Download the Occupation Trail

The Island of Jersey today bears many scars from Germany’s five-year military occupation of the Channel Islands during World War II. Hitler demanded the Islands be turned into ‘impregnable fortresses’, resulting in the allocation of 20% of material from the Atlantikwall (Atlantic Wall) project, a line of massive defence works which stretched from the Baltic to the Spanish frontier. German forces and slave labourers constructed an inordinate amount of tunnels, concrete bunkers and fortifications - out of all proportion to the Islands’ strategic value. Their remains represent a remarkable window to a period almost unimaginable in the present day.

Jersey Occupation Trail 

The Occupation Trail was written by Christopher Somerville, a travel writer and author, and illustrated by Claire Littejohn.

Click on the map to download the Occupation Trail as a PDF (1.7 MB)

How to explore the trail

On Foot

Sections of the trail can be easily enjoyed on foot and can be tied in with a self-guided walk. A bus timetable can prove to be a valuable asset to walking in Jersey. 

By Car

Many of the sites are coastal and parking is convenient. Download the Trail above and pick up a Tourist map to give yourself the freedom to explore the sites at your leisure.

By Bus

Bus timetables are free from the Liberation Station terminus and from Jersey Tourism. Use the public bus network to choose your start and finish points and explore the sites inbetween, alternatively purchase an Explorer Ticket and visit all the sites on the Occupation Trail.