Clerf: Discover castle culture and Ardennes trails

Clerf combines the landscapes of the Ardennes, also known as Éislek, with a remarkable density of cultural and historical experiences. An extensive network of cycling and hiking trails, pedestrian streets and a train station with connections to Luxembourg City as well as directly to Liège in Belgium make the town a versatile base for planning a trip. Depending on your interests, you can divide your days between museums, churches, photography and hiking trails.

Castle, museums and photography

The complete final version of The Family of Man has been permanently installed at Clervaux Castle since 1994. Those interested in photography will find another special focus at Clervaux – Cité de l'image: contemporary photography is presented outdoors there. Photographs can be viewed at six locations along a trail that is freely accessible all year round. A guided tour is available on request as a one-hour walk.

The Battle and Castles Museum explores the Battle of the Bulge and displays models of Luxembourg fortresses and castles at a scale of 1:100.

The religious buildings also shape the cultural landscape. The Benedictine Abbey of Saint Mauritius was built in the Neo-Romanesque style; its crypt houses a photographic exhibition about the life and work of the Benedictines. On the first Monday of each month, the monks open the abbey church and crypt for a guided tour. The shop of Saint Maurice Abbey offers homemade apple juice and handcrafted products. The parish church of Clervaux was built in 1910/1911 in the Rhenish-Romantic style on a rocky ridge and contains original works by the church sculptor Piedboeuf from Aachen. The Loretto Chapel was built in 1762 in the late Baroque style; access to it is limited to guided tours.

Hiking with historical themes

The approximately 3-kilometre hiking trail through the former wildlife park of Clervaux passes several important sites. The former wildlife park was a hunting area of around 20 hectares that was integrated into the feudal castle of Clervaux. QR code terminals and audio stations along the trail explain hunting culture and regional history. The historical context remains closely connected to the trail: you do not simply discover the landscape, but also receive additional information about the former use of this area.

Another hiking option, the Éislek Path Clervaux, is signposted in both directions. On CFL hiking route 2, hikers can take the train back to their starting point. This is an interesting way to avoid planning the day solely as an out-and-back route. A historical tour through Clerf during the occupation provides background on the German occupation and compelling stories.

A digital tour begins in Clervaux's old town, follows a hiking trail to the Loretto Chapel and then continues to the church and castle. After downloading, it works without an internet connection. This allows you to decide in advance whether you prefer a self-guided tour with historical stops or a guided visit. The Clervaux Castle Summer Music Festival complements the cultural offerings: since 2022, the municipality has held it during the summer holidays on selected weekends, on Friday and Saturday evenings, with concerts in historic Clervaux Castle.

The right base for your trip

When searching for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Clerf, you can use your preferred travel rhythm as the starting point. Clerf train station, with its connections to Luxembourg and Liège, is a concrete factor in planning your journey.

For further options within the regional overview, you will also find Beiler, Urspelt, Roder, Derenbach, Clervaux, Asselborn, Troisvierges, Wincrange, Heinerscheid, Weiswampach, Munshausen, Hosingen, Niederwampach, Sassel, Wahlhausen, Leithum, Eselborn, Hoffelt and Rodershausen.

To the higher-level travel overview: Diekirch.