Clervaux

🎭 Activities

Visit the Clervaux Castle – March: The historic Clervaux Castle is a must-see, with its rich medieval history and stunning architecture. The castle also houses the Family of Man exhibition, a world-renowned photography collection. 

Explore the Our Nature Park – April: The Our Nature Park, which spans the region around Clervaux, offers a variety of hiking and biking trails. You can explore forests, rivers, and valleys, perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. 

Tour the Battle of the Bulge Memorial – May: Pay your respects at the Battle of the Bulge Memorial in Clervaux. The town played a pivotal role in World War II, and the memorial offers insight into its historical significance during the Battle of the Bulge. 

Visit the Clervaux Abbey – June: The Abbey of Clervaux is a beautiful example of the region’s religious heritage. Visitors can tour the abbey, enjoy the peaceful grounds, and experience the tranquility of this historic place. 

Explore the Luxembourg American Military Cemetery Memorial – July: Located near Clervaux, this cemetery honors the American soldiers who fought during the Battle of the Bulge. It is a somber yet beautiful place to reflect on Luxembourg’s role in WWII. 

Clervaux Photographic Exhibition – September: The Family of Man photographic exhibition, located in Clervaux Castle, is one of the most famous photography collections in the world. It explores themes of human emotion, diversity, and unity through stunning images. 

Visit the Toy Museum – October: The Toy Museum in Clervaux showcases a vast collection of antique and modern toys from around the world. It’s a fun activity for families, with displays of everything from dolls to miniature cars. 

Take a Scenic Drive through the Ardennes – April: The surrounding Ardennes forests offer some of the most scenic drives in Luxembourg. Enjoy breathtaking views of rolling hills, deep valleys, and picturesque villages. 

Clervaux Market Day – August: Visit Clervaux’s vibrant market, where you can find local produce, crafts, and specialty foods. It’s a wonderful way to experience the local culture and meet the friendly residents. 

Hike to the Clervaux Panorama Viewpoint – June: For panoramic views of Clervaux and the surrounding valleys, hike up to the Clervaux Panorama Viewpoint. The hike is moderate and rewards visitors with breathtaking vistas of the town and its surrounding countryside. 

Discover the Medieval Town Center – May: The medieval town center of Clervaux is filled with charming streets, traditional Luxembourgish buildings, and beautiful squares. Walking through it feels like stepping back in time to the Middle Ages. 

Go Horseback Riding in the Clervaux Region – September: Enjoy horseback riding through the lush forests and hills around Clervaux. The region offers several horseback riding routes, allowing you to explore the countryside from a different perspective. 

🔹 Small Facts

Clervaux Castle’s Role in Luxembourg’s History: Clervaux Castle has stood since the 12th century and has served as a fortress, residence, and military stronghold throughout the years. It was severely damaged during World War II but was later restored and now houses the prestigious Family of Man photographic exhibition. 

The Family of Man Photography Collection: The Family of Man exhibition, curated by Edward Steichen, is one of the most significant photography collections in the world. It was originally shown at the Museum of Modern Art in New York before being permanently housed in Clervaux Castle. 

Clervaux’s Role in the Battle of the Bulge: During World War II, Clervaux was a strategic location during the Battle of the Bulge, one of the largest and bloodiest battles fought by the Allies. Today, Clervaux honors this history with monuments and the Luxembourg American Military Cemetery. 

The Abbey of Clervaux’s History: Founded in the early 20th century, the Abbey of Clervaux is home to the Benedictine monks. The monks play an active role in the local community and have been preserving their religious traditions for generations. 

Our Nature Park’s Biodiversity: Our Nature Park, which surrounds Clervaux, is home to a wide range of wildlife, including deer, wild boars, and many bird species. The park’s natural beauty makes it a popular destination for hikers and wildlife enthusiasts. 

Clervaux’s Medieval Old Town: Clervaux is one of the most charming medieval towns in Luxembourg, with narrow cobbled streets, medieval houses, and picturesque town squares. The town’s historical charm is evident in every corner, offering a window into the past. 

Clervaux’s Importance in Wine Culture: Clervaux is part of the Moselle wine-growing region, which is known for producing some of Luxembourg’s best wines. Local wineries produce a variety of high-quality wines, including Riesling and Pinot Gris, which are enjoyed across the country and beyond. 

The Clervaux Toy Museum’s Collection: The Toy Museum in Clervaux is home to an extensive collection of toys from various periods. It features toys from the early 20th century to the present day, including dolls, action figures, and vintage cars. 

Clervaux’s UNESCO Recognition: The Family of Man exhibition, housed in Clervaux Castle, is a UNESCO Memory of the World Heritage. This recognition highlights the exhibition’s cultural and historical significance on a global scale. 

The Clervaux Panorama Viewpoint: The Clervaux Panorama Viewpoint offers one of the most breathtaking views of the town and surrounding valley. Located on a hilltop, it provides a bird’s-eye view of the medieval architecture and the lush forests of the Ardennes. 

Clervaux’s Role in World War II History: The Battle of the Bulge, which took place during the winter of 1944-1945, had a significant impact on Clervaux. The town was occupied by German forces, and many of its buildings were destroyed, but the town later rebuilt itself and honored those who fought for its liberation. 

Clervaux’s Annual Christmas Market: Clervaux hosts a wonderful Christmas market during the holiday season, where visitors can enjoy mulled wine, Luxembourgish delicacies, and local crafts. The market is set in the picturesque town center and adds to the festive spirit of the season. 

The Role of the Clervaux Abbey in the Community: The Clervaux Abbey is not only a place of worship but also a center for cultural events and retreats. It has become a local hub for spiritual reflection and a place where visitors can learn about monastic life. 

Hiking Routes Around Clervaux: Clervaux offers numerous hiking routes that wind through the Ardennes hills and the Our Nature Park. These trails vary in difficulty and offer spectacular views of the lush forests, valleys, and wildlife. 

Clervaux’s Impact on Luxembourg’s Cultural Scene: Clervaux has played an important role in Luxembourg’s cultural development, particularly through the Family of Man exhibition. The town has attracted photographers, artists, and historians from around the world, and it continues to be a hub for cultural events.