Lochnagar Crater
The Lochnagar Crater, a colossal WWI mine crater near La Boisselle, France, is a stark reminder of war's devastation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best for viewing the scale
Lochnagar Crater
Best Time
Best for viewing the scale
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The Lochnagar Crater, a colossal WWI mine crater near La Boisselle, France, is a stark reminder of war's devastation.
"The sheer size of it is so unbelievable. All the information around it as you walk around definitely puts a lump in your throat."
🤯 Prepare for the Size
Videos don't do it justice! The Lochnagar Crater is enormous. :eyes:
📚 Read History Before
Understanding the story enhances the profound impact of this WWI site. :book:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Lochnagar Crater
Near La Boisselle, Somme, France
A colossal WWI mine crater, 91m wide and 21m deep, a testament to a single, devastating explosion.
Informative Panels
Around the crater rim
Detailed accounts and small historical details that bring the tragic events of July 1, 1916, to life.
Views of the Battlefield
From the crater rim
Glimpse Becourt Woods and Ovillers-la-Boisselle, understanding the strategic context of the Battle of the Somme.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the Scale
Respect the Memorial
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤯 Prepare for the Size
Videos don't do it justice! The Lochnagar Crater is enormous. :eyes:
📚 Read History Before
Understanding the story enhances the profound impact of this WWI site. :book:
🚶♀️ Walk the Rim
Explore the entire perimeter for different perspectives and informative panels. :walking:
🤫 Be Respectful
This is a solemn memorial. Many soldiers are still here. :pray:
Tips
from all over the internet
🤯 Prepare for the Size
Videos don't do it justice! The Lochnagar Crater is enormous. :eyes:
📚 Read History Before
Understanding the story enhances the profound impact of this WWI site. :book:
🚶♀️ Walk the Rim
Explore the entire perimeter for different perspectives and informative panels. :walking:
🤫 Be Respectful
This is a solemn memorial. Many soldiers are still here. :pray:
📸 Capture the Scale
Try to include a person or object for scale in your photos. :camera:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently struck by the overwhelming scale and profound impact of the Lochnagar Crater, describing it as a 'gate to hell' and a deeply sobering experience. The informative panels effectively convey the tragic history, leaving many with a lump in their throat and a deep respect for the soldiers who perished. While the sheer size is mind-blowing, some note that photos don't do it justice.
"This looks like the gate to hell and at the time the young soldiers must of thought the same. The shear size of it is so unbelievable. All the information around it as you walk around definitely puts a lump in your throat. Can't wait to revisit it with my family. Rest in peace to all"
Matt Eversfield
"Stayed at an air bnb nearby and the owner was kind enough to give us a tour of the crater. Thank you for all the people who take care of the site, which is privately owned. It’s a historic site for the battle of the Somme. So many died here during WW1 in 1916. Many are buried here too."
lisa lockwood
"Literally mind blowing (!) to walk around the crater that exploded in the mid of the German trench line system on 1 July 1916. Nice info panels with small details I never heard of. Excellent view on the Becourt woods from where the tunneling originated and from where the British walked into devasting fire sent from the crater side once the Germans recovered from the blast. Never knew that the British reached and fought in the crater and that the crater still may contain missing soldiers. In the background you can see the goal of that day: Pozières Ridge which was never reached or seized that day. And you can see the little town Ovillers-la-Boisselle (20+ houses) which of course was already completley levelled on that day."
Rutger V
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Lochnagar Crater is located near La Boisselle in the Somme department of France. It's best accessed by car, with parking available nearby. Public transport options are limited, so renting a car or joining a guided tour is recommended for ease of access.
Yes, it's a well-known WWI site. Follow signs for La Boisselle and then look for directions to the crater. GPS coordinates can also be helpful.
Public transport to the immediate vicinity of the crater is very limited. It's advisable to arrange private transport or join a guided tour that includes this significant WWI landmark.
Many visitors combine a visit to the Lochnagar Crater with other WWI sites in the Somme region. Consider a guided tour for a comprehensive understanding of the historical context.
Yes, there are several charming villages in the Somme region offering accommodation, including Airbnbs and local hotels. Staying nearby allows for a more immersive experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Lochnagar Crater is an open-air memorial site and does not require an entrance fee. It is freely accessible to visitors.
As an outdoor site, the Lochnagar Crater is accessible at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and to fully appreciate the scale.
There is no admission fee to visit the Lochnagar Crater. It is a memorial site open to the public.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and the inability to fully appreciate the crater's scale and historical context without daylight.
Yes, it is a significant historical site. While privately owned, it is maintained as a memorial and is protected for its historical importance.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Lochnagar Crater is immense, measuring approximately 91 meters (300 feet) wide and 21 meters (69 feet) deep. Its scale is often described as breathtaking and hard to comprehend from photos alone.
It was created by a massive British mine explosion on July 1, 1916, during the Battle of the Somme. The explosion killed around 10,000 soldiers instantly and dramatically altered the landscape. +1
Expect a powerful and sobering experience. You'll see a vast crater and informative panels detailing the events of WWI. It's a place for reflection and understanding the immense human cost of war.
Typically, there are no dedicated visitor facilities directly at the crater itself. It's advisable to use facilities in nearby towns before your visit.
While educational, the subject matter is sensitive. Parents should consider their children's age and maturity when visiting, as the history is about immense loss of life.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities involve capturing the sheer scale of the crater. Including a person or an object for scale can help convey its immensity. The surrounding landscape also offers poignant views. +1
Drone usage is generally restricted at historical and memorial sites to maintain respect and prevent disturbance. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows that emphasize the crater's depth and contours. However, any time during daylight hours offers good visibility.
Walking around the rim provides various vantage points. The informative panels are also often situated at spots offering good views of the crater.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the expanse of the crater. A standard zoom lens will also be versatile for details and wider shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during less crowded times to allow for a more focused and less overwhelming experience. If possible, combine the visit with other, less somber historical sites in the region to provide a balanced perspective. The educational value is immense, but the emotional impact should be managed carefully for younger visitors.
🚶♂️ History Buffs & WWI Enthusiasts
Take your time to explore the informative panels that detail the intricate tunneling operations and the immediate aftermath of the explosion. Many visitors recommend reading up on the history beforehand to fully grasp the context and significance of what you're seeing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Lochnagar Mine Explosion: A Turning Point
This event was part of a larger strategy by the British to break through German defenses. The use of mines was a crucial tactic, but the scale of the Lochnagar explosion was unprecedented. It served as a stark and terrifying demonstration of the destructive power available during the war. Today, the crater stands as a powerful WWI memorial, a tangible reminder of the immense human cost and the brutal realities faced by soldiers.
Visitors often remark on how photographs and videos fail to convey the true magnitude of the crater. Walking its rim, reading the detailed information panels, and contemplating the events that transpired here offers a profound and somber experience. It's a place that encourages reflection on the sacrifices made and the devastating impact of warfare.
Visiting Lochnagar Crater: Practicalities and Etiquette
When you visit, remember that this is a place of remembrance. While it's a popular spot for WWI enthusiasts and tourists, maintaining a respectful demeanor is paramount. The crater is a burial site for many soldiers, and its solemn nature should be honored. Take your time to walk around the rim, read the informative panels that detail specific events and personal stories, and allow yourself moments for quiet reflection.
For photography, capturing the sheer scale of the biggest WWI crater can be challenging. Including a person or an object in your shots can help convey its immense size. The lighting can also play a role, with early morning or late afternoon sun casting dramatic shadows that highlight the crater's contours.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit