Musée de la Bataille des Ardennes🏛 museum
Museum in Clervaux commemorating the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.
🌐 clervaux.lu🕒 Aug 11-Apr 30 Sa-Su 10:00-18:00; May 01-Aug 10 Tu-Su 10:00-1
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Clervaux Castle
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castle
Clervaux Castle is a prominent 12th-century fortification standing on a rocky promontory overlooking the town of Clervaux in northern Luxembourg. Its foundations date back to the Romanesque period, and it underwent significant expansions under the Counts of Clervaux during the Gothic and Renaissance eras. In December 1944, the castle was almost entirely destroyed by fire and heavy artillery during the Battle of the Bulge, leaving behind only its charred exterior walls. Post-war reconstruction efforts carefully restored the landmark to its former architectural splendor, and it now functions as a major cultural hub for the region. It is most renowned for housing Edward Steichen’s legendary photographic exhibition, The Family of Man, which is part of the UNESCO Memory of the World register. Visitors can also explore a dedicated museum about the Ardennes counter-offensive and a collection of scale models of Luxembourgish fortresses.
- Location: Luxembourg
- Top sights: Musée de la Bataille des Ardennes · The Family of Man · Château de Clervaux
- Nearby: Hachiville (9 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 0 | 1 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 18 | 17 | 14 | 9 | 5 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 75 | 64 | 63 | 49 | 75 | 75 | 74 | 81 | 59 | 67 | 72 | 84 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The castle is open to visitors - both the exterior and the interior are accessible. Parts of the building house exhibitions on Luxembourg's history and the Battle of the Bulge.
Typical hours
Typically open daily from April to October, with reduced hours during the winter months. It is advisable to check current opening times on the municipality's website in advance.
Photography
Photography inside is usually allowed without flash, though special exhibitions may have restrictions. Outdoor shots are always permitted and offer great subjects, especially at sunrise.
Time needed
Allow about one and a half to two hours for a thorough tour of the castle and its exhibitions. If you only view the exterior, 30 to 45 minutes should suffice.
Combine with
Combine your visit with the nearby Benedictine monastery and the town park of Clervaux. Hiking trails along the Our River also make an excellent addition to a castle trip.
Getting there
Clervaux is well connected by train from Luxembourg City - the station is a ten-minute walk from the castle. By car, follow the N7; parking is available in town and directly at the castle.
Insider tip
Visit the castle in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the tranquility of the grounds. Look for the model of the castle in the inner courtyard - it shows its pre-war state.
Geography
Facts
- The first mention of the Lords of Clervaux dates back to the year 1129.
- The castle was set on fire on December 17, 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge.
- The Family of Man exhibition consists of 503 photographs by 273 artists.
- Edward Steichen donated his famous collection to Luxembourg in 1964.
- UNESCO added the exhibition to the Memory of the World register in 2003.
- The Luxembourgish state purchased the castle in the 1970s to complete its restoration.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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 Clervaux Castle (10)
Museum der Modelle der Schlösser und Burgen Luxemburgs🏛 museum
Museum displaying miniature models of Luxembourg's castles and fortresses.
Villa Berlaymont🏰 castle
Castle-like building in Clervaux, surrounded by a park.
Abbey of St. Maurice and St. Maurus of Clervaux
Benedictine abbey in Clervaux.
Rochuskapell
Church building in Luxembourg, dedicated to Saint Roch.
Loretto Kapell
Chapel in Luxembourg, named after the pilgrimage site of Loreto in Italy.
Hall polyvalent
Multi-purpose hall in Clervaux for cultural and sports events.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What can you see in Clervaux Castle?
It houses the world-famous 'The Family of Man' photography exhibition by Edward Steichen.
Are there other museums in the castle?
Yes, a museum of castle models and the Museum of the Battle of the Bulge.
When is 'The Family of Man' exhibition open?
Usually from Wednesday to Sunday, 12:00 to 18:00; closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
How is the train connection to Clervaux?
Clervaux is directly accessible by train from Luxembourg City in about one hour.
Is the castle family-friendly?
Yes, especially the castle models and the tank in the courtyard fascinate young visitors.
Clervaux Castle: where is it located?
Clervaux Castle is located in Luxembourg.
Clervaux Castle: what is there to see?
Highlights include Musée de la Bataille des Ardennes, The Family of Man, Château de Clervaux.
Clervaux Castle: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Clervaux Castle: why is it worth visiting?
Clervaux Castle is a prominent 12th-century fortification standing on a rocky promontory overlooking the town of Clervaux in northern Luxembourg.
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