installations, i.e. fortified military positions that were built on the Saar between 1938 and 1940 in the run-up to the war with France, taking advantage of the terrain formation. Due to its geographical location and formation, the Kirkeler/Pirmanns Forest was of particular importance (defensive barrier and deployment area). The claiming of large parts of the forest areas in particular fundamentally changed the character of the countryside and the relationship of the population to their home environment: what was once a reference area and part of the cultural identity became a restricted area and danger zone overnight.

Today, the ruins of these fortified positions are once again part of the landscape that was invaded by an inhumane regime for a war of aggression. The various aspects associated with these remains are to be made accessible via an accompanying program for smartphones (app). This avoids signposting the forest and allows cross-references to offers on the internet. This accompanying app comprises five different topics, which can be accessed at ten different stations along the trail with brief explanations. The app was designed and created by a working group of the local history and tourism association with the involvement of representatives of the Saarld. Museum Association, the LAG Remembrance Work Group, Westwall historians and BUND Saar. Completion is planned for the beginning of 2023.</p