This small Belgian town played a key role in World War II's Battle of the Bulge. Its military museums, medieval walls, and local cheese production draw visitors.
In Bastogne, a town in southern Belgium's Ardennes region, you can walk through actual World War II foxholes in the Bois Jacques forest, examine General McAuliffe's command center at the Bastogne Barracks, or climb the steps of the star-shaped Mardasson Memorial. Each spring, professional cyclists race through town during the Liège-Bastogne-Liège competition. When you're hungry, sit down for a meal in Leo, a converted railway carriage, or try local specialties at restaurants around McAuliffe Square.
Getting to Bastogne
Two bus stations, Bastogne Nord and Bastogne Sud, connect the town to other Belgian cities. A rural shuttle runs between Bastogne Nord and Libramont, making it easy to plan day trips from larger urban centers.
Where to Stay and Eat
Hotel Melba, located five minutes from the main square, has rooms starting at €85 per night and serves breakfast from 7-10 AM. Around McAuliffe Square, you'll find Café Nuts serving Belgian classics like carbonnade flamande. For something different, eat dinner in Leo restaurant's converted railway carriage. Visit Giorgi, an Italian restaurant on the main square, in what was once the home of Renee LaMaire, known as the "Angel of Bastogne."
Cycling in Bastogne
The Liège-Bastogne-Liège race, started in 1892, turns around in Bastogne before heading back to Liège. Watch professional cyclists tackle this 260-kilometer route each April, in one of Europe's oldest single-day races.
Medieval Town Gate
The 14th-century Trèves gate marks the entrance to the town center. Over centuries, this stone structure has served as a prison, guesthouse, and defensive fortification. You can walk through its archway and see the preserved medieval stonework.
World War II Museums
At the Bastogne War Museum, you'll find artifacts like soldiers' personal items and vehicles, along with multimedia displays about the Battle of the Bulge. The 101st Airborne Museum uses life-sized dioramas to show both military and civilian experiences during the siege. Visit the Bastogne Barracks, still maintained by the Belgian Army, to see General McAuliffe's headquarters and the room where he made his famous "Nuts!" reply to German surrender demands.
Battle Sites and Memorials
Walk through Bois Jacques forest to see the original foxholes where Easy Company held their position during the siege. The Mardasson Memorial, built in 1950, lists the names of 76,890 American soldiers who died during the Battle of the Bulge. Throughout town, you'll spot monuments to military leaders including Brigadier General McAuliffe and General Patton.
