The Ardennes

The Ardennes, where nature is dedicated to outdoor enthusiasts, stretches between France, Belgium and Luxembourg and was a strategic territory in both World War I and World War II. The Ardennes covers as much as three-quarters of Luxembourg’s territory, with forests, valleys and the large Haute-Sûre reservoir. The area has two nature reserves: the Haute-Sûre nature park and the Our nature reserve. Put on your comfortable shoes and get ready to explore the nature and history of the Ardennes.

Wartime memories in the Ardennes

The Ardennes was the site of three major battles during the two world wars: the Battle of the Ardennes (1914 between the French and German armies), the Battle of France (1940 the invasion of France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg by Germany) and the Ardennes Offensive (1944 the last German offensive involving a month of fighting that ended in victory for the Allies). There are two main sites to learn more about these World War II events, the National Museum of Military History in Diekirch and the General Patton Museum in Ettelbruck. There are also many more sites in the countryside with memorials, which can be visited along a scenic car route. From Ettelbruck go north-west via the picturesque Esch-sur-Sûre, then follow the secondary roads through the hills towards Wiltz. Stop and look at the old city from the top of the ridge, next to an American tank: the only one to survive the failed defence of the city during the lightning-fast German counter-attack at the end of 1944 and was only saved because it became accidently trapped in a slurry pit. The Château de Wiltz, now a multifunctional venue, has a small World War II museum, a microbrewery and a wonderful period bar that is part of a beer museum. The Wiltz Festival lasts three weeks between June and July and takes place in an amphitheatre in the castle park. 

Clervaux

A stunning stretch of road through wooded hills and riverside meadows takes you to a spectacular viewpoint over Clervaux, next to a piece of World War II artillery. From here, there is a unique view of the two large churches framing the imposing white Château de Clervaux, rebuilt after being destroyed during the war. Clervaux, a delightful town in the Luxembourg Ardennes, nestles in the Our nature reserve and is where history, art and spirituality are harmoniously intertwined. Its castle, dating back to the 12th century and rebuilt in the 17th, hosts the famous photographic exhibition The Family of Man, curated by Edward Steichen. This extraordinary collection of images, from renowned photographers such as Cartier-Bresson and Doisneau, is an iconic celebration of humanity and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The castle also houses the Museum of the Battle of the Ardennes, with exhibits and eye-witness accounts from the conflict, and a collection of models of the Luxembourg castles. At the entrance, a Sherman tank and a German cannon recall the hard-fought battle of 1944. Next to the elegant Koener Hotel, the statue of an American soldier seems to embody the calm before the storm, recalling the times when Clervaux was a safe post for the US army. Another of the town’s treasures is the Benedictine abbey built in 1910 in a Romanesque-Renaissance style. The monks who live there are famous for their Gregorian chant, which resounds within the ancient walls, adding a touch of mystical serenity to the atmosphere of the place.

Vianden

Vianden is a medieval jewel nestled in the green of the Luxembourg Ardennes. Its castle dominates the landscape. It was built between the 11th and 14th centuries on a late-Roman fort and is one of the most fascinating examples of Romanesque and Gothic architecture in Europe. Stroll through the Byzantine Gallery and the Upper Chapel to discover its carefully restored rooms and frescoes in incredible colours. From the ramparts, enjoy the view over the city and the River Our, before boarding the chairlift for a breathtaking panorama of the entire Our Valley. The village still retains its medieval charm with period walls and towers, and has a history intertwined with Victor Hugo, who wrote and designed here during his exile. You can visit the house-museum dedicated to him and then relax on the banks of the river or enjoy a meal at the Ancien Cinéma, a cinema-themed restaurant.

Esch-sur-Sûre

Esch-sur-Sûre in the Luxembourg Ardennes is surrounded by the Haute Sûre nature park. The Sûre River has carved out a spectacular landscape with deep gorges and steep cliffs. A dam was built here in 1961, creating a 380-hectare lake, perfect for water sports, fishing and hiking. The village of Esch-sur-Sûre is dominated by the ruins of the 9th-century castle that once protected the territory with a 450-metre-long defensive wall (at night it is lit for a fairy-tale atmosphere). Don’t miss the Wool Museum, housed in a former factory, learn about the ancient art of weaving and local history. The surrounding area offers 90 km of marked hiking and mountain bike trails, as well as a horseback riding circuit. Everywhere here nature and history are uniquely intertwined.