Area guides

Where to stay in Clervaux

5 min read

Clervaux Castle above the town with the abbey visible on the hill

The far-north base

Clervaux sits in the Ardennes near the Belgian border, wrapped around a whitewashed castle housing Edward Steichen's Family of Man exhibition, a UNESCO Memory of the World collection. The Benedictine abbey of Saint-Maurice sits on the hill above. The town is small and steep, with a train station in the valley. Hotels are family-run: Hotel International, Hotel Koener and similar, with rooms $95-140.

Direct trains to Luxembourg Central Station take about 60-65 minutes and run hourly. The line continues north to Liege in Belgium.

Who this suits

Clervaux suits photography enthusiasts specifically for the Family of Man collection, plus Ardennes hikers using the trails around Cinqfontaines and the Woltz valley, and Battle of the Bulge history travellers heading to Bastogne across the border. It also suits winter travellers wanting a cosy inn base.

It does not suit day-trippers using the town as a base for the capital; the commute is 65-70 minutes each way and cuts into your day. It also does not suit anyone wanting the mid-country attractions like Vianden or the Mullerthal within short reach; the north-Ardennes location isolates it.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Family of Man worth the trip?

Yes for anyone with a photography interest. It is Edward Steichen's own MoMA-originated exhibition permanently installed in the castle, and the setting is part of the experience. Allow 2 hours.

How cold does Clervaux get in winter?

Winters are noticeably colder than the capital, with regular snow between December and February. Roads stay clear but hiking trails can be muddy or icy; pack accordingly.