King Tiger Tank 213 in La Gleize – History, Battle of the Bulge & Visitor Guide
- Wandervogel123 Florian
- Sep 17, 2024
- 10 min read
Updated: Jul 28
The King Tiger Tank 213 in La Gleize, Belgium, is one of the most famous surviving Tiger II tanks from the Second World War and one of the top historical attractions in the Belgian Ardennes. Standing proudly in the center of the small village of La Gleize, this massive German heavy tank serves as a powerful reminder of the fierce fighting during the Battle of the Bulge (Ardennes Offensive) in the winter of 1944–1945.
Every year, thousands of history enthusiasts, military vehicle fans, and travelers visit the legendary King Tiger 213 to learn more about its remarkable history and its connection to Kampfgruppe Peiper. Whether you are interested in World War II history, planning a road trip through the Ardennes, or simply looking for one of Belgium's most unique landmarks, the King Tiger Tank in La Gleize is a must-see destination.
In this guide, you'll discover the fascinating story behind Tiger II 213, its role during the Battle of the Bulge, technical facts, visitor information, practical travel tips, and everything you need to know before visiting one of the best-preserved symbols of World War II in Belgium.
The King Tiger of La Gleize is a fascinating piece of German military history and a testament to the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. This heavy tank, number 213, belonged to the Waffen-SS Kampfgruppe Peiper and played a crucial role in the battles for the Belgian village of La Gleize.
Why is the King Tiger of La Gleize so special?
Symbol of German military might: The King Tiger was one of the heaviest and most powerful tanks of the war.
Link to the Battle of the Bulge: It played a significant role in one of the most dramatic and controversial campaigns of WWII.
Unique history: Its capture, use as target practice, and subsequent restoration make it a one-of-a-kind artifact.
A reminder of the war: The tank serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict.
A Visit to La Gleize
La Gleize itself bears the scars of war. The military museum, with the King Tiger 213 as its centerpiece, offers visitors a chance to explore the tank and learn about its history. Other relics and memorials throughout the village commemorate the events of the Battle of the Bulge.
Some pictures of the King Tiger:
Königstiger in La Gleize Königstiger in La Gleize Königstiger in La Gleize
The King Tiger tank in La Gleize: A Beast of the Ardennes
The Königstiger, or King Tiger, was one of the most formidable tanks of World War II. Stationed at La Gleize during the brutal Battle of the Bulge, this particular tank, number 213, was at the heart of some of the fiercest fighting of the conflict.
Part of Kampfgruppe Peiper: The King Tiger 213 was part of Kampfgruppe Peiper, one of the most elite units of the Waffen-SS. This unit was tasked with penetrating deep into Allied territory and destroying vital transportation hubs.
Deployment in La Gleize: On December 24, 1944, Kampfgruppe Peiper reached La Gleize. The King Tiger 213 was commanded by Obersturmführer Wilhelm Dollinger. Due to technical issues with his own tank, Dollinger took command of the 213.
Abandoned and destroyed: After heavy fighting and a failed attempt to blow up a bridge, the King Tiger 213 was abandoned by its crew and captured by American forces. The Americans subsequently used the tank for ammunition tests, which is evident today from the visible bullet holes in the armor.
Why is the King Tiger from La Gleize so interesting?
The King Tiger in La Gleize is so historically interesting and famous for several reasons, primarily due to its direct connection to the Ardennes Offensive in December 1944.
It is the tank with turret number 213 of Kampfgruppe Peiper, which was encircled in this Belgian village during the last major German counter-offensive. It is a rare and impressive testament to the dramatic failure of this operation, as it and many other vehicles had to be abandoned in La Gleize due to lack of fuel.
The most famous anecdote that makes this tank so special is that after the war, a village resident, Jenny Geenen-Dewez, acquired it from the American salvage crews in exchange for a bottle of cognac to save it from being scrapped. As a result, the tank was preserved and stands today as the central exhibit in front of the December 44 Museum in La Gleize, making it one of the most famous and historically significant King Tiger exhibits worldwide. It thus embodies not only the technical prowess but also the chaotic and unfortunate end of the offensive on the Western Front.
History of the Königstiger
The Königstiger (official designation: Panzerkampfwagen VI Ausf. B "Tiger II") was a heavy tank of the German Wehrmacht in World War II.
Here are the most important facts about its history:
Development: It was designed as the successor to the Tiger I, combining its heavy armour with the sloped armour of the Panther.
Production: Production by Henschel (chassis) and Krupp (turret) ran from early 1944 to March 1945. Only about 492 units were built.
Characteristics: It was one of the heaviest tanks built in series during the war (almost 70 tonnes) and featured extremely thick, heavily sloped armour (up to 150 mm on the front). Its main weapon was the powerful 8.8 cm KwK 43 L/71, which could destroy Allied tanks at very long distances.
Deployment: Its initial deployment took place in the summer of 1944 in Normandy. It was mainly used on the Western and Eastern Fronts in heavy tank battalions (schwere Panzer-Abteilungen), including in the Battle of the Bulge (Ardennes Offensive).
Weaknesses: Despite its superiority in firepower and armour, the Königstiger suffered from high fuel consumption (a major problem towards the end of the war) and mechanical issues due to its enormous weight, which led to breakdowns and the loss of many tanks due to abandonment.
Although it was a feared opponent on the battlefield, it arrived too late and in too small numbers to significantly influence the course of the war.
Conclusion – Is the King Tiger Tank 213 in La Gleize Worth Visiting?
Standing in front of the King Tiger Tank 213 in La Gleize is an unforgettable experience. Its sheer size and imposing appearance immediately give you an idea of the power these Tiger II tanks once represented during the Battle of the Bulge. At the same time, this massive vehicle tells a much deeper story—not of victory, but of the collapse of the German Ardennes Offensive in the winter of 1944.
For us, the King Tiger is much more than a military relic. It is a powerful reminder of how even the most advanced technology can be rendered useless by harsh terrain, fuel shortages, and the realities of war. Abandoned by Kampfgruppe Peiper during its retreat from La Gleize, the tank has remained here for more than 80 years as a silent witness to one of the fiercest battles fought on the Western Front during the Second World War.
One of the most fascinating aspects of its story is that King Tiger 213 narrowly escaped being scrapped after the war. Thanks to the determination of a local woman, who negotiated with American troops to preserve the vehicle, visitors can still see this remarkable piece of history at its original battlefield location today.
Whether you are passionate about World War II history, interested in military engineering, or simply exploring the beautiful Belgian Ardennes, the King Tiger Tank 213 in La Gleize is well worth a visit. Together with the nearby December 44 Historical Museum, it offers a unique opportunity to better understand the events of the Battle of the Bulge while remembering the enormous human cost of war. It is not only one of Belgium's most remarkable historical landmarks but also a place of remembrance that encourages every visitor to reflect on the importance of peace.
My King Tiger Video La Gleize:
More Tanks in the Ardennes
In the Ardennes, particularly in Belgium and Luxembourg, several German tanks and other vehicles from the time of the Battle of the Bulge (December 1944 – January 1945) are still on display.
The most famous German tank types that can be seen in museums or as monuments include:
Panther (Panzerkampfwagen V Ausf. G)
The Panther was the standard tank of the German Panzer divisions during the offensive:
Houffalize (Belgium): In the center of the town stands a Panther tank, recovered from the bottom of the Ourthe River, which serves as a memorial to the Battle of the Bulge, during which the town was heavily destroyed.
Other Vehicles and Artillery
Bastogne War Museum / Bastogne Barracks (Belgium): In the Bastogne region, various vehicles and artillery pieces are on display in museums and the surrounding areas, even if they are not always complete tanks that were directly destroyed during the offensive.
Manhay (Belgium): In a small square, you can see the restored remains of a PaK 40 (7.5 cm anti-tank gun) and another Panther tank, which were used near the crossroads.
Other Museums: Numerous smaller museums in towns such as Clervaux (Luxembourg), La Roche-en-Ardenne (Belgium), or Diekirch (Luxembourg) house collections of equipment, uniforms, and often smaller vehicles or tank parts from the offensive.
Most of the displayed tanks and vehicles that can be seen in the area were either abandoned by the Germans because they ran out of fuel or had mechanical defects, or they were damaged in combat. Today, they serve as poignant memorials to the last major German offensive in the West.
Here is another video of me from the Bastogne Barracks:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the King Tiger Tank 213
1. What is the King Tiger Tank 213?
The King Tiger Tank 213 is an original German Tiger II heavy tank from World War II. It is displayed in La Gleize, Belgium, where it was abandoned during the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944.
2. Where is the King Tiger Tank 213 located?
The tank is located in the village of La Gleize, near Stoumont in the Belgian Ardennes. It stands in front of the December 44 Historical Museum and can be visited year-round.
3. Why is the King Tiger Tank 213 famous?
It is one of the few surviving Tiger II tanks left at its original battlefield location. It also played a role in the famous Battle of the Bulge, making it an important historical landmark.
4. What does the number "213" mean?
The number 213 was the tactical identification number painted on the tank during the war. It identified the vehicle within its military unit.
5. Who commanded King Tiger 213?
The tank served with Kampfgruppe Peiper, one of the most well-known German armored battle groups during the Ardennes Offensive.
6. Why was the tank abandoned?
The tank was abandoned because German forces ran out of fuel and became surrounded by Allied troops. Without supplies, the crew had no choice but to leave the vehicle behind.
7. Was King Tiger 213 destroyed during the battle?
No. Although it suffered damage during the fighting, it was not completely destroyed. This is one reason why it still exists today.
8. Is the gun barrel original?
No. The original gun barrel was removed after the war. The barrel seen today is a replacement installed during the tank's restoration.
9. Can visitors enter the King Tiger Tank?
No. The interior of the tank is not open to the public. Visitors can only view and photograph it from the outside.
10. Is there an entrance fee?
The King Tiger Tank itself can be viewed free of charge. However, the nearby December 44 Historical Museum charges an admission fee.
11. What is the Tiger II?
The Tiger II, also known as the King Tiger or Königstiger, was Germany's heaviest production tank of World War II. It combined heavy armor with the powerful 8.8 cm KwK 43 gun.
12. How heavy was the King Tiger?
The King Tiger weighed approximately 70 tonnes (69.8 tons), making it one of the heaviest tanks ever used during World War II.
13. How many King Tiger tanks were built?
Around 490 Tiger II tanks were produced between 1944 and 1945.
14. Was the King Tiger the strongest tank of World War II?
The King Tiger was one of the most heavily armored and powerful tanks of the war. However, its size, weight, and high fuel consumption also made it difficult to operate effectively.
15. Why is the Battle of the Bulge important?
The Battle of the Bulge was Germany's last major offensive on the Western Front during World War II. It took place in the Ardennes between December 1944 and January 1945.
16. Why was La Gleize strategically important?
La Gleize became the final position of Kampfgruppe Peiper after the German advance stalled. The village played a key role in the outcome of the Battle of the Bulge.
17. How was the tank saved after the war?
A local woman successfully negotiated with American troops to prevent the tank from being scrapped. Thanks to her efforts, it remains preserved today.
18. Is the King Tiger Tank 213 an original vehicle?
Yes. It is an authentic World War II Tiger II tank that fought during the Battle of the Bulge.
19. How long does a visit take?
Most visitors spend between 20 and 45 minutes viewing the tank and taking photographs. A visit to the museum usually requires an additional one to two hours.
20. Is the King Tiger suitable for families?
Yes. Families interested in history and military technology often enjoy seeing the enormous tank. The museum also provides educational information about World War II.
21. Can you photograph the King Tiger Tank?
Yes. Photography is allowed, and the tank is one of the most photographed historical attractions in the Belgian Ardennes.
22. What else can you see near the King Tiger?
Nearby attractions include the December 44 Historical Museum, several Battle of the Bulge memorials, military cemeteries, and scenic routes through the Ardennes.
23. When is the best time to visit?
Spring, summer, and autumn offer pleasant weather for exploring the Ardennes. However, the King Tiger can be visited throughout the year.
24. Is the King Tiger Tank worth visiting?
Absolutely. It is one of the best-preserved Tiger II tanks in Europe and an important reminder of the Battle of the Bulge. It is a must-see for anyone interested in military history.
25. Why should you visit the King Tiger Tank 213 in La Gleize?
The King Tiger Tank 213 is much more than an impressive military vehicle. It is a powerful historical monument that tells the story of the Battle of the Bulge, the dramatic retreat of Kampfgruppe Peiper, and the human cost of World War II. Combined with the December 44 Historical Museum, it offers one of the most fascinating historical experiences in Belgium for history enthusiasts and travelers alike.
Comments