Visiting World War II Sites in Bastogne: A Guide to Exploring Easy Company and the Battle of the Bulge

Top World War II sites in Bastogne and surrounding area

The Battle of the Bulge was a critical moment in World War II and Bastogne was at the center of it all. The town was defended by the 101st Airborne Division, which included Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment. The soldiers of Easy Company played a crucial role in the defense of Bastogne, and their bravery and sacrifice have been memorialized in books, movies, and television series. Today, visitors to Bastogne can see several sites that are dedicated to the soldiers of Easy Company and learn more about their experiences during the battle. Here is a guide to visiting some of the most significant World War II sites in Bastogne and surrounding areas. In addition to the sites you’ll read about below we’ve included a map for some extra off-the-beaten path locations to check out.

Bastogne War Museum

The Bastogne War Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of World War II. The museum is located just outside the town of Bastogne and is dedicated to the Battle of the Bulge. The museum features a range of exhibits, including artifacts, photographs, and multimedia presentations that tell the story of the battle. Visitors can also see a Sherman tank and a German Panther tank that were used during the battle. The museum is open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and admission is €12.50 for adults and €8.50 for children.

Mardasson Memorial

The Mardasson Memorial is a large monument located just outside the town of Bastogne. The monument was built in 1950 to honor the American soldiers who fought in the Battle of the Bulge. The monument is shaped like a five-pointed star and is made of white stone. Visitors can climb to the top of the monument, which offers a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. Inside the monument, there is a museum that tells the story of the battle. The museum is open daily from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, and admission is free.

Bastogne Barracks

The Bastogne Barracks were used as a headquarters by the American forces during the Battle of the Bulge. Today, the barracks have been turned into a museum that tells the story of the battle. Visitors can see a range of exhibits, including weapons, uniforms, and personal items used by the soldiers during the battle. There is also a section of the museum dedicated to the role of the Belgian resistance during the war. The museum is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and admission is €7.50 for adults and €5.50 for children.

101st Airborne Museum

The 101st Airborne Museum is located in the center of Bastogne and is dedicated to the American soldiers who fought in the Battle of the Bulge. The museum is housed in a building that was used as a hospital during the war. Visitors can see a range of exhibits, including uniforms, weapons, and personal items used by the soldiers. There is also a section of the museum dedicated to the role of the 101st Airborne Division during the war. The museum is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and admission is €10 for adults and €7 for children.

General McAuliffe Square

General McAuliffe Square is a small square located in the center of Bastogne. The square is named after General Anthony McAuliffe, who was the commander of the American forces during the Battle of the Bulge. During the battle, the Germans sent a message to the American forces demanding that they surrender. General McAuliffe famously replied, “Nuts!” The square features a statue of General McAuliffe, as well as a Sherman tank and an artillery piece.

Bois Jacques

Bois Jacques is a small forest located just outside of Bastogne, which was the site of several important battles during the Battle of the Bulge. The forest is home to several memorials and monuments, including the Easy Company Memorial, which honors the soldiers of Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, who fought in the forest during the battle. Visitors can take a walking tour of the forest and see the various memorials and monuments. It is important to note that the forest is still used for hunting, so visitors should be aware of their surroundings and follow any posted guidelines.

Foy

Foy is a small village located just outside of Bastogne, which was the site of intense fighting during the Battle of the Bulge. The village was occupied by German forces, and the American forces launched a major assault to recapture the village. During the Battle of Foy, Shifty Powers spotted a German sniper who had been causing trouble for the American forces. Despite being outgunned and outmatched, Powers took a daring shot that managed to hit the German sniper and eliminate the threat. His fellow soldiers were amazed by his incredible marksmanship, and Powers became a legend among the men of Easy Company. The shot was later immortalized in the book and television series “Band of Brothers.” The assault was successful but resulted in heavy casualties on both sides. Today, visitors can see several memorials and monuments in the village, including the Easy Company Memorial, which honors the soldiers of Easy Company who fought in the village.

Bastogne Historical Walk

The Bastogne Historical Walk is a self-guided walking tour of the town of Bastogne that takes visitors to several important World War II sites. The walk is marked by a series of panels that provide information about the sites and the events that took place there. The walk takes approximately two hours to complete and covers a distance of about two miles. Some of the sites included on the walk are the Mardasson Memorial, the Bastogne Barracks, and General McAuliffe Square.

Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial

The Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial is located about 30 minutes from Bastogne and is the final resting place of more than 5,000 American soldiers who died during World War II. The cemetery is a sobering reminder of the sacrifices made by the soldiers who fought in the war. Visitors can take a guided tour of the cemetery and see the graves of the soldiers, as well as a memorial chapel and a reflecting pool. The cemetery is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and admission is free.

Memorial Renée Lemaire & 10th Armored Division Aid Station

The Memorial Renée Lemaire & 10th Armored Division Aid Station Plaque is located at the former site of a World War II aid station in Bastogne. The plaque honors the memory of Renée Lemaire, a Belgian nurse who was killed by German artillery while tending to wounded American soldiers, as well as the soldiers of the 10th Armored Division who fought to defend the area. This site is also significant to the Band of Brothers story, as it was where Lt. Norman Dike, the temporary commander of Easy Company, was relieved of duty after freezing under pressure during a critical moment in the battle. Visitors can pay their respects to the fallen and learn more about the events that took place at this location during the Battle of the Bulge.

In conclusion, visiting the World War II sites in Bastogne is a powerful and moving experience that offers a unique opportunity to learn about the history of the Battle of the Bulge. From the Bastogne War Museum to the Mardasson Memorial to the various monuments and memorials scattered throughout the area, there is much to see and experience. Whether you are a history buff or simply interested in learning more about the sacrifices made by the soldiers who fought in the war, a visit to Bastogne is a must-do for any traveler.