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Plateau of Bastogne

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Landmark
—°10
Plateau of Bastogne (Belgium)

Weather…

The Plateau of Bastogne is an extensive, rolling upland spreading across the heart of the Belgian Ardennes near the border with Luxembourg. With an average elevation of around 500 meters, this predominantly agricultural region is characterized by a more continental and noticeably cooler climate. The wide-open landscape is defined by a patchwork of green pastures used for cattle breeding, interspersed with small arable fields and deeply dark coniferous forests. The plateau gained worldwide and tragic notoriety during the harsh winter of 1944/1945 amidst the Battle of the Bulge. The town of Bastogne, situated at the center of the plateau, was heavily besieged by German forces and heroically defended by American paratroopers. Today, monumental memorials such as the Mardasson Memorial and countless museums serve as stark reminders of this freezing and decisive conflict. Moving beyond its wartime history, the quiet and expansive plateau now provides nature lovers and cycling tourists with a peaceful, open environment for recreation.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C01481216181713951
Rain mm847369527676768560727993

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Plateau of Bastogne is a vast upland area in the Ardennes, freely accessible at any time. It is an open landscape with no entry restrictions.
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Typical hours
As the plateau is a natural area, there are no opening hours. It can be visited during the day and at dusk, but is not lit at night.
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Photography
Photography is unrestricted outdoors everywhere. The wide views over the Ardennes and the agricultural fields are especially photogenic.
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Time needed
A simple drive-through or short stop lasts about 15-30 minutes. For a hike across the plateau, allow at least 2 hours.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with the Bastogne War Museum and the Mardasson Memorial. The town of Bastogne itself provides further historical sites from the Battle of the Bulge.
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Getting there
The plateau is easily accessible by car via the N4 and side roads. Parking is available along the roads or in Bastogne itself.
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Insider tip
Visit the plateau in clear weather for the best long-distance views. Bring binoculars to watch birds and the expansive landscape.

Geography

Coordinates
50.00200, 5.72200

Facts

  • Expansive, agriculturally utilized plateau located in the heart of the Ardennes
  • Average elevation of 500 meters results in a noticeably cooler microclimate
  • Landscape is heavily characterized by rolling pastures and dense coniferous forests
  • World-renowned focal point of the freezing Battle of the Bulge in 1944/45
  • Home to the imposing Mardasson Memorial dedicated to fallen US soldiers
  • The open, peaceful region is highly suited today for quiet cycling and hiking tours

Explore nearby

Notable places around

BastogneBastogne<1 km · WExplore →
Mardasson MemorialMardasson Memorial1 km · NEExplore →
Trëtterbaach ValleyTrëtterbaach Valley14 km · NEExplore →
Deux Ourthes Natural ParkDeux Ourthes Natural Park15 km · NExplore →
Wiltz Business ParkWiltz Business Park15 km · EExplore →
Trëtterbaach StreamTrëtterbaach Stream15 km · NEExplore →
Ardennes HighlandsArdennes Highlands16 km · WExplore →
Haute-Sûre Forêt d'Anlier Natural ParkHaute-Sûre Forêt d'Anlier Natural Park17 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Plateau of Bastogne (10)

ancien lavoir

Former washhouse in Bastogne, a historic building.

Porte de Trèves

Former city gate in Bastogne, Belgium, dating from medieval times.

♿

Église Saint-Pierre

Church in Bastogne, Belgium, dedicated to Saint Peter.

Le Zoo

Open-air display of animals made from scrap metal in Bastogne, wheelchair accessible.

Musée en Piconrue🏛 museum

Museum in Bastogne about regional folk traditions.

M4 Sherman tank

World War II tank on display in Bastogne.

La croix du séminaire

Cross monument in Bastogne, commemorating the seminary.

HQ of General Anthony Clement "Nuts" McAuliffe🏛 museum

Former headquarters of the US general in Bastogne, now a museum.

Musée 101st Airborn🏛 museum

Museum about the US 101st Airborne Division in Bastogne.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Bastogne Plateau located?
It is located in the High Ardennes near the border with Luxembourg.
What is this place historically known for?
It was the scene of the Battle of the Bulge in the winter of 1944/45.
What is the climate like on the plateau?
It is often harsh with cool summers and snowy winters.
What is the most famous monument?
The Mardasson Memorial, which commemorates American soldiers.
Are there museums in the town of Bastogne?
The Bastogne War Museum provides a deep insight into history.
Plateau of Bastogne: where is it located?
Plateau of Bastogne is located in Belgium.
Plateau of Bastogne: what is there to see?
Highlights include ancien lavoir, Porte de Trèves, Église Saint-Pierre.
Plateau of Bastogne: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Plateau of Bastogne: why is it worth visiting?
The Plateau of Bastogne is an extensive, rolling upland spreading across the heart of the Belgian Ardennes near the border with Luxembourg.
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Nearby cities

Charleroi — Plateau of Bastogne (Belgium)
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Charleroi is the economic hub of Wallonia and a major industrial city.
Liège — Plateau of Bastogne (Belgium)
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Namur — Plateau of Bastogne (Belgium)
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Hasselt is the capital of the Limburg province, known as the city of Jenever (gin).
Seraing — Plateau of Bastogne (Belgium)
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Seraing is an industrial city located just south of Liège on the Meuse River.
Verviers — Plateau of Bastogne (Belgium)
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Verviers is located in the Liège province and was once a global center for the wool industry.
Sint-Truiden — Plateau of Bastogne (Belgium)
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Sint-Truiden is located in the heart of the Haspengouw fruit-growing region.
Herstal — Plateau of Bastogne (Belgium)
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Herstal is an industrial city located just north of Liège.
Châtelet — Plateau of Bastogne (Belgium)
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Tienen — Plateau of Bastogne (Belgium)
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Tienen is located in Flemish Brabant and is known as Belgium's 'sugar city'.
Tongeren — Plateau of Bastogne (Belgium)
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Tongeren is considered the oldest city in Belgium and was a significant Roman center.
Bilzen — Plateau of Bastogne (Belgium)
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Bilzen is located in the Limburg province and is primarily known for Alden Biesen, one of the largest commanderies of the Teutonic Order …
Arlon — Plateau of Bastogne (Belgium)
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Arlon is the capital of the Luxembourg province and one of Belgium's oldest cities.
Andenne — Plateau of Bastogne (Belgium)
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Andenne is located in the Walloon province of Namur along the Meuse River.
Fleurus — Plateau of Bastogne (Belgium)
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Fleurus is located in the province of Hainaut.

History & landmarks

Rochefort — Plateau of Bastogne (Belgium)
Rochefort
A charming town in the Famenne region, known for its Trappist beer and historic castle ruins.
Durbuy — Plateau of Bastogne (Belgium)
Durbuy
A charming medieval town in the Ardennes, famously known as the smallest city in the world.
Chimay — Plateau of Bastogne (Belgium)
Chimay
Chimay is world-renowned for its Trappist beer, cheese, and the grand castle of the Princes of Chimay in southern Hainaut.