WWII Battlefields & Castle + Abbey
A private history tour tracing the Battle of the Bulge, General Patton’s footsteps, memorial sites and northern Luxembourg’s wartime landscape.
- WWII
- Memorials
- Clervaux
Clervaux Castle
Grand Castle in Clervaux, Luxembourg
French: Château de ClervauxGerman: Schloss ClerfLuxembourgish: Schlass Klierf
- Type
- Grand Castle
- Location
- Clervaux
- Built
- 1126
- Entry
- €6
- Visit time
- 1.5 h
- Access
- Open to visitors
Open to visitorsFamily friendlyWheelchair notedParkingCafé on site7 photos
About Clervaux Castle
Clervaux Castle is perched on the slopes of a rocky promontory above the city. Its origins date back to the 12th century, but it was built in successive stages. The oldest part, the west wing with the manor house, probably dates back to an initiative of Count Gerhard of Sponheim, the Count of Vianden’s brother.
After its entire destruction on December 17th 1944 during the Battle of the Bulge in the Second World War, the government of Luxembourg acquired the castle and restored it completely.
Since the 1970s, the castle has been home to various institutions, including several museums and exhibitions worth seeing:
The Museum of the Battle of the Bulge opened its doors in 1974, the west wing of the castle houses the Museum of models of the Castles and Palaces of Luxembourg, and in the east wing you can visit the worldwide famous photo exhibition "The Family of Man", UNESCO World Heritage Site.
History
The oldest parts of the castle, dating back to the 12th century, were built by Gerard, Count of Sponheim, the brother of the Count of Vianden. The large palace and rounded towers likely emerged around 1400, during the prosperous era of the Lords of Brandenbourg.
In 1634, Claude of Lannoy added reception halls, including the grand Knights’ Hall, designed in the Spanish style of Flanders. By 1660, stables, storerooms, and administrative buildings were constructed, with additional stables built in the 18th century.
Like many Luxembourgish castles, Clervaux gradually fell into disrepair. It was partially restored and even served as a hotel before being destroyed during the Battle of Clervaux (December 16–18, 1944), a key event in the Battle of the Bulge.
Visiting & Practical Information
Opening hours
| Monday | 08:00-11:30 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 08:00-11:30, 14:00-16:30 |
| Wednesday | 08:00-11:30, 14:00-19:00 |
| Thursday | 08:00-11:30, 14:00-16:30 |
| Friday | 08:00-11:30, 14:00-16:30 |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Open months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec.
Good to know
- Entry: €6
- Typical visit: 1.5 h
- Accessibility: Fully accessible for people with mobility issues
- Note: Battle of the Bulge & Family of Man museums.
- Events: Check website for upcoming events
- Address: Mnt du Château, 9710 Clervaux, Luxembourg
- Official site: www.visit-clervaux.lu
Clervaux Castle in Photos
Private Tours Visiting Clervaux Castle
See Clervaux Castle with a private local guide, hotel pickup from Luxembourg City and a route paced around you.
