Bastogne: The Walk of Remembrance

Bastogne has gone down in history when the Americans stopped the major German offensive there during the terrible winter of 1944. Although traces of the battles are still visible in the landscape, the region undeniably appears charming. From the Mardasson monument, which bears the names of the fallen American soldiers, you move to the peaceful countryside of Bastogne. It is hard to imagine the horrific battles that took place in the tranquil villages you now pass, such as Neffe and Bizory. The emotion endures as your steps lead you to the ‘Bois de la Paix’, a beautiful landscape work dedicated to peace. The 4,000 trees in this forest were planted on the 50th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge. The 3 groves of birches, rowan trees, oaks, and beeches pay tribute to all veterans and civilian victims. Further along, by the beautiful rampart landscape, you arrive at the edge of the ‘Bois Jacques’ where the soldiers of an American company defended their position at an icy temperature of -28 degrees. The landscape of the region is marked by fire and flames, but Bastogne has grown into the city of universal brotherhood. Walks from the brochure "20 unforgettable hikes" can be consulted and downloaded here: walloniebelgietoerisme.be/en/3/do/en/sportsactivities/hiking/hikingbrochures