Equestrian sport and the war front - the Aachen border region as a theater of war in 1944

In September and October 1944, the Grenzwald forest west of Aachen became a battleground of World War II. The so-called Westwall defensive line ran through the forest, and German and American troops dug in here for cover. To this day, visible traces of massive defensive fortifications can be found, as well as hastily dug trenches and foxholes. Author and journalist Alexander Barth takes a look at these sites in connection with the 2026 World Equestrian Games in Aachen, following the 1939 CHIO —which was the world’s largest equestrian event at the time and also a key propaganda tool of the Nazi regime, held in Aachen just a few days before the start of World War II.

The tour will be conducted in English. Registration through vhs Aachen: Volkshochschule Aachen: From Equestrian Sport to the Frontline – The Aachen Border Region as a Theater o 

Please bring: sturdy shoes and, if necessary, weatherproof clothing.