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15 Best Things to Do in Bastogne (Belgium)

This Walloon municipality in Belgian Luxembourg is on a ridge in the Ardennes at 500 metres above sea level.

Bastogne is at a strategic putting it in the path of the Battle of the Bulge in the winter of 1944-45. The Siege of Bastogne of December 1944 was a bloody engagement in a brutal couple of months, during Germany’s final attempt to break the advancing Allied lines.

The events around Bastogne in December 1944 have been made even more famous by HBO’s miniseries Band of Brothers (2001). In Bastogne you can track the movement of the 101st Airborne Division at historical sites and museums, pausing at monuments like the Mardasson Memorial and the Bois de la Paix.

1. Bastogne War Museum

A definitive account of the Battle of the Bulge is given at the Bastogne War Museum on the grounds of the Mardasson Memorial (1950). Like the memorial, this museum, which opened in 2014 on the site of the forerunning Bastogne Historical Centre, is in the shape of a five-pointed American star.

The War Museum is a multilingual attraction, in French, Dutch, English and German, and presents an enthralling 30-minute film about the Ardennes Offensive in the winter of 1944-45. On your way through the gripping, multisensory galleries you’ll be led by four characters, an American soldier, a German soldier, a Bastogne schoolteacher and a local boy to understand the causes, course and consequences of the conflict from all angles.

2. Bastogne Barracks

In 2010, following a restoration project, this valuable piece of history from the Siege of Bastogne, became a WW2 interpretation centre.

These are the barracks which held the Allied headquarters during the Ardennes Offensive, set up by General McAuliffe in December 1944. There’s a small battalion of military vehicles to pore over, partly belonging to Belgium’s Royal Museum of the Armed Forces.

These Tigers, Shermans, jeeps and tankettes are kept in good condition at the Vehicle Restoration Center.

The undoubted highlight of the museum is the office from which, on 22 December 1944, McAuliffe gave the single-word response of “Nuts!” to the German commander’s demand of surrender.

At this point German forces had encircled Bastogne and it would be another five days before the American forces were relieved by General George Patton’s Third Army.

3. 101st Airborne Museum

Housed in Bastogne’s stately Chasseurs Ardennais officers’ mess from 1936, the 101st Airborne Museum goes into depth on the Siege of Bastogne from the perspective of the units that took part in the Battle of the Bulge.

This building was employed by the Wehrmacht during the fighting and became a temporary hospital after the war.

Across four floors the museum is flush with immersive displays and genuine artefacts including weapons, equipment, uniforms, documents, photographs and civilian objects from the time.

In the basement you can feel what it might have been like to experience the bloody winter of 1944-45 as a resident of Bastogne in a bomb shelter.

4. Mardasson Memorial

In the same ensemble as the Bastogne War Museum is the Mardasson Memorial, commemorating the American soldiers wounded or killed during the Battle of the Bulge.

Unveiled in 1950 this is an imposing structure designed by Liège architect Georges Dedoyard.

In the shape of a five-pointed American star it rises to a height of 12 metres, with points 31 metres long and a central atrium 20 metres in diameter.

The insignia of the participating battalions are shown on the walls, representing the 76,890 killed and wounded in the battle.

Lining the inside of the memorial are ten panels recounting the story of the Battle of the Bulge, and in the crypt are three altars one each for Catholic, Jewish and Protestant services, carved and decorated with mosaics by Fernand Léger.

A spiral stairway lifts you to the roof of the monument to look over the Ardennes countryside, and study maps that explain the course of the battle in each direction.

5. Bois de la Paix

On the way from the Mardasson Memorial to the village of Bizory you’ll come to Bois de la Paix.

Here, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge 4,000 trees were planted in the pattern of the UNICEF logo, depicting a mother and child.

These birches, service trees, oaks and beeches were planted in tribute to the American veterans, Belgian combatants and all of the civilians and military personnel killed in the fighting.

At the centre of the wood, cities famously caught up in war are honoured with a panel and three trees.

These include the likes of Verdun, Warsaw, Volgograd and Coventry.

The American veterans who returned to Bastogne in 1994 were each invited to pick an individual tree, now permanently labelled with their names.

6. Le Piconrue – Musée de la Grande Ardenne

For some context about the culture of the Ardennes and Belgian Luxembourg, there’s a museum in a 17th-century former Recollects convent.

Le Piconrue’s collection numbers almost 70,000 pieces, covering religious art, ethnology, legends and popular beliefs.

There’s a startling wealth of religious imagery and liturgical ornaments gathered from churches around the region and spanning hundreds of years.

You can dive into the Ardennes many legends, like the ghost riders of the Wild Hunt, Four Sons of Aymon and their magical horse, the werewolf and many more.

When we put this list together in early 2020 there was a temporary show for the award-winning cartoonist/graphic novelist Jean-Claude Servais, with immersive scenography and 120 original panels.

7. Animalaine

After retracing the events of the Battle of the Bulge you may be in the mood for something lighter.

Animalaine is a hands-on and living museum that deals with wool production and textile crafts down the years.

First there are animal paddocks where you’ll get to interact with numerous different fibre-producing species, from sheep to rabbits to alpacas.

Afterwards you’ll find out more about the many different methods and stages for working wool, seeing how it’s done today, and what the techniques were more than a century ago.

Also at Animalaine is a meticulously reconstructed period house revealing domestic life and the trades in days gone by.

Kids can burn some energy at the playground and there’s a cafe serving local beer and light meals.

8. Église Saint-Pierre

This Romanesque and Gothic church in front of the Porte de Trèves gate has been restored a few times down the years, including after the Battle of the Bulge.

But what is known is that there was a place of worship right here as long ago as the 7th century.

Some older, Romanesque parts of the Église Saint-Pierre survive, most clearly in the stocky Romanesque bell tower, dating to the 11th century.

Gothic elements were added over the next few centuries, including the 1500s when the building was turned into a hall church.

There are polychrome frescos on the vault from this time depicting scenes from contemporaneous daily life as well as the Old and New Testaments.

Some other fittings have stood the test of time, like the 12th-century Romanesque baptismal font and the 11th-century high altar, portions of which may be even older, going back to the 600s.

There’s also some fine art produced later, in the 17th-century pulpit, the 18th-century altar in the left aisle and the remarkable carving of the Entombment from the end of the 16th century.

9. Bois Jacques

Ten minutes from Bastogne, on a rise outside the village of Foy , is the forest Bois Jacques, which was held by the 101st Airborne Division during the Battle of the Bulge.

Foy itself was heavily occupied by German forces and the forest was the scene of fierce fighting and many casualties.

The current woodland, a pine plantation, is new, but in the ground you can see traces of the foxholes dug by members the 101st Airborne Division more than 75 years ago.

These were made famous by Band of Brothers, and the forest has been listed as “exceptional cultural heritage” since 2017.

10. Porte de Trèves

Standing behind Église Saint-Pierre is the last notable vestige of Bastogne’s Medieval city walls.

Composed of local shale sandstone under a slate roof, the Porte de Trèves (Trier Gate) was constructed in the middle of the 14th century, in a defensive system that comprised two gates and 12 towers.

Bastogne’s walls were pulled down at the behest of Louis XIV at the end of the 17th century, after which the Porte de Trèves became a prison.

The gate suffered damage during the Siege of Bastogne and was reconstructed after the war.

On the northeast and southwest sides are small traces of the city walls.

11. Place Général Mc Auliffe

Something to take in on your way around Bastogne is the main square, which was renamed after Anthony McAuliffe following the Second World War.

There’s a bust of the man on the square’s southern corner, before a preserved M4A3(75)W Sherman Tank “Barracuda”, from the 11th Armored Division.

Also here is the last marker for the Liberty Road, a 1,146-kilometre commemorative way on the course of the Allied advance in 1944 following D-Day in June of that.

And finally, you can get yourself oriented at the Maison du Tourisme a few steps from the tank.

12. La Foire aux Noix

It’s a happy convenience that Bastogne’s historic festival in mid-December should be called the Walnut Fair.

As it happens, La Foire aux Noix goes back at least as far as the mid-19th century.

As part of the ritual, couples who had married in the previous year would head to the balcony of the city hall to throw walnuts into the crowd to earn good luck for their households.

After the war this tradition mingled with thanksgiving ceremonies for the efforts of the Allied troops in the Battle of the Bulge.

So over the weekend there are military events and re-enactments, including a procession and flower-laying ceremony, as well as a parade of military vehicles.

On the Saturday afternoon at 16:00, you can watch the climactic walnut-throwing ritual at the “Jet de Noix”.

13. Liège–Bastogne–Liège

On one day at the end of April Bastogne is taken over by one of the five “Monuments” of the European professional road cycling calendar.

As one of the “spring classics”, there’s no doubt that Liège–Bastogne–Liège is among the toughest and most prestigious races in the sport, crossing the Ardennes along a 250-260-kilometre course.

What makes the race so gruelling is its unbroken succession of long, steep climbs, adding up to around a dozen in total.

The most famous of these is the Côte de La Redoute, which has appeared in most editions and has an average gradient almost 9% with slopes of more than 20%. Inevitably, the man with most wins in the history of the event is the great Eddy Merckx (five), ahead of Spain’s Alejandro Valverde and Italy’s Moreno Argentin (four each).

14. Memorial Day

Falling on the last Monday in May, this American holiday remembering and honouring military personnel is also an important date in Bastogne’s calendar.

Every year there’s a solemn ceremony at the Mardasson monument, and a customary wreath is laid at the Foy American military ceremony up the road.

This usually takes place on the first Saturday after Memorial Monday.

This event has been observed since 1946, when the Belgian-American Association sought a way to pay tribute to American veterans, and its war dead and missing.

The ceremony is attended every year by Belgium’s American ambassador as well as numerous other dignitaries.

When we wrote this article in early 2020 preparations were being made for a 75th anniversary event, incorporating a Reconciliation Ceremony on the Friday.

15. Guided Tour

If you’re on the trail of the Siege of Bastogne and the wider Ardennes Offensive there’s a lot of sights to keep on your agenda and a lot of information to take on board.

If you don’t want to miss a thing, it might be worth getting in contact with one of the tour companies based in Bastogne (Reg Jans Battlefield Experience, Battle of the Bulge Guided Tours). On an individual tour you’ll be in the presence of an expert local historian who knows the terrain and is able to separate fact from fiction, laying out the stark reality of the Siege of Bastogne.

This might be particularly valuable – not to mention moving – if a member of your family served in the Ardennes in 1944-45, as the guides will be able to trace the exact movements of each unit more than 75 years later.

15 Best Things to Do in Bastogne (Belgium):

• Bastogne War Museum
• Bastogne Barracks
• 101st Airborne Museum
• Mardasson Memorial
• Bois de la Paix
• Le Piconrue - Musée de la Grande Ardenne
• Église Saint-Pierre
• Bois Jacques
• Porte de Trèves
• Place Général Mc Auliffe
• La Foire aux Noix
• Liège–Bastogne–Liège
• Memorial Day
• Guided Tour

Bastogne, Belgium: Best Things to Do, Map & Insider Tips

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 30, 2023

Thinking of visiting Bastogne town in Belgium ( Bastenaken in Dutch) and wondering what to expect and if it’s worth it? In this article, we share our top tips for things to do in Bastogne.

Bastogne is world-famous for the WW2 Battle of the Bulge and its many war sites, museums, and monuments. But it’s also simply a really nice town in the Belgian Ardennes known for its smoked ham, cured meats, local specialties, cozy cafés, bars, and taverns. Bastogne also has many shops and they are open every day of the week, including Sunday (this is only the case in very few places in Belgium).

Bastogne is also known for the world’s oldest bicycle race, the Liege-Bastogne-Liege that’s been held since 1892. This classic cycling race is nicknamed La Doyenne (‘The Old Lady’).

This article is based on our personal experience visiting Bastogne for a day. This is a no-nonsense guide to Bastogne that focuses on the main landmarks that are truly worth a trip. Furthermore, we also included some additional suggestions (food, drinks, etc.) that will make your visit even more special . Find out!

Good to know: We live in Belgium and recently visited Bastogne as a day trip. Most suggestions in this article are based on our most recent day trip to Bastogne. However, since we know the area quite well, at the bottom of this post we also included some extra tips for where to stay and what to see and do nearby if you have more than a day. Read on!

Here are the very best things to do in Bastogne:

1. Bastogne War Museum & Mardasson Memorial

Considered a turning point in WWII, the Battle of the Bulge (aka the Battle of Bastogne) was one of the most significant battles in the Second World War. No visit to Bastogne would be complete without paying a visit to its main landmark – Mardasson Memorial and the adjacent Bastogne War Museum .

It’s here that you can learn about the Siege of Bastogne, the importance of this battle to the end of WWII, and the famous words ‘ Nuts !’ uttered by an American officer in response to the Germans’ offer to surrender. And, of course, don’t miss the impressive Mardasson Memorial, a star-shaped monument to the American soldiers who were injured or killed near Bastogne.

The museum and the memorial are well worth a visit, even if you come from the other side of the world. If you are interested in history, this place is a must in Belgium!

And because there’s so much more to be said about the Battle of Bastogne, the War Museum, and the Mardasson Memorial, we created a detailed guide with more information for your visit. Check it out via the link below!

Good to know: The museum and memorial site is located 2.5km outside of Bastogne town. Count 2-3 hours for a visit.

LEARN MORE: Bastogne War Museum & Mardasson Memorial

2. Bastogne Barracks

If you just can’t get enough of tanks, WW2 military vehicles, weapons, and all kinds of war memorabilia, then you might also enjoy a visit to the Bastogne Barracks .

This museum is located in a military domain and tours (also in English) are run by very knowledgeable guides who have ties with the Belgian military. This is the actual site where the 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army (‘Screaming Eagles’) was stationed during the Second World War. You can even see the room where the famous words ‘Nuts!’ were spoken after Germany suggested that Americans surrender.

For more information and opening times, please check the official website of the museum .

3. St. Peter Church

Bastogne town has more to offer than just its war sights. One of the places that are well worth a quick visit is St. Peter Church ( Eglise Saint-Pierre) right in the center of town.

The origins of this beautiful church date to the 12th century. Many elements are a mix of various historical time periods, including Romanesque art and Gothic style. The church has been restored many times, in particular, after the Second World War when Bastogne was heavily bombed.

The exterior of the church is nice to see, but take a minute to also step inside. The ceiling is truly impressive, as is the 18th-century pulpit.

St. Peter’s church can be visited free of charge and this only takes 5 minutes of your time. Not to be missed when in Bastogne!

4. The Treves Gate

The Treves Gate (The Gate of Trier – a nearby German city) is one of the last remaining medieval buildings in Bastogne. Built in 1332, this city gate is all that remains of the city walls and fortifications of that time. It has been heavily damaged during WW2 but is now beautifully restored.

The tower can, in principle, be visited inside. Sometimes, there are exhibitions here as well. However, it was closed when we visited Bastogne and so I cannot really comment on whether it’s worth going inside.

In any case, it’s not something that takes much time, so it’s definitely worth checking out when in Bastogne.

5. Bastogne Town Center

Bastogne town center isn’t very big and can easily be explored on foot. The above-mentioned St. Peter Church, as well as the Treves Gate, are both found in the town center. In addition, you’ll also find some interesting fountains , traditional buildings, WW2 tanks, and various statues and monuments throughout the town.

The main town square (Place Général Mc Auliffe) is where you’ll find Sherman Barracuda . This tank has been hit by the Germans on one of the last days of the Bastogne Siege and has been standing on the town square since 1946. Bastogne’s Tourism Office is also located here.

TIP: As you walk the streets of Bastogne, you’ll find some informational panels with old pictures and text (in French) telling more about various places in the city. So if you can, start your town visit at the Tourism Office where you can get a map of this city walk and an accompanying guide in English. That way you can explore Bastogne a bit deeper and get to know more about the town and its history.

6. 101st Airborne Museum ‘The Mess’

One more of the many war sites in Bastogne, the 101st Airborne Museum ‘The Mess’ is also worth mentioning among the best things to do in Bastogne.

With so many places to see, we ran out of time and didn’t get to this museum. But from everything I read, it’s well worth it. However, if you only have one day in Bastogne, it’s a bit difficult to visit all the three museums mentioned in this article. I think you’ll enjoy it more if you only visit one or two. So the choice is yours.

One of the main attractions here is an underground bunker where you can experience a simulation of a bombing raid during WW2. The audiovisual effects are apparently very true-to-life.

Many loving reviews say that this is one of the best war museums in the world, allowing you to better understand and experience the terrifying moments of the war.

7. Le Musée du Cochon

Le Musée du Cochon (‘Pig Museum’) is not a museum as its name suggests, but a local butcher shop/ deli.

Inside, you’ll find all the typical meats that the Belgian Ardennes region is famous for. Smoked ham, various types of sausages, etc. If you want to taste or to buy some typical cured meat from the Ardennes, this is the place to be.

At the back of the shop, there’s a small bar where you can taste some ham and other meats, as well as local beer. The whole place is decorated with various figurines and images of pigs; quite fun to see.

Here’s the map of the best things to do in Bastogne, as well as additional suggestions for places to see nearby.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Where to Eat

In addition to the tiny bar at the Pig Museum, there are also many other cafés, bars, taverns, and restaurants in Bastogne.

One of the places that will definitely catch your attention is the Wagon – Restaurant Léo . From the outside, this restaurant looks like a luxury train wagon. Inside, you find a very big restaurant that serves local specialties, traditional Belgian food, but also pizzas, etc. In other words, something for everyone. They also have a good beer menu. This is probably the best restaurant to eat in Bastogne.

Just next door is a smaller café called Bistro Léo (same owners as the restaurant). This is a good place for drinks, small snacks, or a piece of a local pie.

How Much Time You Need

One day is enough for the main sights of Bastogne – the Bastogne War Museum, Mardasson Memorial, and the town center. If you want to visit one more museum, such as Bastogne Barracks or 101st Airborne Museum ‘The Mess’, you might be able to do it on the same day as well.

In that case, make sure to arrive early and check the opening times of the museums to make sure that you can do both in one day.

If you want to walk around the town center and visit all the three museums listed here (and potentially other places nearby – see below), it’s best to spend a night in Bastogne. Below, you can find our suggestions on where to stay in Bastogne.

Where to Stay

There are several hotels and privately-owned accommodations in Bastogne ( see the full selection here ).

One of the best places to stay in Bastogne is the Hotel Leo Station (the same place as the restaurant and the bistro mentioned above). However, they don’t have parking available. But you can use the public parking on the town square just nearby.

Alternatively, take a look at Hotel Melba or Hotel Giorgi .

Getting There

Bastogne is located in the remote part of the Belgian Ardennes. It’s 150km (1h45 – 2hrs drive) from Brussels or 75km (1hr drive) from Luxembourg city. Bastogne is therefore a perfect day trip from Luxembourg , but also from Brussels.

The best way to visit Bastogne is by car or with an organized tour from Brussels. If you are using public transport, you can reach Bastogne by bus from Liege, but it’s not something to do if you have limited time.

There are a couple of (private) tours that can bring you to Bastogne – see on Viator or on GetYourGuide (our preferred tour booking platform).

Places to Visit near Bastogne

Depending on how much time you have and what your interests are, there are quite a few nice places to visit in combination with Bastogne. The main bigger towns are Liege and Luxembourg , and also Namur or Dinant .

But if you are looking for some smaller places for a quicker visit, then you may want to check out La Roche-en-Ardenne (a very cozy small town with the ruins of a medieval castle) or Durbuy (the smallest ‘city’ in the world). Both these towns make a nice stop of an hour or two and both have lots of nice restaurants. Bouillon Castle is also worth a visit.

READ ALSO: Belgium Itinerary

So, this is our guide to Bastogne. Planning a trip and have a question? Feel free to leave a reply below.

More travel tips for Belgium:

• Best Things To Do in Brussels
• Where to Stay in Brussels
• Best Things To Do in Antwerp
• Best Things To Do in Bruges
• Antwerp Hidden Gems
• WWI Battlefields & Ypres
• Winter: Best Christmas Markets in Belgium
• Summer: Brussels Flower Carpet & Best Theme Parks in Belgium
• Interesting read: Fun Belgium Facts

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Tuesday 21st of March 2023

Great article!!

Do you happen to know if public transportation is available in Bastogne for travelers arriving by bus or private transport? Does Uber operate there? Taxis?

Thanks so much!!!

Thursday 23rd of March 2023

Hi Veronica, there is definitely public transport available (local buses). I am quite sure you can find taxis in Bastogne as well, not sure about Uber.

• The Top 5 Things To...

The Top 5 Things to Do and See in Bastogne

Bastogne is a small town in Belgium’s Luxembourg area on the crossing of the rivers Rhine and Meuse, and lies beautifully nested in a lush, green valley, perfect for long hikes and lazy afternoons sunbathing on the river banks. Due to the minuscule size of the town, there isn’t an enormous list of sights and activities; however, what there is is well worth doing.

1. Bastogne War Museum

Hiking: The Battle of the Bulge (guided tours)

Bastogne is part of the Belgian Ardennes, perfect for long hikes in the snow or shadowy walks under the stately trees. There are a lot of routes to follow, but – especially recommended for history fanatics or World War II connoisseurs – the hikes to the famous Battle of the Bulge’s location are particularly fascinating . Whether or not with a guide, and in a snowy winter especially, hiking this area is an experience beyond any other. Watch out for: the combination of the beautiful surroundings with a bloody history

2. La Ferme des Bisons

La ferme des bisons.

An enormous bison herd with colossal animals, a restaurant with bison steak on the menu and an Indian festival in summer; what else do you need to make your children happy? La Ferme des Bisons is paradise for little scallywags and wannabe cowboys, and the cozy gîtes for rent are perfect for a splendid vacation in the rural Ardennes. Opening hours: all year round Watch out for: the adorable bison calves running around on their wobbly legs Address: La Ferme des Bisons, Recogne, Bastogne, Belgium , +32 6 121 21 15

Liège – Bastogne – Liège

Something totally different and not for everybody, but still worth mentioning here, is the cycle race from Liège to Bastogne and back. Every year at the end of April, this classic cycle race crosses the town of Bastogne, attracting a large public crowd and many cycle fans cheering for their favorite. Belgians love this race, and you should definitely come if wanting to catch a glimpse of Andy Schleck or Belgium’s own Philippe Gilbert. Watch out for: the folksy atmosphere with lots of beer and hot dogs

3. Le Lac de la Strange

Le lac de la strange.

The beautiful lake of La Strange close to Bastogne is a popular spot for those who love fishing, and for those who are simply looking for a piece of amazing nature. The lake is stuffed with trout and carp, so a nice catch of fish is guaranteed. Done with fishing? The beautiful surroundings of the lake are perfect for a romantic evening stroll. Opening hours: 6am – 10pm (summer) Address: Lac de la Strange, Hompré 6B, Vaux-sur-sure, Bastogne, Belgium

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Things To Do In Bastogne, Belgium

Planning to visit Bastogne in Belgium and you’re not sure what there is to do in town? Then you’re certainly in the right place because this detailed guide will tell you about all the top things to do in Bastogne, Belgium!

A lot of them have to do with the second world war – after all, the town was the site of the famous Battle of the Bulge. But there’s more to Bastogne than military history, including scenic landscapes, delicious smoked meats, and pretty parks. We’ve covered all of them in this guide to the top-rated attractions in Bastogne, but our main focus remains on the WWII landmarks and museums! 

Bastogne War Museum

The Bastogne War Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in this Belgian city. It boasts exhibits on the military history of this town, primarily focusing on the Battle of the Bulge. The town of Bastogne played a big role in this key World War II battle, and the Bastogne War Museum will tell you all about it!

The main exhibit in the museum is centered around four fictional characters. Each has a unique story of how they view and experience the war, and their experiences eventually converge when they all meet up seeking shelter in a cellar during the aerial bombardment of Bagstone. It’s a unique way of telling a part of the story of the second world war, and definitely a good way to learn more about Bastogne’s military history, especially for people who aren’t that familiar with Belgium’s role in World War II. 

In addition to the fictional stories, the museum is also home to the Thunderbolt Sherman tank, which was captured by the Germans in this region. There’s also the Mardassom Memorial near the museum, which was erected in tribute to the nearly 77,000 American soldiers – wounded and deceased – from the Battle of the Bulge. 

Bastogne Barracks

Bastogne was an important battlefield during the second world war, so it makes sense that there are quite a few attractions dedicated to its military history. Bastogne Barracks is another war museum with exhibits on World War II, and more specifically, the Battle of the Bulge. 

Unlike the Bastogne War Museum, this museum doesn’t tell any fictional stories that will help you understand how locals perceived the war. Instead, the museum features a recreation of the atmosphere of the Battle of the Bulge, complete with tanks, military trucks, and a plethora of weapons. 

Bastogne Barracks is situated in the former headquarters of American soldiers led by General McAuliffe. He commanded the 101st Airborne, and he’s famous because of his reply to the Germans when they asked him to surrender – nuts. That’s all he said. 

Bois de la Paix

Bois de la Paix is another war memorial in Bastogne, but one you can combine with exploring the beautiful landscapes near the historic town. Bois de la Paix is a memorial to all the military and civilian casualties of the Battle of the Bulge, with a tree planted in honor of every fallen soldier. 

The trees were planted 50 years after the war, and they were arranged in the shape of the UNICEF symbol. It’s truly an inspiring place to visit, and an absolute must for all WWII buffs who traveled to Bastogne specifically for the military landmarks. 

But you don’t have to be a war buff to be able to appreciate the beauty of this Bastogne landmark. In fact, you can combine it with a hike through the area – there’s an abundance of hiking trails in the region, and they allow you to discover the beautiful nature that surrounds this historic town. 

Mardasson Memorial

The Mardasson Memorial is situated on the grounds of the Bastogne War Museum and you should visit it while you’re at the museum. The monument commemorates all the American soldiers who lost their lives during the Battle of the Bulge, plus it offers some beautiful panoramic views of the rolling hills of the Bastogne countryside. 

The monument was designed in the shape of the five-pointed star, and it bears the names of the then 48 US states. Pay your respects to the fallen soldiers if you end up visiting the monument, and take a moment to understand just what it represents. Almost 19,000 American soldiers died in the Battle of the Bulge, which makes it the deadliest WWII battle the United States fought in. 

READ: Things to Do in Dinant, Belgium

Bastogne Town Center

Bastogne is a small town and it has a very small town center. You can explore it easily on foot in the afternoon, so definitely make time to see the Bastogne historical centre. Although most of the popular attractions are outside the city walls, it’s certainly not right to travel to this famous Belgium town and not even walk through its old town.

Walk through the streets and admire all the buildings, pop into a store or two to shop for some souvenirs, and don’t forget to take a break from all the WWII tours and grab a bite to eat in one of the many restaurants in the heart of Bastogne. 

There are also quite a few notable landmarks and museums in the Bastogne town center. Eglise Saint-Pierre is one of the most notable landmarks that doesn’t have anything to do with the war, and it’s situated in the heart of the town. Visitors should also see the town gates, the many statues and monuments erected throughout the town, and the various military vehicles that are mounted as landmarks on squares. 

Guided Tours

Guided tours are a great way to explore Bastogne. Most are focused on the city’s role in the Battle of the Bulge, and they’re perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about the war history of Bastogne. Guided tours are particularly great for foreigners who don’t want to aimlessly wander around town, and instead prefer to be guided to notable attractions by knowledgeable locals. 

Most guided tours of Bastogne are centered around various World War II monuments, so it doesn’t really matter which tour you go on – you’ll probably be taken to the same attractions, but maybe in a different order. The Bastogne War Museum, the Bastogne Barracks, 101st Airborne Museum, and the Mardasson Memorial are the top landmarks that are included in all the main guided tours of Bastogne. 

Place Général Mc Auliffe

Place Général McAuliffe is a Bastogne town square, famous for the statue of General McAuliffe and the Sherman tank. These two WWII landmarks are the most notable attractions in the town square, but they’re certainly not the only reason why you should visit this part of Bastogne. 

The square is in the town center, so it’s an attraction you can’t miss if you just go for a walk in the historic center of Bastogne. Also, Place Général McAuliffe is lined with restaurants and cafes, making it a great place to go when you’re dying for a snack. Get a coffee or something to eat in one of the many locales in this area before you continue exploring the attractions in town. 

101st Airborne Museum

The 101st Airborne Museum is another war museum in Bastogne that details the experience of American soldiers. It’s a top-rated tourist attraction in this town, and definitely a must-visit if you’re in Bastogne for the WWII sights. 

One of the main attractions in this museum is an underground bunker. Visitors can go into this bunker and experience a simulation of a World War II bombing raid, complete with audio and visual effects. We don’t recommend this attraction to anyone who has already lived through a war and experienced a bombing raid firsthand since it could be a trigger for PTSD. 

Even if you don’t want to live through a fake bomb raid, there are plenty of other attractions to admire at this museum. Dioramas, life-sized figures, weapons, maps, and other artifacts are all part of the museum’s collection and they’re just as effective as telling the story of the war as the underground bomb shelter. 

Le Musée du Cochon

Le Musée du Cochon is a popular butcher shop in the heart of Bastogne, and the best place to visit if you want to get a taste of some local delicacies. The name roughly translates to the Pig Museum and it’s a great name for the shop – it’s almost like a pig museum, considering just how many different parts and cuts of pig you can get here. 

This is the best place in town to shop for cured and cold meats. It has the largest selection of meats, as well as the best quality out of all the other shops in Bastogne. Even if you’re not a big carnivore, it’s worth it to pick up a few pieces just so you can see what the local delicacies are all about. 

Elisabeth Park

Elisabeth Park is another beautiful Bastogne attraction that has nothing to do with the second world war. It’s a large city park in the heart of Bastogne, and it’s a great place to visit if you want to get away from the hordes of tourists. 

The park boasts manicured lawns, statues, flowers, fountains, and a hedge maze. Head there if you need a break from all the war attractions, or if you just want to spend some time lounging outside and soaking in the sun. If you’ve traveled to Bastogne with kids or pets, definitely consider taking them to this park in the city center and just letting them roam around for a little while. 

Bois Jacques 

Bois Jacques is a part of the woods outside Bastogne that used to be occupied by the 101st Airborne Division during the winter of 1944. The American soldiers planned to take the village of Foy from the Germans, as part of the larger plan to liberate the town of Bastogne. They dug fox holes in Jack’s Wood and managed to survive through the cold winter of 1944. 

In January of 1945, the skies cleared up a bit, allowing American reinforcements to find their way to these woods. Several other brigades arrived at Bois Jacques and eventually fighting broke out. The Easy Company (one of the brigades) bore the most casualties between January 9th and 13th, and traces of the bloody WWII fights can still be observed in this forest. 

It’s worth noting that this is the story that inspired the Band of Brothers book, which focuses on the stories of the 101st Airborne, 506th, and the Easy Company. Both the book and the TV series that followed were huge commercial successes, and they play a part in Bastogne’s international modern-day fame. 

Église Saint-Pierre

Église Saint-Pierre or St. Peter’s Church is another famous Bastogne sight that has very little to do with the war. Originally from the 12th century, this beautiful church has been restored quite a few times, with the latest restoration happening right after the second world war. 

Bastogne was heavily bombarded during the war, and St. Peter’s Church suffered a lot of damage because of the bombardment. The numerous restorations are one of the reasons behind the unique architectural style of this beautiful church. The most notable elements of Eglise Saint-Pierre belong to Gothic and Romanesque architectural styles, and it’s worth noting that the post-war renovations didn’t add new elements to the church’s appearance. 

Entrance to this church is entirely free of charge and it’s highly recommended. The ceiling is absolutely impressive, and there are a few other impressive sights inside the church as well. It won’t cost you anything and it only takes about 10 minutes to quickly tour the interior!

Musee en Piconrue

There’s a lot more to Bastogne and its people than military history and war monuments, and Musee en Piconrue is a great way to explore that side of the town’s history. The museum’s focus is on legends, religious art, ethnology, and popular beliefs in the Ardennes and Luxembourg . City tours might not include a trip to this museum, so you’ll have to plan a visit on your own if you’re intrigued. 

The museum boasts a permanent collection that details the lives of residents in the Ardennes from 1850 to 1950. Other museum exhibits detail the beliefs, traditions, and culture of the population in this part of Belgium, with a heavier focus on religious rites and beliefs. 

Musee en Piconrue also hosts temporary exhibits on various subjects, and they’re always worth checking out. In any case, if you want to learn more about Bastogne and its people outside the context of war, this is by far the best museum in town. 

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The Ultimate Bastogne Visitor Guide for Travelers Who Love to Explore History

LAST UPDATED: 2/10/24 – Bastogne Visitor Guide

History of Bastogne

Bastogne, Belgium is a city that holds a special place in American history.  Bastogne was the site of a major military engagement in December 1944. The battle was fought between American and German forces during WWII. The battle became what is known as the Battle of the Bulge. If you are planning on visiting Belgium shortly, this Bastogne Visitor Guide will teach you some of the history of that battle.

By this time in the war, the Germans were on the defensive.  But that didn’t stop Adolf Hitler and the Nazis from planning one last major counter-offensive.  Their goal was to break through the American lines on the German-Belgian border and make a break to Antwerp.  If they could capture the port of Antwerp, it would buy the German forces a lot more time. It would also possibly force the allies to negotiate.

Bastogne Was a Key City in the Battle

To get to Antwerp, the Germans needed to seize control of the roadways in Eastern Belgium.  Because all seven major roadways through the dense Ardennes forest ran through Bastogne, the city became a major military objective of the German forces.

In the initial attack, American forces were pushed back with heavy losses, which created a big bulge in the American lines.  This is how the battle became known as the Battle of the Bulge.  To prevent a collapse of their lines, and to hold the strategic town of Bastogne, Allied commanders rushed the 101st Airborne Division to Bastogne on December 20th with commands to hold the city at all costs.

The Americans were quickly surrounded.  Outnumbered and without re-supply because of bad weather, the Americans took heavy losses while defending the city.  Yet, they never surrendered.  The 101st Airborne and the Armored units in the area, through sheer bravery and determination, held the city until General George Patton’s 3rd Armored Division broke through the German lines and relieved them on December 27th.  They had held the city for a week against all odds.

A Day in Bastogne

To give you a better perspective of what Bastogne is like, and how moving these memorials and this museum are, we have provided a short video for you to review in my Bastogne Visitor Guide below.  We were very moved during our visit, and hopefully, this video will help show you just how moving this place can be.

Bastogne Memorials Today

Even though the Battle of the Bulge was over 60 years ago, the town of Bastogne still remembers the courage and the sacrifice of the American forces who liberated their city.  Within the city, they have built several wonderful memorials to honor and thank those American forces.

The Mardasson Memorial

Most prominent of all is the  Mardasson Memorial , which is pictured in my Bastogne Visitor Guide below.  This beautiful memorial displays the names of all fifty US states, as well as every American combat unit that participated in the war in Belgium.  It’s a very humbling experience to view the memorial in person.

The city of Bastogne is also the home of the Bastogne War Museum , which is a fantastic museum that is dedicated to maintaining the memory of the gallant soldiers who fought to protect freedom back in 1944.  It really is a wonderful museum, which includes a lot of really interesting memorabilia from the war. 

Don’t Miss the Animated Retelling of the Battle

They also have an animated show that tells the story of the Battle of the Bulge.  It is an absolute must-see if you visit Bastogne. I have included some photos that I took while touring the museum in my Bastogne Visitor Guide below.

Memorials in Downtown Bastogne

In the heart of downtown, there is a damaged American Sherman tank, which sits next to a statue of General Anthony McAuliffe, who was the acting commander of the 101st Airborne Division in Bastogne. 

The tank is a poignant reminder of what the cost was during that battle, and the statue of McAuliffe is a nice reminder of how steadfast the Americans were in holding Bastogne despite that cost. If you are interested in seeing these monuments, I have included some photos in my Bastogne Visitor Guide below.

The Patton Memorial

Not to be forgotten, there is also a large memorial to General George Patton, who was able to rush his armored division to Bastogne and relieve the American forces, on display in the city as well. 

Without Patton’s forces, who knows how much longer the Americans could have held out.  Though Patton would later die in Europe in a freak automobile accident, his contributions to winning the war will live on in places like Bastogne.

As you can see in the photo that I included in my Bastogne Visitor Guide below, it is a wonderful monument to one of World War II’s most influential generals.

If you are ever in Belgium, we would highly recommend that you visit Bastogne.  It isn’t very often that you get to see such a big piece of American history outside of the United States. 

The fact that the city of Bastogne, and Belgium in general, have embraced the memory of the soldiers who sacrificed so much so nobly, makes a visit even more moving. 

We were certainly glad we took the time to visit. I have also included links to several other guides that I have created for Belgium in my Bastogne Visitor Guide for you to review below.

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5 comments ›.

This is a great post! Beautiful pictures and nicely described. I was there last May and learned so much history from the cemetery and the war museum. It’s great to revisit those memories here.

Thabks for your comment! It really is a neat place to learn about some important history.

Well written, Josh. Makes me want to go there (My father-in-law fought in the battle). I especially like your post formatting.

Thanks Douglas! Your feedback means a lot! It is a very special place. Was a very humbling experience.

This is a great post! Beautiful pictures and nicely described.

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Thank you so much for your kind words!!

Wonderful & very informative article. Good you explained everything in detail it has been a great help.

Gibraltar is so beautiful, I never thought of visiting this place, your always adorable photography has made Gibraltar even more…

Thank you so much for the kind words!!

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Bastogne is in the province of Luxembourg , part of the Wallonia region of Belgium . The town is known for its war heritage and is a popular site for remembrance. It is best known for its siege during the Battle of the Bulge in 1944 at the end of World War II.

Understand [ edit ]

Curial town in the Battle of the Bulge, the last major German offensive of WWII on the western front. The American forces of the 101 Airborne held this critical crossroad which held up the Germans. The 101 did this against overwhelming odds. Famous phase "Nuts" was the American reply to the Germans when asked to surrender.

Bastogne today marks the end of the Liberty Road (French: La voie de la Liberté ) that marks the path of liberating Allied forces. The road starts in Normandy .

• 50.000935 5.714977 1 Tourist Centre , Place Mc Auliffe 60 , ☏ +32 61 26 76 11 , [email protected] . ( updated Jan 2022 )

Get in [ edit ]

By bus [ edit ].

Bus transportation into Bastogne is from the nearby town of Libramont . There is no train station in Bastogne. It is possible to take a train to nearby Libramont and take bus number #6 to Bastogne. Bus transport in Bastogne, just as in the other parts of Wallonia, is operated by TEC .

By car [ edit ]

The town is located near to the E25 highway that links Liège and Arlon . Exit 54 is the one of Bastogne.

Get around [ edit ]

See [ edit ]

• 50.008415 5.71846 2 Bastogne Barracks , Route de la Roche 40 , ☏ +32 61 24 21 24 . These were the barracks of the 2nd Ardennes Chasseurs Regiment then a German headquarters between 1940 and 1944 before becoming the headquarters of the 101st Airborne Division. The site has been managed by the Belgian army since 1945. The visits are obligatorily guided and guides visitors through the underground headquarters, the permanent exhibition of tanks and other military vehicles, one inside and one outside, as well as the equipment restoration center. €10 . ( updated Jan 2022 )
• 49.999247 5.712206 3 101st Airborne Museum , Avenue de la Gare 11 , ☏ +32 61 50 12 00 . W–Su 10:00–17:00 . Built in 1936, the building served, firstly, for the officers of the 2nd Ardennes Chasseurs regiment. During the German occupation of Bastogne, it was used for the non-commissioned officers of the Wehrmacht as the building faced their headquarters. After the war, it served as a hospital for the Belgian Red Cross. Inaugurated in 2012, the museum retells the history of the Battle of Bastogne. In the cellar there is a simulation of a bombing raid. ( updated Jan 2022 )

Do [ edit ]

Buy [ edit ], eat [ edit ].

• 50.00104 5.71615 1 Wagon Léo , Place Mc Auliffe 52 , ☏ +32 61 211441 , [email protected] . The oldest still active restaurant in Bastogne. It served its first customers in 1946. ( updated Jan 2022 )
• 49.98895 5.74326 2 L'Adresse , Marvie 86 , ☏ +32 61 688681 , [email protected] . ( updated Jan 2022 )

Drink [ edit ]

Sleep [ edit ].

• 50.001298 5.714171 1 Giorgi , Rue de Marche 6 , ☏ +32 61 21 62 22 , [email protected] . A hotel-restaurant combination. Has double, triple and quadruple rooms. From €86 . ( updated Jan 2018 )
• 50.000117 5.711451 2 Hotel Melba , Avenue Mathieu 49 , ☏ +32 61 21 77 78 . ( updated Jan 2018 )

Connect [ edit ]

• 49.99811 5.71592 2 Post Office , Place du Général Patton 9 .  

Go next [ edit ]

• Wiltz and Clervaux — two Luxembourgish towns on the other side of the border.
• Arlon — the regional capital and one of the oldest cities in the country.

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Bastogne and Battle of the Bulge tour

Take a day to soak in a deeper understanding of one of the most critical battles of World War II — the Battle of the Bulge. With your private guide, you’ll visit major sites near Liège that reveal the story of the leaders, the soldiers and the casualties of Germany’s last major offensive.

You’ll stop first at the Battle of the Ardennes museum in La Roche, which delves into the daily lives of the soldiers as well as the battle itself. Then you can walk the streets of Bastogne, a town that a US division held against severe odds. In town, the Bastogne War Museum tells the most comprehensive story of the Battle of the Bulge.

Near Bastogne, you’ll visit the Mardasson Memorial, which commemorates Americans who were killed in the battle. The Peace Woods, planted on part of the battlefield, also pay tribute to the battle’s civilian casualties and surviving veterans.

You’ll spend the day exploring battle sites, museums and memorials related to the Battle of the Bulge, the last major German offensive in World War II. Your driver and guide will pick you up in Liège and take you outside the city to several places that were important in this struggle that ultimately ended the war, plus a number of museums and memorials on the subject.

South of Liège is La Roche-en-Ardenne, a small municipality that was nearly destroyed before being liberated in January 1945. The Battle of the Ardennes Museum began as a hobby for a local father and son, who by 1993 had gathered so many items relating to the battle that they decided to open their collection to the public. The museum’s exhibits display equipment, weapons, uniforms and other items used by the soldiers in the conflict, arranged in dioramas depicting their daily lives.

You’ll spend the remainder of the day in and around Bastogne, a town that played a crucial role against the German offensive. Bastogne was under siege by German troops for several weeks while the United States’ 101st Airborne Division held the line, until General Patton’s Third U.S. Army arrived to relieve the town.

The Bastogne War Museum, just northeast of the town, is the most comprehensive museum on the Battle of the Bulge. The star-shaped building houses multimedia installations that tell the story of the battle through the eyes of four key guide characters, based on real people and events. On the same grounds as the museum is the colonnaded Mardasson Memorial, a monument — also star-shaped — to the American soldiers killed and wounded in the battle.

North of Bastogne is the Bois de la Paix or Peace Woods, a collection of 4,000 trees planted for the 50th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. The trees are dedicated to American veterans, Belgian combatants and all civilians and military personnel who died in the offensive. Some of the trees are specifically named for veterans who returned to the site for the anniversary in 1994 and chose trees to bear their names.

The grove is planted on part of the battlefield — you can still see the foxholes dug by the so-called Easy Company, later the subject of the book and TV series Band of Brothers . From the air, the trees form the shape of the UNICEF emblem: a mother and child.

If you have specific interests, there are many other smaller monuments in the area that you can visit, all dedicated to different companies and regiments. We can arrange your tour to visit the sites that are important to you.

Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Belgium specialists

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• Make an inquiry

Photos of Bastogne and Battle of the Bulge tour

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You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.

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Top Things to Do in Bastogne, Belgium - Bastogne Must-See Attractions

Things to do in bastogne, explore popular experiences, tours in and around bastogne.

• Historic Battle of the Bulge Sites Private Tour from Brussels

• The Battle of The Bulge tour

• Private Historic Battle of the Bulge Sites Full-Day Tour from Luxembourg

Band of Brothers in Holland and Belgium

Private Beer Bike Tour in Hotton in the Belgian Ardennes

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Top Attractions in Bastogne

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• Bastogne War Museum
• BASTOGNE BARRACKS
• Mardasson Memorial
• 101 Airborne Museum Le Mess - Bastogne
• Le Bois de la Paix
• Private Bastogne, Battle of the Bulge tour from Brussels (by car)
• Private Tour Historic Battle of the Bulge Sites from Luxembourg
• Battle of the Bulge Guided Tours
• McAuliffe Square

Guide to Battle of the Bulge Tour in Bastogne

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Battle of the Bulge was Hitler’s last offense, his last attempt at dominating Europe. The fate of the war was decided along this front. This battle was documented intensely in the popular HBO series “Band of Brothers” due to its importance. Any traveler visiting Belgium, or any traveler visiting WW2 sites in Europe, should make a point to visit Bastogne, Belgium. Here’s how to make your own Battle of the Bulge tour.

Main Stops on a Battle of the Bulge Tour

There are two main stops on any Battle of the Bulge tour: the Bastogne War Museum and the Bois Jacques Foxholes.

Bastogne War Museum

The Bastogne War Museum is the signature museum covering the Battle of the Bulge and Belgium in WW2 in the region. The museum begins with how the war began and how the war got to the pivotal moment that was the Battle of the Bulge.

You follow–via an audio guide–four people throughout the museum and hear their stories from WW2. The people include a young Belgium boy, a Belgium school teacher who carries coded messages for the resistance, a German military officer, and an American Soldier in Belgium.

The audio guides are automatic, meaning they sense where you are in the museum and tell you the story accordingly. While this seemed like a cool feature at first, I would prefer a system where I indicate what to listen to and when. I quickly became annoyed because I couldn’t control the audio system. I would walk into a room and listen to the audio guide. Then, I’d start walking around the room to read the signs. However, the audio system would sense me walking around the room and start picking up the next audio story or replay the one I had just listened to.

Tip: I suggest listening to all the audio guides in a room first, then taking off your headphones to focus on reading the signs.

Nonetheless, this museum is excellent. It is a must on any Battle of the Bulge tour. The museum’s signage explained the facts concisely and easily. The audio guide’s personal narratives helped add emotion in a war that’s easy to focus on numbers and tactics. The museum carried an excellent balance of history and storytelling.

Know Before You Go: Bastogne War museum

How much does a ticket cost?

Adult tickets cost 20 euros each, as of August 2022. The audio guides are included in the price of a ticket and come in several languages. Tickets also include entry to the Bois Jacques Foxholes.

How much time do I need at the museum?

I suggest scheduling two hours to tour this museum, plus an additional 30 minutes to walk around the memorial located to the side of the museum.

Tell me more about the memorial.

There is no ticket control at the memorial, so you could opt to only visit that if you are on a budget. It was under scaffolding in August 2022 and I’m unsure of when the repairs will be complete. You can walk around and on top of the memorial. I recommend walking on top of the memorial for its beautiful views of the Belgium countryside.

Is there a restaurant at the museum?

Bring a snack and water with you inside the exhibit, if you think you’ll need it, because there are no cafes once you’re inside the exhibit. There are plenty of restrooms inside the exhibits.

There is a café outside the exhibit inside of the museum but, as per usual with museum cafes, it’s more expensive than buying elsewhere. They serve pre-made sandwiches and salads, a couple of dessert options, and beverages.

Where do I park?

The parking lot is located immediately in front of the museum and costs 5 euros per vehicle. It’s large, so there’s plenty of parking availability. You pay the parking fee inside the museum at the same time you pay for your museum ticket.

When should I visit?

The first time I visited this museum, a Saturday in May 2021, there was no line at the museum and maybe five other groups in the museum with me. The second time I visited this museum, a Friday in August 2022, I waited 30 minutes in line to buy tickets because there were numerous groups. The museum didn’t feel packed on this visit, but it certainly felt full.

Perhaps it’s a hit or miss of when the museum is full or empty. Or perhaps my first visit is a remnant of low-tourism during COVID times in Europe.

I guess the museum will be busy during the summer season and less busy during winter.

Be sure to check the museum’s website for holiday closings and seasonal hours.

Can I pre-order tickets?

If you don’t want to wait in line, you can buy your ticket online at the museum’s website.

Bois Jacques Foxholes: Band of Brothers’ Location

These foxholes are where Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division built their battle positions. Yes, that’s the same company from Band of Brothers!

They’re still in pretty good condition and you can obviously see where the boundaries of their patrol base were. You can see the town of Foy off in the near distance and the great opening between trees where the troops cheered at the arrival of clear skies and supplies.

There is an equal sense of sorrow and pride as you wander the foxholes. The Soldiers’ lives at Bois Jacques included so much hunger, cold, fear, and pain in this defense. There was also a lot of heroism, brotherhood, and pride in successfully defending Bastogne and, ultimately, bringing the war in Europe to an end.

While the Bastogne War Museum is interactive, the Bois Jacques Foxholes are a site for contemplation and remembrance. These foxholes are a must for any Battle of the Bulge tour.

The Bois Jacques foxholes have recently undergone a transition. The foxholes were completely open for my first two visits–in May 2021 and December 2021.

However, in my last visit in August 2022, the area is now gated, there’s a paved parking area, and there are signs for an interactive experience. While it’s unfortunate in some ways that the foxholes are no longer an open space, the increased funding to preserve the history of this area is undoubtedly beneficial for the long term. Additionally, the land now has smooth dirt paths that make the site more accessible to wheelchairs. Since I don’t have experience with a wheelchair, I can’t say for sure that the site is more accessible, but that was the intent of smoothing the pathways.

You technically need a ticket to visit the Bois Jacques Foxholes now, which you scan at the entrance. However, in my visit in August 2022, anyone could enter freely as long as they entered through the gate. I don’t this free entrance will last for much longer, though, since the museum system introduced a ticket system for the Bois Jacques foxholes. Plus, as a Belgium tourist exclaimed when I told him he doesn’t actually need his ticket to enter, “Free? In Belgium? Impossible!”

Know Before You Go: Bois Jacques Foxholes

The ticket is included in the cost of the Bastogne War Museum. At the time of writing this, you can not purchase a Bois Jacques Foxholes ticket separately.

At the time of my latest visit, you could enter the gated park without a ticket. Tickets are a new requirement for the park, so I believe this is why the entrance was free during my last visit. I believe tickets will be enforced in the future.

Do I need the app?

Short answer–no. It will add to the experience though.

The app is free to download and will make your visit to Bois Jacques Foxholes more interactive. Although downloading the app is free, you need the QR Code on your Bois Jacques ticket to access the interactive platform.

Unfortunately, I did not have cell service during my last visit and could not download the app while I was at the site. I recommend downloading the app while at the Bastogne War Museum and connected to their WiFi.

How much time do I need at the foxholes?

I suggest scheduling approximately 30 minutes for your visit to the Bois Jacques Foxholes, whether you want to utilize the interactive app experience or just walk around the foxholes. If you’d like to walk the entire perimeter of the defense, schedule more time.

There is a small paved parking area immediately in front of the entrance to the foxholes. However, it is the quintessential small and tight European parking lot. If the lot runs out of space, or your vehicle won’t fit, you can park on the side of the road.

Parking is free.

Is there a restaurant at the site?

There are no facilities at the Bois Jacques Foxholes. No café, restaurant, or restrooms.

Please respect the historical site and ensure you pack out any trash you bring along and use the restroom before visiting the site.

Summer is the busier season, but even my visit in August 2022 wasn’t crowded.

If you visit during winter, you’ll get a more realistic experience to when Easy Company was at Bois Jacques. It was -15 degrees Celsisus (5 degrees Fahrenheit) when Easy Company was there. I visited in December 2021 and it was significantly warmer than what the Soldiers experienced in 1944/45, but still added to the experience. There were only a few other small groups visiting at this time, as well.

Additional Battle of the Bulge Tour Sites

Bastogne War Museum and the Bois Jacques Foxholes are the main sites on a Battle of the Bulge tour. However, there are a couple more key sites in the region that you can add onto your itinerary.

Malmedy Massacre Memorial

The 1st SS Panzer Division came across a company of U.S. troops from the 7th Armored Division during the Battle of the Bulge on December 17, 1944. Their Commander realized their efforts against a significantly greater force (in terms of manpower) was useless and surrendered.

The Nazi troops searched all the Soldiers. A few of the American Soldiers tried to flee and the order was given to shoot. The Nazi military proceeded to massacre the Soldiers. Some fled. 43 men survived. 84 died.

Now there’s a memorial, about 100m from where the actual massacre took place, commemorating those Soldiers who died.

If you have additional time on your Battle of the Bulge tour, and are greatly interested in WW2 history, you may appreciate a quick stop at this memorial to commemorate the lives lost.

Luxembourg American Military Cemetery

When you enter the grounds, two pillars stand tall. One displays the movements for the Battle of the Bulge. The other one has the 371 Soldiers missing in action inscribed. Twenty three bronze rosettes are by some of the names, indicating they were found and properly buried.

In total, 5,070 Service Members rest at the Luxembourg American Cemetery. Most of them died during the Battle of the Bulge.

The cemetery is also the final resting ground for General Patton. He is the only four-start General laid to rest at a American Battle Monuments Commission ceremony. He requested to be laid to rest next to his Soldiers. General Patton was initially laid in a plot like every other Soldier’s, per his request. However, the increased traffic to his resting place caused significant damage to the cemetery grounds so he was later moved to the front of the cemetery.

Ensure to check the website for the most updated hours as the hours change by season and holidays.

Where to Sleep and Eat in Bastogne, Belgium

Bastogne is the most famous town in Europe, and it is definitely a town.

There’s one main square in the town, exactly where the four main roads meet. The majority of restaurants are on this square, or near it. Most of the restaurants on the square turn into pubs at night. There is free parking in the square.

I’ve eaten at an Italian restaurant in the town square called Giorgi three times now and they haven’t disappointed me. Their pizzas remind me of pizza in Naples, Italy and they have a flexible and interesting assortment of pastas.

Definitely try Belgium beers while you’re visiting. Belgium beer is the best in Europe! I love the Cherry Choufe.

My friends and I stayed at this AirBnB in Bastogne . The couple who owns it are lovely and super helpful. There’s also parking immediately in front of the apartment. The apartment is located by a park and near the town square, which is convenient for food and drinks.

DIY Battle of the Bulge Tour

You could make an entire an entire week out of your Battle of the Bulge tour if you wanted. If you are short on time, or only want a general visit for your Battle of the Bulge tour, this is what you need to see.

Let me know what other Battle of the Bulge sites you want to visit or comment below if you have any questions!

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Cœur de la Bataille des Ardennes, Bastogne est fière de ses musées et de ses monuments. La nature paisible vous invite à flâner le long des sentiers champêtres et à y découvrir la faune et la flore.

Avec ses promenades balisées, son Ravel et ses forêts, notre commune vous offre de nombreuses activités extérieures.

Nos restaurateurs et nos producteurs locaux vous feront découvrir leur savoir-faire. De nombreux produits du terroir sont à savourer dans notre région.

Nos hébergements ruraux de qualité vous accueillent avec chaleur.

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Battlefield Experience Reg Jans

Battle of the bulge tours- bastogne guide- historian consultant- author.

American Experience Tour – Band of Brothers Tour – Valor Tour – Bastogne Two Day Tour –  Northern Shoulder Tour – Kampfgruppe Peiper Tour – Customized Tour

“I just got back to the U.S. from one of the most stirring and insightful battlefield tours of my long experience in that kind of endeavor. The reason it was such a unique and enjoyable time at Bastogne was simply Reg Jans and his staff of guides. I know a lot of WW II buffs and run into them constantly making movies and TV shows but there are none out there anywhere that match Reg and his group of experts who turn a simple walk into a world history lesson.  Reg knows the intimate details that really bring WW II history alive for both the serious student and the merely curious. Reg has a deep and abiding respect for the soldiers who fought in the bitter battles of the ETO and it shows in everything he does. He and his staff are also hugely personable, friendly and caring for everyone who very wisely signs up to tour with them.  I can’t recommend Reg and his services highly enough.  If you want more than just sightseeing, you need to contact Reg Jans.” Captain Dale Dye Actor-Military Advisor-USMC Veteran

Reg Jans’ deep passion for WWII began as a boy after talking to his grandfather (who had been wounded in 1940 while fighting in France with the Belgian Army) and watching moving picture footage of the D-Day landings, parachute drops over the Netherlands and snow-covered foxholes in the Ardennes. His grandfather’s death signaled a turning point for Reg, along with the realization that freedom does not come for free and historical knowledge should be preserved and passed on.

A true historian, Reg is a collector of information, constantly striving to build and archive the giant puzzle left behind after WWII. Preserving the legacy of the finest young men who paid the highest price for freedom.

For the last twenty years although Reg has been guiding on the European battlefields from Normandy and Operation Market Garden, he has become better known by his distinguished in-depth research on the Battle of the Bulge. He has been acknowledged in books by many leading historians including: “In the footsteps of the Band of Brothers” by Larry Alexander, “No Victory in Valhalla” by Ian Gardner, “Glider Infantry Men” by Kevin Brooks , “From Toccoa to the Eagles Nest” by Dalton Einhorn, “The Batter’s Box” by Andy Kutler and the New York Times bestseller “Spearhead” by Adam Makos.

” I don’t make History, I am only the messenger” 

Over the last few years, Reg has successfully hosted the families of General George S. Patton and General Anthony C. McAuliffe . He has walked the battlefields with “Wild Bill” Guarnere, Edward “Babe” Heffron, Forrest Guth, Ed Mauser, Paul Rogers, Ed Shames, Earl McClung and “Buck” Taylor from Easy Company and guided families of Burr Smith, Eugene “Doc” Roe, Hank Zimmerman, Walter Wentzel, Robert Strayer and Myron “Mike” Ranney.

More recently Reg successfully conducted a tour for a White House delegation who included the pilot and crew from “Marine One” and the USMC pilots from the Presidential Helicopter Squadron HMX-1 .

In 2016, Reg hosted the cast of the HBO success-serie Band of Brothers in Bastogne.

Internationally regarded as both battlefield guide and friend of the WWII veterans, Jans does not hold a degree in military history, but possesses a devoted passion and enthusiasm that has made him the “go to guy” for many organizations and historians around the world.

Reg Jans is an honorary member of both the Tri State Mid-Hudson Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Division and the Airborne Demonstration Team, Oklahoma.

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“Reg Jans Is a superb guide.  His knowledge (based on years of experience and research) is first rate.  My 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment (101st Airborne Division) was deployed along the northern perimeter outside Bastogne during the entirety of the “Battle of the Bulge”.  I had not returned to this area since we pulled out in January of 1945.  In the summer of 2013 Reg Jans Battlefield Experience guided me from Bastogne city and back to my old position opposite Recogne and Foy.  Reg Jans descriptions of what we experienced were accurate and well spoken.  I appreciated the comprehensive view of the battle I was given during this two day tour.  Anyone wanting an on the ground view and understanding of our experiences would do well with having Reg Jans as their guide.) Jim “Pee Wee” Martin – A Toccoa Original (1942) 101st Airborne Division / 506th PIR / 3rd Battalion / G Compan y

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7 World War II Sites To Visit In Bastogne, Belgium

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Bastogne, a small town in southern Belgium, sits in rolling farmland, surrounded by stands of the Ardennes forest. It likely would have remained unknown to the world, but Bastogne suffered the misfortune of being caught in the Battle of the Bulge, one of the largest land battles of World War II. When you visit this lovely Belgian area, you can learn more about what took place here in the winter of 1944 to 1945.

Just a few months earlier in September of 1944, the Allies liberated Bastogne. Residents settled in for a time of calm as the war wound down. Then, in mid-December, the Germans struck. Their goal was the Port of Antwerp, and when they failed to take Bastogne on their way, they forged ahead around it to create the “bulge.” Still, the Germans needed this town. Bastogne lies at the center of seven roads, and these were crucial for moving troops and supplies. One by one, the roads fell to German control. By December 21, the American troops in Bastogne were surrounded. With cloudy skies making airdrops impossible, the troops were stuck with little ammunition, food, winter clothing, or medical supplies.

Against the odds, American soldiers held the entire perimeter through attack after attack. When you visit Bastogne, you’ll learn the story of what happened here that winter. You’ll walk the town streets and the forest paths. You’ll understand more clearly the bravery and courage of the men and women caught in that fierce struggle.

Here are a number of World War II sites to visit in Bastogne.

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1. Bastogne War Museum And Mardasson Memorial

The newly updated Bastogne War Museum offers interactive exhibits focused on World War II and specifically the Battle of the Bulge. The goal is “total history immersion” for the visitor. The museum is a good place to start your visit, as it gives you an overview of Bastogne during the war.

The artifacts and scenes from wartime are fascinating. But most moving are the video testimonies you’ll hear from eyewitnesses of the Battle of the Bulge. Some of these people were children at the time and witnessed the war from their homes. Some were in the military, far from home. You can’t help but imagine how you would have reacted and felt during those uncertain days.

An indoor/outdoor cafe provides sandwiches and snacks. The gift shop stocks books, hats, and toys. I found a patch of my dad’s World War II army unit here — a perfect souvenir.

The beautiful Mardasson Memorial sits just outside the Bastogne War Museum. The star-shaped memorial honors the American soldiers who were wounded or killed during the Battle of the Bulge. Names of the states and battalion insignias decorate the memorial. Walk through the atrium in the star’s center, and then climb the stairs to the top of the memorial for a sweeping view of the town and surrounding forest.

The museum is open daily except on Mondays. Allow 2 hours to visit the museum and about a half hour to see the Mardasson Memorial.

Sharon Odegaard

2. McAuliffe Square

The main square of the town is easy to find and worth a visit. It’s named for General Anthony McAuliffe, the leader of the Allied troops who defended Bastogne in 1944. Not only will you find a bust of the general here, but a Sherman tank that was damaged in the battle stands guard at the edge of the square.

Restaurants line the square, including the Nuts Cafe, named for one of the battle’s most interesting stories. When the Germans encircled the town in December of 1944, they sent men to McAuliffe’s headquarters to ask him to surrender within 2 hours, as his situation seemed hopeless. His famous one-word reply? “Nuts!” And so, the Germans returned to their lines without a surrender. Morale among the beleaguered American troops soared after they heard of this gutsy reply that’s gone down in history.

The Nuts Cafe serves tasty food — and paper cups full of nuts.

3. Bois Jacques

This is the woods where the Easy Company of the 101st Airborne Division dug in. The 101st Airborne spread out in a thin line all around Bastogne, but the Bois Jacques is the place where you can still see some of their foxholes. This land, protected since 2017, can’t be cleared or bulldozed.

Look for two memorials in this area. One is on the Bizory-Foy Road before you enter the forested area. This memorial honors the Easy Company and is titled “May the world never forget.” The inscription reads, “The circumstances were dreadful, with constant mortar, rocket and artillery fire, snowfall, and temperatures below -28 Celsius at night with little food and ammunition. The field hospital had been captured, so little medical help was available.”

During the Easy Company’s grueling time in Bastogne, 14 men were killed, 32 were wounded, and another 21 were evacuated due to cold-weather illnesses.

The other memorial in this area is at the entrance to the woods. It was put up in 2015 to honor the courage and heroism of the American troops who fought in the Ardennes during the winter of 1944 to 1945.

The Bois Jacques is the perfect place in Bastogne to pay your respects to all the men who held on despite adversity to the town’s crucial crossroads. This is truly hallowed ground.

4. 101st Airborne Museum

Located in a former Belgian Army officers’ mess, the 101st Airborne Museum is a gem. The historic building is small enough that you feel like you are visiting someone’s home. Extensive collections of military artifacts from the 101st are displayed, along with helpful maps. The window scenes of the war are life-sized and transport you to the Bastogne of the 1940s.

The opportunity to participate in a bombing raid was the most memorable part of the visit for me. Downstairs, a large area was transformed into an air raid shelter. A recording of an actual bombing played while we sat in the darkened room and felt the room shake from the blasting. A baby cried, and people shouted. It was an amazing immersive experience.

5. Home Of Renee LeMaire, The Angel Of Bastogne

Renee LeMaire, known as the Angel of Bastogne, was a nurse killed in the bombing on Christmas Eve of 1944 while tending to wounded Allies. Her devotion to the suffering soldiers is portrayed in the Band of Brothers series.

Her childhood home is today Giorgi , an Italian restaurant and hotel on the corner of McAuliffe Square. The medical station where LeMaire served was nearby on the main street of town. The building took a direct hit during the bombing. Later, friends carried her body around the corner to her parents’ home.

Take in history while you eat at this restaurant. While those around you may be unaware of the history of the former house, you will know that an angel once lived there.

Jean-Pol GRANDMONT / Wikimedia Commons ( CC BY 2.5 )

Drive to the outskirts of northern Bastogne to visit the town of Foy. This is where the Easy Company fought after General George Patton broke through with his tanks to relieve them from their post at Bastogne. In the Band of Brothers series, the seventh episode covers the battle for Foy, which took place in January of 1945.

Today, this sleepy country town looks much the same as it did during the war. People hid in the cellars of their homes during the battle. The building where a sniper shot from a high window still stands, bullet holes and all. The yard the young soldier Frank Perconte ran through and got shot in his rear end looks just the same.

The forest on the edge of the town is where the Allies dug in before the battle. You can still see signs of the foxholes and will better understand the perspective of the Allies as they planned how to liberate Foy.

7. Liberty Road Marker

Liberty Road Markers trace the path through Europe taken by the American troops, starting with the landing in Normandy, France, and ending in Bastogne. A French mayor worked with General Patton to design the project. From Utah Beach to Bastogne, these white markers with the red flame of liberty stand at every kilometer and number 1,147 in all. Look for the final marker of this long trail at the intersection of Rue de Clervaux and Route de Bizory near the Bastogne War Museum.

What To Know Before You Go

While you can visit the museums on your own, I highly recommend a guided tour of the battlegrounds and the town of Foy. You can find the foxholes on your own, but with a tour guide you will hear fascinating stories as well. I spent a day with historian Reg Jans of Battlefield Experience . He has led tours for veterans returning to Bastogne and talked with them about their experiences here. They are gone now, but you can hear their memories by touring with a local like Jans. It’s these stories that make the events of Bastogne come alive.

I recommend preparing for your visit by watching the superb Band of Brothers series by Tom Hanks and Stephen Spielberg. The sixth and seventh episodes cover the events of World War II in Bastogne.

The echoes of the past are everywhere in Bastogne. And by remembering, we keep alive those lost too soon. Walk in the footsteps of the soldiers, medical helpers, and townspeople. You will certainly never forget this experience.

As the owner of the travel blog, Exploring Our World , Sharon enjoys taking her readers on a journey with her. Articles often delve into the history of a place, and by adding in a generous number of photos, she inspires others to explore for themselves. In her early travels, she was most frustrated by coming back home and learning that she had missed a fascinating sight or a hidden gem. Now she helps travelers prepare for a trip by passing along travel tips, pointing out lesser known things to see, and alerting them to enjoyable day trips from major cities.

Her travel articles have been published by Stripes Europe Newsletter and the World War 2 Writing and Research Center. Whether she's discovering more about her hometown of San Diego, California or flying to faraway places, she enjoys sharing with travel lovers around the world.

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Battle of the Bulge

They’ve got us surrounded again, the poor bastards.

– Col. Creighton S. Abrams

Our Battle of the Bulge Tour takes a detailed look at the American men and German soldiers who opposed them in the largest land battle in WWII. On December 16, 1944, the Germans launched their Ardennes Campaign, better known as the Battle of the Bulge. For 31 grueling days, American troops fought in bitter cold, heavy snow and icy water. In one of the most epic and decisive victories of the war, they held their foxholes under the threatening skies of a Teutonic winter.

As Stephen Ambrose wrote of the Ardennes in Citizens Soldiers , many of the men on the thinly-held Belgian front lines were recently-arrived “replacements.” Only just out of training, untested, and poorly-equipped, they were sent to the front lines with instructions on how to avoid trench-foot and told to kill Germans. It was a cruel experience in which raw courage merged with terrific faith, training, skill and ingenuity to save the day.

You will travel from Brussels to the Ardennes to visit Malmedy, Bastogne, Diekirch and more of the areas that defined this fierce struggle. As you follow in the path of these heroes and visit the battlefields, you will gain a new respect for the basic patriotism that defeated the Germans and won World War II for the Allies.

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Brussels: Enjoy a Welcome Dinner with introductions all around, and your first lecture on the Ardennes Campaign

Malmedy: Cross the same spot the Germans did in 1944 and follow their exact route through Lanzerath where they encountered Lieutenant Bouck and his I & R Platoon

St. Vith: Start the day with a visit to St. Vith, then travel to Wallerode and its monument to a lone American officer who defended the town for weeks, one soldier carrying out his own personal war against the Nazis

Bastogne: Begin with a special visit to the barracks that served as command headquarters; see the Mardasson Memorial; retrace the 16-mile defensive perimeter around the town

Diekirch/Luxembourg City: Study the location of the 5th Infantry Division’s nighttime crossing of the Sauer River; visit the National Military Museum and pay your respects at the American and German cemeteries there

Foy-Notre-Dame: See the very spot where the Americans halted the Germans at the point of their farthest westward advance

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Please note: the 2024 battle of the bugle tour is the 80th anniversary. to participate in the anniversary commemorations, the 2024 tour is one day longer than the 2025 tour., day 1 fly to brussels.

Guests travel independently on an overnight flight to Brussels, Belgium.

DAY 2 Arrive in Brussels

Land in Brussels and gather at a designated meet-up location within the airport before your motor coach will take you to your hotel. In the evening, you will have a Welcome Dinner with introductions all around and enjoy your first lecture on the Ardennes Campaign.

DAY 3 Malmedy

When SS Obersturmbannenfuehrer Joachim Peiper received his orders for the upcoming Ardennes offensive, the German high command instructed him to use terror as one of his secret weapons—a tactic that had already earned Peiper the nickname “the blowtorch” for his record on the Russian front. Predictably, his sadistic destruction left a tremendous human toll of American GI’s, Belgian civilians and others by the time the Americans stopped him.

You will cross the same spot and follow the exact route that Pieper took with his armored column through the town of Lanzerath in 1944. There, he clashed with the baby-faced Lieutenant Lyle Bouck and 17 young Americans, who alone defended the town.

Around Lanzareth, you will visit Bullingen, Baugnez and the site of the famous Malmedy massacre. Following that somber experience, you will continue to Stavelot, Trois Pont, and La Gleize. Your day will end at the December 44 Museum which features an original King Tiger tank.

DAY 4 St. Vith: The Slaughter

When Maj. Gen. Alan Jones reported to VIII Corps headquarters that captured German soldiers had warned of an impending enemy offensive, the higher-ups scoffed at him, retorting derisively to Jones, “Don’t be so jumpy, the Krauts are just playing phonograph records to scare you newcomers.”

With his 106th Infantry Division that was composed mostly of untested replacements, Jones remained wary anyway and they were ready around 5am, after barely resting all night, when they first heard the German artillery fire advancing towards them. With German tanks supported by infantry following the artillery, the men of the 106th realized they were in grave danger, and they quickly rallied to hold their positions.

Despite their shock at the initial attack, they naturally expected relief to arrive sooner, but after three days of fierce and desperate fighting, they had no choice. After such bravery, approximately 7,500 surrendered to the Germans on December 19, 1944, the largest number of Americans to lay down their arms since Bataan in the Philippines in 1942.

You will start the day with a visit to St. Vith and then continue to Wallerode where you will see the monument to the lone American officer who single-handedly defended the town against the Germans for weeks. Next, you will visit the positions the courageous 106th defended in the woods along Skyline Drive. After walking among the extensive foxholes, bunkers, and artillery emplacements, you will feel the pain of defeat where the Germans forced the surrender of the 106ths 442 Infantry Regiment to surrender.

DAY 5 Bastogne: Trading Lives for Time

Eisenhower designated Bastogne as a critical strategic juncture because of the seven major roads that passed through it. But just a few thousand VIII Corps troops, including a small combat command of the 10th Armored Division, defended the town when the German attack began. Against overwhelming odds, these men held their positions for the next 48 hours until the 101st Airborne DIvision arrived, and the battle turned into a siege. Their success remains one of World War II’s most compelling tales of bravery and self-sacrifice that saved Bastogne--and possibly the entire free world as well.

Your study will begin at the barracks that served as General Troy Middleton’s VIII Corps headquarters before General Anthony McAuliffe, leading the 101st Airborne, arrived to assume command. McAuliffe and his Airborne staff took over the same barracks, including the basement room, known as “the cave,” where McAuliffe later gave his famous “Nuts!” answer in response to German demands for surrender.

After visiting that storied location, you will stop to admire the impressive Mardasson Memorial before you begin to retrace the 16-mile defensive perimeter around the town. In making that circumference, you will explore the roadblock battles fought at places like Houffalize, Noville, Bourcy, Bizory, Longvilly and Marvie.

DAY 6 Bastogne: The Hole in the Donut

Through the sacrifice of American tanks and infantrymen, the paratroopers of the 101st reached Bastogne to hold the town for the next seven days. With that heavy on your mind, you will visit the village of Mande St. Etienne where the 101st arrived after their breakneck drive from Reims. Next you will visit the field where the Germans closed the last escape route out of Bastogne and seized the combat hospital.\

Continuing in a rough circle around the town, you will reach Hemroulle, where the “Screaming Eagles” of the 327th Glider Infantry Regiment hunkered down in their foxholes on Christmas Day as enemy tanks passed directly overhead.

Your study of Bastogne’s defense will end at Sibret and Assenois, the German roadblocks where General George S. Patton’s 4th Armored Division broke through to reach the beleaguered defenders of the town and lift the siege.

DAY 7 Diekirch/Luxembourg City: Crossing the Sauer

Your day starts in Diekirch where the Americans entered Germany for the first time since the Battle of the Bulge. On January 18, 1945, the 5th Infantry Division crossed the Sauer River in a night assault. After viewing the location, you will spend the rest of the afternoon at the phenomenal National Military Museum in Diekirch. With its 1,500 square meters of exhibit space and renowned life-size dioramas, this museum re-creates the experience of December and January, 1944-45. Your tour of the Ardennes will conclude near the town of Hamm with a visit to the American and German cemeteries there.

Overnight in Luxembourg.

DAY 8 Foy-Notre-Dame

Following an early departure, your coach will head for Brussels. Along the way, in the village of Foy-Notre-Dame, you will see where the American forces halted the farthest westward advance of the Germans.

On the last evening, you will enjoy a Farewell Dinner and a concluding discussion of the Battle of the Bulge at your airport hotel in Brussels.

Morning departure from Brussels airport.

• 80th Anniversary: December 10 - 19, 2024
• December 10 - 18, 2025

Recommended Reading

• Citizen Soldiers: The U. S. Army from the Normandy Beaches to the Bulge to the Surrender of Germany,  Stephen E. Ambrose

Tour Includes

• Full-time, professional historian
• Touring by first class motorcoach
• All breakfasts, most dinners
• All entrance fees to museums & attractions

Activity Level

As with all of our tours, we prefer to spend our time on the battlefields. There will be some museum stops, but please be prepared to walk through forests and cobblestone streets.

• Chris Anderson

2024 80th ANNIVERSARY TRIP COST $4,390

Prices are per person based on double occupancy. For a single room on the 2024 tour, add $1,150. 

2025 TRIP COST $3,790

Prices are per person based on double occupancy. For a single room, add $1,000. 

Our Guests’ Reviews

There are 4 reviews for ' Battle of the Bulge '. Add your review

Outstanding trip!

We were part of a small, post Covid tour and it was absolutely fabulous! Our leader was Chris Anderson who has been with many of the veterans previously on his tour. His personal first hand knowledge of events made this tour very special indeed. A highlight for us was being at Dick Winter’s foxhole in the Ardennes. No matter how much knowledge (or lack thereof) you have beforehand, this tour provides much more! A truly authentic experience in December awaits the travelers!

Battle of the Bulge and other WW2 Tours

You could not ask for a truer patriot then Len Fullenkamp to lead you through any of the Ambrose WW2 tours. Len is the real thing and I can guarantee that he will lead you to the place you are looking for in your journey in like.

Battle of the Bulge Tour

Ambrose Historical Tours made this trip of a lifetime an experience that I will treasure greatly. This was a First-Class operation with an EXCELLENT driver, tour manager and tour historian. Each day’s itinerary was exciting, memorable and educational…so much so that I didn’t sleep much each night as I was still processing what I had seen that day, while looking forward to what I was going to see the next day. Simply cannot thank y’all and our tour group enough for making the Battle of the Bulge Tour my greatest adventure.

U. S. Army cemetery Ardennes

The candlelight ceremony at the Luxembourg U.S. Army burial site is very, very special.

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