Clerf: Castle History and Photography

Since 1994, the complete final version of The Family of Man has been permanently installed in Clervaux Castle. It is one of the special cultural attractions that connect Clerf with its castle history. The Museum of the Battle of the Bulge is also located in the castle: it illustrates this historical event of the Second World War with documents, uniforms and authentic weapons. The Battle and Castles Museum also covers the Battle of the Bulge and displays models of Luxembourg’s castles and fortresses at a scale of 1:100.

Photography, Abbey and Churches

Clervaux – Cité de l’image is dedicated to contemporary photography displayed outdoors. Photographs can be seen at six locations along a trail that is open year-round and free of charge. A guided tour lasting one hour is also available on request. You can explore the project along the trail at your own pace or request a guided tour.

The Benedictine Abbey of Saint Mauritius was built in the neo-Romanesque style. A photography exhibition in its crypt tells the story of the Benedictines’ lives and work. On the first Monday of every month, the monks open the abbey church and crypt for a guided tour. If you plan to visit then, check the date in advance. The shop at Saint Maurice Abbey offers homemade apple juice and handcrafted products.

The parish church of Clerf was built in 1910/1911 in the Rhenish-Romantic style on a rocky ridge. Inside are original works by the church sculptor Piedboeuf from Aachen. The Loretto Chapel offers a different architectural accent: it was built in 1762 in the late Baroque style. Access to the chapel is only available as part of a guided tour.

A digital tour begins in Clerf’s old town, follows a hiking trail to the Loretto Chapel, and then continues to the church and castle. Once downloaded, it works without an internet connection. A historical tour of Clerf focuses on the period of occupation, provides background on the German occupation and recounts compelling stories.

Hiking and Landscape

Clerf is set amid the wild landscapes of the Ardennes, also known as Éislek, and has an extensive network of cycling and hiking trails. The Éislek Path Clervaux is signposted in both directions. Another trail runs for around three kilometres through the former wildlife park and past notable sites.

The former wildlife park was a hunting ground of around 20 hectares, incorporated into Clerf’s feudal castle. QR code terminals and audio stations along the route explain hunting culture and regional history. The walk therefore combines a hike with information about the site’s former use. On CFL Hiking Route 2, hikers can take the train back to their starting point; this offers a different option for planning a tour than the approximately three-kilometre route through the former wildlife park.

You can also factor transport into your plans: Clerf railway station has connections to Luxembourg City and a direct connection to Liège in Belgium. The town also has pedestrian streets. For travellers looking to combine culture and outdoor activities, there are different themes to choose from: the castle and museums, outdoor photography, churches or trails through the landscape.

Summer Music

Since 2022, the municipality of Clerf has organised the Clervaux Castle Summer Music Festival. Concerts are held on selected weekends during the summer holidays, on Friday and Saturday evenings at historic Clervaux Castle. As the programme is concentrated on specific weekends, check the event dates if you would like to plan your stay around them.

Discover more destinations: Clervaux, Asselborn, Troine, Wincrange, Heinerscheid, Weiswampach, Munshausen, Hosingen, Niederwampach, Sassel, Wahlhausen, Leithum, Eselborn, Hoffelt, Rodershausen, Beiler, Urspelt, Roder, Derenbach.

Back to the regional travel guide: Diekirch.