Visiting rules

To ensure you have a pleasant visit and to help preserve this important place of national remembrance, we kindly ask you to carefully read the visiting rules before your arrival. They contain all the practical information, the rules of conduct to be observed on site, and recommendations pertaining to the memorial nature of the sites. The full set of rules is available to download below.

Respect for the site

A memorial site

You are going to visit a place of remembrance where thousands of men and women died. For these reasons, we ask that you behave solemnly and dress appropriately throughout the site, out of respect for the victims.

Please remain silent and treat these places of history, remembrance and suffering with respect.

  • appropriate attire required;
  • animals are not permitted, with the exception of guide dogs accompanying blind or visually impaired people and assistance dogs accompanying people who possess a disability card;
  • no drinking (except for water), eating or smoking within the confines of the concentration camp or in the gas chamber;
  • you are not permitted to run, speak loudly or touch the artefacts anywhere on the site (including the concentration camp, the gas chamber, the European Centre of Deported Resistance Members and the surrounding outdoor areas).

Taking photos, videos and audio recordings

As a historic site and place of remembrance owned by the French State (Ministry of the Armed Forces), the Natzweiler Concentration Camp Memorial may be photographed or filmed for private use. Any professional, collective or commercial use must be preceded by a request for authorisation.

Further information on capturing footage

Selfies, staged photos and inappropriate or disrespectful behaviour are prohibited, out of respect for the victims and the memory embodied by this place.

Prohibited items

  • Animals are not permitted, with the exception of guide dogs accompanying blind or visually impaired people and assistance dogs accompanying people who possess a disability card;
  • weapons and ammunition of all kinds;
  • tools, especially utility knives, screwdrivers, spanners, hammers, pliers and secateurs;
  • all blunt objects (self-defence sticks, baseball bats);
  • items that are excessively heavy, bulky or foul-smelling;
  • explosive, flammable or volatile substances;
  • aerosol canisters (dyes, paints and lacquers);
  • items that release incapacitating or neutralising agents; electric weapons used to neutralise individuals;
  • musical instruments;
  • alcoholic drinks;
  • items that are illegal to possess;
  • food, except in designated areas (indoor picnic room, picnic area);
  • posters or signs;
  • flags, banners and symbols with ideological or political implications.

Read the visiting rules