Museum der Modelle der Schlösser und Burgen Luxemburgs🏛 museum
Museum in Clervaux, displays models of Luxembourgish castles.
🌐 clervaux.lu🕒 Aug 11-Apr 30 Sa-Su 10:00-18:00; May 01-Aug 10 Tu-Su 10:00-1
Plizio Visual Lab
Clerve River
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
River
The Clerve (Woltz) is a characteristic river of the Luxembourgish Oesling and a major tributary of the Wiltz. It originates in the north near the Belgian border and meanders through a deeply incised valley dominated by Paleozoic slate rock. The river section near the town of Clervaux (Clerf) is particularly famous, where the river forms a prominent loop around the rocky outcrop housing Clervaux Castle and the abbey. Ecologically, the Clerve provides valuable habitats for trout and aquatic insect larvae, with water quality continuously improved through modern treatment systems. The valley's history is closely linked to the tanning industry and hydraulic power use, evidenced by old mill sites. Today, the Clerve is a popular destination for anglers and hikers who appreciate the untouched nature and cultural sights along its course.
- Location: Luxembourg
- Top sights: Museum der Modelle der Schlösser und Burgen Luxemburgs · Château de Clervaux · The Family of Man
- 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
Getting there
The river is highly accessible from the town of Clervaux and other northern settlements it flows through. Trails frequently trace the water's edge and the surrounding steep valley.
Best season
Autumn transforms the dense forests of the valley into a spectacular visual display. Summer provides deep, cooling shade along the riverbanks, good for strenuous walks.
Terrain & paths
The landscape is characterized by a stark contrast between relatively flat riverside paths and demanding, steep forested ascents. Navigating the valley sides requires good stamina.
What to bring
Proper hiking boots are essential if you plan to tackle the steep, forested valley walls. Carrying a detailed map is wise due to the varied and sometimes challenging terrain.
Parking
Clervaux gives multiple public parking lots that serve as excellent base camps for exploring the river. Some smaller, informal spots exist along the roads following the valley.
Safety
Exercise caution on the steep forest trails, particularly after rainfall when leaves and roots become slippery. Keep a safe distance from the river during periods of high water flow.
Time needed
Exploring the town, river, and surrounding steep trails easily fills three to five hours. Many visitors choose to make a full weekend out of the diverse Clervaux region.
Geography
Facts
- The total length of the Clerve is approximately 48 kilometers.
- The river originates near Huldingen at an altitude of about 530 meters.
- In its upper course, the river is often referred to as 'Woltz'.
- The Clerve flows into the Wiltz River at Kautenbach.
- Historically, the river powered numerous leather tanneries in Clervaux.
- The Clerve valley is part of the geologically significant Ardennes formation.
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 Clerve River (10)
Musée de la Bataille des Ardennes🏛 museum
Museum in Clervaux, focuses on the Battle of the Bulge.
Saints-Côme-et-Damien
Church building in Clervaux, Luxembourg, dedicated to Saints Cosmas and Damian.
Rochuskapell
Church building in Luxembourg, dedicated to Saint Roch.
Abbey of St. Maurice and St. Maurus of Clervaux
Abbey in Clervaux, Benedictine monastery.
Loretto Kapell
Chapel in Luxembourg, dedicated to Our Lady of Loreto.
Hall polyvalent
Multi-purpose hall in Clervaux, venue for events and culture.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Through which region does the Clerf flow?
It flows through northern Luxembourg, the Ösling region.
Is Clervaux located on this river?
Yes, the town of Clervaux is situated in a prominent loop of the river.
Can you cycle along the Clerf?
There are cycling paths that partly run parallel to the river.
Are there campsites?
Yes, near Clervaux and Wilwerwiltz there are campsites by the water.
Is the river deep?
It is mostly shallow but varies depending on rainfall.
Clerve River: where is it located?
Clerve River is located in Luxembourg.
Clerve River: what is there to see?
Highlights include Museum der Modelle der Schlösser und Burgen Luxemburgs, Château de Clervaux, The Family of Man.
Clerve River: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Clerve River: why is it worth visiting?
The Clerve (Woltz) is a characteristic river of the Luxembourgish Oesling and a major tributary of the Wiltz.
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A picturesque town in the valley of the White Ernz, dominated by the imposing ruins of a medieval castle.
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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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The Woltz is the upper course of the Clerve river in the north of the country.
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This wetland in northern Luxembourg near Troisvierges is a paradise for rare birds and orchids.
Trëtterbaach Stream
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Two man-made lakes in the far north of Luxembourg, serving as a leisure and water sports center.
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More places
Clervaux Abbey Ruins
The ruins near Clervaux recall a former monastic settlement.
Lentzweiler Industrial Zone
The Lentzweiler industrial zone near Clervaux is an important northern site for automotive suppliers and logistics companies.
Woltz Valley
The Woltz Valley in the far north is characterized by a harsh climate and wide, open meadow landscapes on the Oesling plateau.
Our Nature Park
Our Nature Park stretches along the borders with Germany and Belgium in the Oesling region.
Trëtterbaach Valley
The Trëtterbaach Valley is one of the most pristine valleys in the Luxembourgish Ardennes, featuring dense coniferous forests and clear s…