Adventures at the French-German Border: The Westwall (August 2026)

 

Today I’m out and about along the Westwall in the Southern Palatinate. Having spent many years delving deeply into the (futility of the) Maginot Line, today’s agenda focuses on the futility of the Westwall (viewed within the context of the general futility of war). Structures #645 and #646 lie here in the Palatinate Forest, reduced to rubble by explosives; yet, even though the war ended over 80 years ago, one can still make out the trenches winding through the undergrowth. Just a few minutes’ drive away—right by the French border — stretches a line of "dragon's teeth" anti-tank obstacles, accompanied by a multi-tiered tank barrier spanning a stream. It was during World War II that the "GroeFAZ“ - greatest military commander of all time - (and I don't mean Trump) ordered the

construction of the useless Westwall. In doing so — much like with the Maginot Line just a few kilometers away— he squandered vast amounts of resources, human labour, materials, and money, burying them all in the ground. As is often the case when I am taking pictures of such places, I am overwhelmed by their presence and dominance—but also by the ultimate fate of these tragic installations. Blown up. Ignored. Overgrown. Nature reclaiming the space and swallowing up these foreign objects. And then, fortunately, I am always struck by how much I love being here and on the French side of the border. I realise how much I need and cherish the ability to simply drive across the border to visit friends in France. Not to a "Erbfeind" (hereditary enemy) in the west, but to friends. Whenever I become aware of this fragile good fortune, 

 

I am glad to be living in times where such happines is possible. I am also glad that this holds

true for my friends in Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and —especially — Poland and the other EU countries. Beyond the happiness itself, it gives me an incredible sense of freedom. (Pictures taken between Wörth (Germany) and Lauterbourg (France), August 15th, 2026)