Clervaux: Culture, History and Trails

Clervaux can be discovered from several angles: through photography, local history, sacred architecture and trails with regional themes. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, these different interests can help shape your itinerary. The offerings vary in theme and format; check tour dates and the current programme of temporary exhibitions in advance.

Photography and History

Since 1994, the complete version of “The Family of Man” has been on permanent display at Clervaux Castle. The collection comprises 503 photographs by 273 photographers from 68 countries. Its international composition offers a distinctive introduction to this part of the cultural scene.

The Musée Bataille et Châteaux combines an exhibition on the Battle of the Bulge with scale models of Luxembourg’s castles at a scale of 1:100. The offensive is presented through contemporary documents, uniforms, authentic weapons and reconstructed scenes. The consistent scale of the castle models makes it easier to compare the castles depicted. The Cité de l’Image offers a different photographic focus, presenting contemporary photography in Clervaux’s public spaces. As exhibitions change, it is advisable to check the current programme. The different focuses are therefore: a photographic collection on permanent display, a changing programme of contemporary photography, and historical themes in an exhibition featuring castle models.

Sacred Architecture and Guided Tours

The parish church of St Cosmas and Damian features Rhenish Romanesque architecture and two distinctive towers. Inside are religious artworks by Lambert Piedboeuf, including an impressive chancel mosaic. The Notre-Dame de Lorette Chapel offers a Baroque contrast: this remarkable building contains religious artworks, paintings and sculptures. Together, they present different architectural and artistic styles.

The monks of Clervaux Abbey offer a guided tour of the church and crypt on the first Monday of every month. Check the date and booking requirements in advance, as dates and booking arrangements may change. A guided town tour of Clervaux may cover the German occupation and historical anecdotes; it lasts 1 to 1.5 hours. Booking arrangements may also change. The two tours differ in focus and format: one takes visitors through the church and crypt on a set monthly date, while the other explores possible topics from the town’s history on a walking tour.

Hiking and Cycling

A hiking trail approximately 3 km long runs through the former wildlife park of Clervaux. QR code and audio stations provide information about hunting culture and regional history; digital installations may be updated. The former wildlife park dates back to the 17th century and is closely linked to the history of the Counts of Lannoy. If you would like to include the stations in your plans, check the latest digital information before setting out.

The Sentier Éislek Clervaux is marked in both directions with Éislek trail markers. Check local conditions before hiking. Compared with the trail through the former wildlife park, the planning information here differs: the former has an approximate length and themed stations, while this one is marked in both directions.

An extensive network of well-maintained cycling paths runs through the municipality of Clervaux. There is a RentaBike station at the Clervaux Tourist Centre. As availability and route conditions may change, check both when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Derenbach, Munshausen, Wahlhausen, Asselborn, Ulflingen, Wintger, Weiswampach, Niederwampach.

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