2025 Clervaux Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in April)

I recently stayed at Hotel Koener with my mum for two nights, and I genuinely wish I could have stayed longer. From the moment I walked through the doors, the service was phenomenal—every interaction with the staff was warm, welcoming, and truly exceptional. Upon arrival, Pedro greeted us with such kindness and professionalism, making us feel instantly at home despite my early arrival. His hospitality set the tone for an incredible stay. Later on, Tony checked us in, and he was just as friendly and accommodating throughout the process, ensuring everything was seamless and comfortable. The level of service from both of them was truly top-tier. The spa facilities were nothing short of spectacular. The sauna was one of the most beautiful I’ve seen in any hotel, and the pool and jacuzzi were absolutely perfect for relaxation. The hotel also had a fantastic gym and a tranquil relaxation area with a selection of complimentary herbal teas and infused water, adding an extra touch of luxury. The ambience of the lighting, music and decorative touches truly enhanced the relaxation experience. Our room was stunning—spacious, modern, and beautifully designed, offering the ultimate comfort for a restful stay. Every detail, from the decor to the amenities, was carefully curated to provide an atmosphere of elegance and relaxation. Dining at the hotel’s restaurant, Brasserie Koener, was another highlight. Tony from reception ensured that our dining experience was memorable. Our waiter, Ryan, provided impeccable service, ensuring that every aspect of our meal was perfect. He was attentive, efficient, and incredibly friendly, making our dining experience even more enjoyable. The food itself was out of this world, we ordered a Charcuterie board to share for starters, and for main I opted for Homemade beef tartare with condiments and mashed potato whilst my mum went for Butcher's sirloin steak, french fries with archduke sauce. Every dish prepared to perfection, my mum said that was the best beef sirloin she ever had, and I personally feel like it says a lot for a hotel to serve beef tartare as it requires exceptional attention to quality and freshness—huge compliments to the chef! Overall, Hotel Koener is an absolute gem. The staff’s dedication to excellence, the luxurious facilities, and the outstanding service made this stay unforgettable. I will definitely be returning and highly recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a truly exceptional experience!

Clervaux Castle is the main, if not the only reason, for most tourists to visit this small town in northern Luxembourg with a population of only about 1,000. The castle, which was built in the 12th century, has undergone expansion, abandonment, destruction, and reconstruction over the centuries. On the day of our visit, it was snowing heavily, and the white-walled castle looked lonely and romantic in the snow. Compared to the countless castles in Europe, Clervaux Castle is not remarkable in terms of history and aesthetics. The reason why this castle is famous is because the legendary exhibition "The Family of Man" curated by the famous fashion and war photographer Edward Steichen in the last century is permanently preserved here. The exhibition consists of 503 photographs by 273 artists from 68 different countries. Since its debut at the MoMA Museum in New York in 1955, it has been exhibited in more than 40 countries and regions worldwide, attracting over 9 million viewers. It is hailed as the "greatest photography exhibition in history" and was ultimately donated by Edward Steichen to his hometown of Clervaux in 1994. Clervaux is also known to the world for being one of the most brutal battlefields in the Western Front during World War II - the Battle of the Bulge. The castle was destroyed during this battle and was later rebuilt and restored. Now, a part of the castle is used as the Ardennes Battle Museum, exhibiting equipment, weapons, daily necessities, and documents from both the US and German armies during the battle. In the castle courtyard, there is a Sherman tank that was used by the Allied forces during the battle to defend the castle until the last moment on December 17, 1944. There is also a museum in the castle - the Luxembourg Castle Model Exhibition Hall. Due to its important military strategic position, Luxembourg has built a large number of military fortresses, and this exhibition hall displays models of many famous castles in the country, made in a scale of one percent of the actual size. The rest of the rooms in the castle are used as offices for the local government. In the small town, there is also a magnificent and beautiful church, Église Saints Côme et Damien, which is worth a visit. On the way to the church, you will also see the photos exhibited in "One World, One Family". This film festival has become the most important heritage in this small town and has been listed in the UNESCO World Memory Heritage List.

Early in the morning, it started snowing heavily in the sky. After visiting Clervaux, we drove to the next small town, Vianden. It was on this road that I felt like Alice accidentally entering a wonderland, but the wonderland I entered was gray and cold, unlike Alice's colorful wonderland. From Clervaux to Vianden, it's about 30 kilometers, and it takes just over half an hour to drive. Most of the way is along the border between Luxembourg and Germany. Suddenly, all the cars on the road seem to disappear (apparently, no locals want to go out on such a snowy weekend), and everything around is covered with thick white snow, as if one has been forgotten in this snowy country. Stop the car on the road and take a few photos. The red car stands out in the gray and white world, becoming the only bright color. After a sudden turn, Vianden Castle stands on the opposite hill, solitary but full of life.