The Museum has 2 main themes: the Battle of the Bulge, with a focus on the events that took place during the Von Rudstedt offensive AND a museum of models of Luxembourg castles. A single entrance allows you to discover these two aspects of local history and national heritage.
The diversity of the castles and palaces of Luxembourg can be seen at a scale of 1:100 in an exceptional exhibition in the renovated rooms of Clervaux Castle. The models of castles and palaces tell the story of the Middle Ages and the development of the city. They explain the structure of a city in terms of its defence and trade strategy with detailed models. Information conveyed in audio and images complements the museum's illustrative concept. A fascinating world opens up for young and old: the Middle Ages and the 21st Century are in perfect harmony in this unique and unconventional exhibition.
The Ardennes Counteroffensive, also known as the Battle of the Bulge, was the last attempt by the Third Reich to defeat the Allied forces of the West in the winter of 1944-45. On 16 December, 1944, German troops under the command of General von Rundstedt attacked the weakly defended American line along the Sauer and Our rivers. The majority of the population of Ösling was evacuated, but there were nevertheless many victims among the civilian population. General Patton redeployed the Third Army from the Saar to Luxembourg. During intense fighting, he regained the north sector by sector.
The Museum of the Ardennes Counteroffensive commemorates this dark but decisive period of the last century. The Battle of the Bulge lasted almost two months. It was one of the largest and most confusing battles of the Second World War, and ultimately liberated Luxembourg from German occupation.
Opening times
*From Thursday to Tuesday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed on Wednesdays except public holidays.
*Closed on 25.12.
*Open on 24.12. and 31.12. until 4:30 PM only.
*Open on 01.01.
Prices
Full price €5
Concession €3
Context
On the morning of May 10, 1940, German troops crossed Luxembourg's borders. The occupation began with the aim of integrating the population into the Reich. The country came under direct German administration, and Clervaux was no exception.
State structures were dismantled, the use of French was banned, and Nazi propaganda commenced. The population was divided between resistance, passive compliance, forced enlistment, or submission.
This dark period ended first on September 10, 1944, with liberation by the American army. However, in December 1944, the Reich launched a final offensive, known as the "Von Rundstedt Offensive" or the "Battle of the Bulge".
Organized Tours
In this context, Tom Scholtes, in collaboration with the Tourist Center Clervaux and CEBA (Circle of Studies on the Battle of the Bulge), organizes private tours of the commune of Clervaux.
Available Tours:
Clervaux during the occupation and historical anecdotes: A walking tour of Clervaux that provides context on the German occupation and poignant stories. Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours.
Memorial sites in the Our valley by minivan: Tom Scholtes takes you from Clervaux to various memorial sites in the Our valley, including bunkers, "Fox Holes," and viewpoints of battlefields. Duration: 4 to 5 hours. Option to organize a meal. Maximum 8 people. Price for the minivan: €80.00.
Private tours tracing your ancestors: Tom Scholtes will research the personal history of an ancestor prior to your visit, leading to a tailored tour. These require advance planning and may incur additional costs for official documents.
Interested in a Tour?
Please contact us via email with all relevant information, group size, and preferred dates. We will then reach out to Mr. Scholtes.
Email:
Phone: +352 92 00 72