Bastogne in 1 or 2 days: a Battle of the Bulge itinerary
Bastogne is compact. With a car and a good plan, you can see the essential sites in a day, and walk in Easy Company's footsteps on the second.
Updated September 27, 2026 · By the info-lux newsroom, Bastogne
Day 1 (Bastogne): the Bastogne War Museum and Mardasson in the morning, lunch on McAuliffe Square, then the 101st Airborne Museum, the "NUTS!" cellar at the Barracks (book ahead), the Sherman "Barracuda" and the Patton memorial. Day 2 (the perimeter): the Bois Jacques foxholes and Foy, Recogne, then the Luxembourg American Cemetery (Patton's grave), or north to La Gleize and Baugnez (Malmedy).
Day 1: Bastogne
- 9:30 a.m. — Bastogne War Museum (about 2 hours). Start here for the big picture.
- 11:30 a.m. — Mardasson Memorial and its crypt, next door (30–45 min).
- 12:30 p.m. — Lunch on McAuliffe Square (see where to eat). Then see the Sherman "Barracuda" and McAuliffe's bust.
- 2 p.m. — 101st Airborne Museum (1–1½ hours; closed Mondays).
- 3:30 p.m. — Bastogne Barracks and the "NUTS!" cellar. Check opening days and book.
- Evening — the Patton memorial downtown, then dinner.
Tip: if you arrive on a Monday, swap the 101st Airborne Museum for the Bois Jacques from Day 2.
Day 2: the perimeter and beyond
- Morning — Bois Jacques, the Easy Company foxholes between Foy and Bizory. Then the Easy Company memorial in Foy. Boots recommended.
- Late morning — Recogne: the German military cemetery and the Native American memorial.
- Afternoon, option A (south): drive to the Luxembourg American Cemetery to see General Patton's grave (1 hr 10 min). Easy to combine with a flight from Luxembourg Airport.
- Afternoon, option B (north): La Gleize, with the Tiger II tank of the December 44 Museum, and the Baugnez 44 Historical Center at the site of the Malmedy massacre (about 1 hr 15 min north).
Before you go
- You need a car. Public transportation does not reach the foxholes or cemeteries in practice (see getting here).
- The Bastogne War Museum closes for several weeks in January–February, and the Barracks have limited opening days. Check before you fix your dates.
- If a relative served here, bring his unit details. Museum staff are often glad to help place him on the map.
- Stay two nights in Bastogne to avoid long drives (see where to stay).
Practical information
| Day 1 budget (2026) | War Museum €27 + 101st Airborne Museum €14 + Barracks (check) per adult |
|---|---|
| Driving on Day 2 | About 30 miles around Bastogne, plus 60 miles each way to Luxembourg (option A) |
| Best season | May–September for the woods; mid-December for the commemorations |
Frequently asked questions
Can you see Bastogne in one day?
Yes, the main sites in town can be seen in one full day: Bastogne War Museum, Mardasson, McAuliffe Square, the 101st Airborne Museum and the Barracks. Add a second day for the foxholes and Patton's grave.
Do I need a guide?
No. The sites are well signposted and the museums have English audio guides or panels. Local licensed guides can be booked through the Bastogne tourist office if you want a personalized battlefield tour.
What Band of Brothers sites can you visit near Bastogne?
The Bois Jacques foxholes, the village of Foy with its Easy Company memorial, and the sites of the January 1945 attacks around Foy and Noville.
Sources: Bastogne War Museum, 101st Airborne Museum, Bastogne Barracks, ABMC, Land of Memory, info-lux memory tourism guide. Opening hours and prices change: check the official website before your visit. Written in English by the info-lux newsroom, independent regional news media based in the Belgian province of Luxembourg.