Nestled in the north of Luxembourg lies a town rich in history. Known as ‘the capital of the Ardennes’, Wiltz is proud of its past, which it showcases to visitors through a fantastic range of cultural trails, monuments and museums. Top tip: Much of Wiltz is on a steep hill, so make sure you wear suitable footwear to explore the town!
Shortly after the end of the Second World War, Wiltz was named ‘Martyr Town’ in commemoration of the horrific battles that took place six kilometres down the road at the strategic junction of ‘Schumann’s Eck’ in 1944 and 1945, but above all in honour of the people of Wiltz who fought so valiantly against the occupiers (in particular during the 1942 general strike — see below). Numerous monuments have been erected to ensure that we never forget this dark period in the history of Luxembourg and the town of Wiltz. The town’s Museum of the Battle of the Bulge takes visitors on an immersive journey back in time to discover what life was like for families and soldiers in wartime Luxembourg. The museum also tells visitors about the American troops who were stationed in Wiltz for a number of weeks in 1944, including, for example, the story of the American GI who dressed up as Saint Nicholas and was driven through town in a jeep, handing out sweets to children.
Wiltz’s brewing heritage is a far more cheerful facet of the town’s history. This year marks the 200th anniversary of Brasserie Simon, a brewery founded in 1824 by a tanner. In those days, Wiltz was best known for its tanneries. Brasserie Simon has remained a family business (five gener- ations) ever since, and today employs around twenty people, most of whom were born in Wiltz. Its ‘Okult’ and ‘Ourdaller’ wheat beers are popular with beer lovers, and can be found in bars across the country.
The National Museum of the Art of Brewing, based in Wiltz Castle, tells you more about the history of Brasserie Simon and other Luxembourg brewer- ies, with a wealth of exhibits to admire (advertising posters, glasses, taps) and fun facts. You can also try your hand at brewing your own beer in the castle’s microbrewery, and come back and collect it one month later. A great idea for a fun activity with friends!
Beware: It’s steep!
If you want to explore the whole town, you’ll need to park in one of the public car parks. The Tourist Office proposes two cultural trails: one in the upper town and one in the lower town. But be prepared (and warned!) — there are some steep streets to climb!
From Kaul campsite, it’s just a few metres’ walk to your first cultural landmark: the monument to Luxembourg poet Michel Rodange and his famous Renert (fox), the poem he wrote while living in Wiltz. If you turn to admire the view, you’ll see on the hill in the distance the shrine of Our Lady of Fatima (erected after the war), where thousands of Catholic pilgrims gather every year in May.
A little further uphill, you’ll come to the 23-metre-high National Strike Monument, commemorating the general strike led by local industrialists against forced conscription into the Nazi army. Those who take on the extra climb up the narrow spiral staircase with its hundred or so steps will be rewarded with a splendid view of the town.
Keep going! Just a few more metres’ climb and you’ll arrive at Wiltz Castle, with its cobbled courtyard and two family-friendly museums.
The trail then continues along the Grand-Rue, and finishes higher uphill with a visit to the Jardin de Wiltz. This ‘garden of art’ covers 2.5 hectares and is maintained by people from the Coopérations sheltered workshop.
From Wiltz, there are a multitude of hiking trails you can set off on to discover such delights as the river Wiltz, the Himmelbaach stream and the flora typical of the Ardennes (‘Sentier de la Wiltz’). Experienced hikers can explore the Luxembourg Ardennes between Clervaux, Kautenbach and Wiltz via the western part of the Éislek region.
The magic of Wiltz
The ‘Nuits des Lampions’ light show, held in September, is a highlight in Wiltz’s calendar. Hundreds of paper lanterns, made by the Coopérations sheltered workshop in collaboration with national and international artists, will once again this year (20 and 21 September) be on display in the heart of the leafy, flower-filled Jardin de Wiltz, lighting up the starry sky. A magical night under the stars for all the family.
During the summer months, the Tourist Office organises a packed programme of themed activities to show Wiltz at its best. These activities include night-time torch-lit walks and, for sports enthusiasts, e-mountain bike tours of the town and guided ‘Hike and Like’ walks to discover Wiltz’s vibrant arts and crafts scene.
We’re already looking forward to next summer and the famous Wiltz Festival, with its superb open-air concerts. The festival is a unique opportunity to see international stars perform live, like Birdy this year, as well as other bands from all over Europe. Since the first edition of the festival in 1953, all concerts have been held in the amphitheatre in Wiltz Castle — a stunning venue for a remarkable music experience.
