Wiltz

Nestled in a serene setting of lush hills and peaceful valleys, Wiltz is a charming city situated in the heart of the Éislek region within the Nature Park Upper-Sûre. At the top of the city stands the ancient castle of the former Counts of Wiltz, which now houses a tourist information center and two museums. Beer enthusiasts can explore the National Museum of the Art of Brewing, showcasing Wiltz’s rich beer brewing history through its micro-brewery. Additionally, history buffs can immerse themselves in the Battle of the Bulge Museum’s exhibitions. Each summer, the castle’s grand Renaissance staircase transforms into the backdrop for the renowned “Festival de Wiltz”.

Wiltz Festival

Ever since 1953, an unmatched outdoor theater has been held annually at a castle for artists, theater groups, and musicians from all over the world. In the beginning, a few people from Wiltz came up with the idea to start a festival in Luxembourg. It started with theater and naturally transitioned into music, drawing both knowledgeable audiences and casual fans. Over the years, the Festival of Wiltz has showcased some of the greatest artists of our time, a first for the country. To address issues with bad weather, a retractable roof was added to cover the main stage in 1991, providing shelter for thousands of spectators and exceptional acoustics.

What to do in Wiltz

Nestled in the picturesque Ardennes region of Luxembourg, Wiltz is a historic town that dates back to ancient Celtic settlements and was officially granted town status in 1240. The town is divided into an upper and lower section, with the upper part featuring the castle of the former counts of Wiltz, who were some of the oldest noble families in Luxembourg. Wiltz played a significant role during World War II, as it was occupied by the Nazis from May 1940 until its liberation in January 1945, during which time 80% of the town’s homes were destroyed in the Battle of the Bulge.

One of the best ways to explore Wiltz is by walking along its cultural trails. You can embark on the 3km yellow trail in the upper town, where you can see 12 inscriptions explaining how Wiltz earned its nickname of Martyr town. Along the way, you will pass by attractions like the Jardin de Wiltz and the baroque high altar at the parish church of Notre Dame. Alternatively, you can opt for the 4.5km red trail, which takes you from the Nieder-Wiltz bridge to the sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima and Decanal church. History buffs can follow the remembrance trail to Schumann’s Eck, where they can see the battlegrounds where American and German soldiers clashed, culminating at a tomb dedicated to the 28th infantry division and the National Liberation Monument.

Spread across 600 acres of lush lawns and gardens, the Wiltz Castle is a must-visit destination that hosts several museums and events throughout the year. Within the castle premises, you will find the National Museum of Brewing in the castle stables, showcasing the evolution of beer production spanning over 6,000 years. Apart from its informative exhibits, visitors can also explore the world’s tiniest micro-brewery to learn about the brewing process from grain cultivation to fermentation. Inside the castle, the Tannery Museum sheds light on Wiltz’s leathermaking history dating back to the 1640s. Additionally, visitors can visit the Museum of the Battle of the Bulge, established in 1970, which recounts the events of the Ardennes Offensive in December 1944, highlighting the hardships faced by soldiers and residents through a collection of photos, artworks, documents, and war memorabilia.

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