Strasbourg Cathedral: A View That Stretches Across Borders

Why You Should Visit Strasbourg Cathedral on a WWII Tour of Europe

Europe has no shortage of cathedrals. But Strasbourg has one of the best.

Towering nearly 500 feet, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg was once the tallest building in the world—for more than 200 years. Today, it still dominates the skyline and holds its own against any cathedral in Europe.

Up close, the stonework looks impossibly delicate. Inside, there’s a massive astronomical clock that performs a daily show at 12:30pm. Climb the viewing platform and you’ll get a clear view across the Rhine plain—all the way to the Black Forest in Germany.

It’s not just beautiful. It’s layered with history.

 

 

Strasbourg’s Role in WWII: Caught Between Two Fronts

Strasbourg doesn’t appear on the main Band of Brothers route—but it’s not far from the action.

In January 1945, just as Easy Company was pulling out of Bastogne, American troops were pushing into Alsace to stop the final German counteroffensive: Operation Nordwind. Strasbourg had already been liberated by Free French forces—but it nearly fell back into German hands.

• German troops launched a major assault just south of the city
• U.S. and French forces held the line and kept Strasbourg under Allied control
• The cathedral remained standing throughout the war

This wasn’t Easy Company’s fight—but it was happening at the same moment, just a few hours’ drive away.

 

 

What to See at Strasbourg Cathedral Today

The cathedral sits in the heart of the Old Town, just a 15-minute walk from the main train station. The square around it is always buzzing, but it never feels overwhelming.

Here’s what to look for:

• The façade: A towering wall of lace-like stonework. Bring your camera.
• The astronomical clock: Animated figures mark the passage of time—don’t miss the show at 12:30pm.
• The viewing platform: 300+ steps up, but worth every one for the panoramic views.

Plan to spend at least an hour here. Two if you want time to explore the square or grab a coffee nearby.

 

 

Planning Your WWII Route Through Alsace

If you're traveling from the Ardennes toward Bavaria—say, from Bastogne to Berchtesgaden—Strasbourg makes a perfect detour. It's not a battlefield, but it's part of the story.

From the viewing platform, you can look east into Germany. Turn around, and France is at your back. In that moment, you’re standing at the edge of two nations—and two histories.

 

 

Plan Your Band of Brothers Trip

The Band of Brothers Travel Guide has everything you need to follow Easy Company’s path across Europe, with recommended stops, tips, and nearby sights like Strasbourg that help bring the journey to life.

📘 Available now on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DW5C6GRY

🌍 Learn more and explore the route:
www.bergsandburgs.com

 

Photo credit: Thanks to James Skeffington and the photographers at Unsplash.