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Clervaux
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Landmark
Clervaux is tucked away in the narrow valley of the Clerve river in the heart of the Luxembourg Ardennes (Oesling). Its most prominent landmark is the 12th-century castle, which houses Edward Steichen's world-famous 'The Family of Man' photography collection, part of UNESCO's Memory of the World. The town is also a significant site for remembering the Battle of the Bulge. Visitors can explore the imposing Benedictine Abbey of St. Maurice, which towers over the valley. The Romanesque decanal church and the winding streets of the center invite visitors for long walks. The surrounding area provides hikers numerous well-marked trails through dense forests and over rolling hills. Culinary enthusiasts can enjoy regional specialties from the north of the country, including hearty ham dishes. Clervaux is easily accessible by train from Luxembourg City and provides a magical setting for culture lovers and nature enthusiasts at any time of year, especially in autumn.
- Location: Luxembourg
- Top sights: The Family of Man · Robbesscheier · Rochuskapell
- Nearby: Hachiville (9 km)
- Population: ~1.103 (2023)
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 town of Clervaux and the famous white castle can be visited. The interior of the castle houses the world-renowned photo exhibition.
Typical hours
The castle is typically open daily; exact hours vary by season. The photo exhibition follows standard museum opening times.
Photography
Photography is allowed in the castle and on the grounds. In the photo exhibition, flash is usually not permitted.
Time needed
Allow about 2-3 hours for visiting the castle and exhibition, plus extra time for a stroll through the town.
Combine with
Combine the visit with a hike in the Ardennes or a detour to the Clervaux Abbey.
Getting there
Clervaux is accessible by car via the N18, with parking near the castle. It is also reachable by bus from Luxembourg City.
Insider tip
Visit the "The Family of Man" photo exhibition - it is a UNESCO Memory of the World and an emotional highlight.
Geography
Facts
- 12th-century historic castle
- UNESCO Family of Man exhibition
- Benedictine Abbey of St. Maurice
- Battle of the Bulge Museum
- Located on the Clerve river
- Oesling region (Ardennes)
- Romanesque decanal church
- Key railway stop in the north
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 (8)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the 'Family of Man' exhibition?
A famous photography collection by Edward Steichen, part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
Where is the exhibition located?
It is permanently housed in Clervaux Castle.
What else can you see in Clervaux?
The Benedictine Abbey of St. Maurice and the historic parish church.
How to reach Clervaux?
Easily by train from Luxembourg City; the journey takes about one hour.
Are museums closed on Mondays?
Yes, the 'Family of Man' exhibition is typically closed on Mondays.
Clervaux: where is it located?
Clervaux is located in Luxembourg.
Clervaux: what is there to see?
Highlights include The Family of Man, Robbesscheier, Rochuskapell.
Clervaux: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Clervaux: why is it worth visiting?
Clervaux is tucked away in the narrow valley of the Clerve river in the heart of the Luxembourg Ardennes (Oesling).
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The white castle in Clervaux dates back to the 12th century and was almost entirely destroyed during the Battle of the Bulge in 1944.
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The Oesling Plateau in northern Luxembourg is part of the Ardennes.
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Hockslay is a prominent rock formation above Wiltz.
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The Clerve is a river in northern Luxembourg that flows through the town of Clervaux.
Woltz River
The Woltz is the upper course of the Clerve river in the north of the country.
Cornelysmillen Nature Reserve
This wetland in northern Luxembourg near Troisvierges is a paradise for rare birds and orchids.
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The Trëtterbaach is a near-natural stream in the far north of Luxembourg, flowing through secluded valleys of the Ardennes.
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The Conzefenn is one of Luxembourg's rare peat bogs, located at the northern border.
More places
Clervaux Abbey Ruins
The ruins near Clervaux recall a former monastic settlement.
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Our Nature Park
Our Nature Park stretches along the borders with Germany and Belgium in the Oesling region.
Woltz Valley
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Trëtterbaach Valley
The Trëtterbaach Valley is one of the most pristine valleys in the Luxembourgish Ardennes, featuring dense coniferous forests and clear s…