Lochnagar mine, Nature reserve and war crater in Ovillers-la-Boisselle, France.
The circular depression extends 91 meters in diameter and descends 21 meters deep into the earth, resulting from wartime underground explosions.
British forces detonated 30 tons of explosives beneath German positions on July 1, 1916, marking the start of the Battle of the Somme.
Annual ceremonies take place at the crater at 7:28 AM on July 1st to commemorate the soldiers who participated in the Battle of the Somme.
The site remains open throughout the year with free access, allowing visitors to walk around the complete perimeter of the crater.
This crater stands as the largest military mining explosion site from World War I that remains accessible to the public in France.
Location: Ovillers-la-Boisselle
Part of: Battle of the Somme
Address: Rte de la Grande Mine, 80300 Ovillers-la-Boisselle, France 80300 Ovillers-la-Boisselle
Opening Hours: Sunday 10:15-00:00
Website: http://lochnagarcrater.org
GPS coordinates: 50.01560,2.69736
Latest update: March 3, 2025 10:52
The French memorial sites and museums of World War I bear witness to the events of 1914-1918. The monuments, military cemeteries, forts, underground quarries, and interpretation centers present major battles like Verdun and the Somme. These places preserve the remnants of the battles and document the history of French and allied soldiers through objects, photographs, and period documents.
Thiepval Memorial
4 km
Mametz Wood Memorial
4.2 km
Capture of Schwaben Redoubt
4.5 km
Basilique Notre-Dame de Brebières
3.8 km
Ulster Tower
5.2 km
Pozieres Memorial
2.4 km
Musée Somme 1916 of Albert
3.7 km
Fricourt German war cemetery
1.8 km
Somme 1916 Museum
3.7 km
Jardin public d'Albert
3.5 km
Étangs du Vélodrome
3.5 km
Hôtel de ville d'Albert
3.5 km
Mill Road Cemetery
5.2 km
Mémorial de la tour d'Ulster
5.2 km
Authuile Military Cemetery
3.6 km
The Windmill
4.3 km
Ovillers Military Cemetery
1.5 km
Thiepval Anglo-French Cemetery
4 km
Authuille Church
3.6 km
Église Saint-Léger de Contalmaison
2.4 km
Église Saint-Vaast de Bécordel-Bécourt
3 km
Église de la nativité de la Sainte Vierge de Bazentin
4.9 km
Église Sainte-Faire ou Saint-Fare d'Aveluy
2.7 km
Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Fricourt
2.3 km
Église Saint-Pierre de la Boisselle
586 m
Jardin public
4 km
18th Division Memorial
4.2 km
Dorset Great War Memorial
3 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes