FAR NORTH CASTLE

Clervaux

Clervaux Castle above the village in the Ardennes

Clervaux is the far-north hideaway. The village sits deep in a wooded Ardennes valley (population under 2,000) with a whitewashed hilltop castle housing Edward Steichen's UNESCO-listed 'The Family of Man' photography exhibition — 503 photos from 68 countries assembled for MoMA in 1955 and permanently installed here from 1994. The Benedictine Abbey of St. Maurice sits on a facing hill and adds a second landmark. Otherwise: forest, quiet, and a small train station on the Luxembourg-Liège line.

Stay here for genuine remoteness within an hour of the capital, for the Family of Man exhibition (which is remarkable), or as a low-key hiking base. Skip if you need variety — the village has limited restaurants, minimal shopping, and shuts down early. In winter it can feel bleak; in summer it's leafy and peaceful. Cross-border train links to Belgium make it a possible entry point from Liège or Brussels.

Where to stay

Around 8 hotels, including the Hôtel International and Hôtel Le Clervaux plus smaller family-run inns. Expect $110-180. Rooms with castle or valley views are worth requesting. The area around Grand-Rue and the church is central. Avoid the very cheapest options on the edge of the village if you don’t have a car — you’ll walk 20 minutes for coffee. Weekend rates in summer are higher; midweek is a bargain.

Getting there

Train from Luxembourg City to Clervaux runs every 30-60 minutes, journey time about 60 minutes, free. Some trains continue to Liège (Belgium) — Clervaux is a useful cross-border entry point. From Findel airport, allow 2 hours via Luxembourg City. Buses connect within the Ardennes. Cars use the N7 north from Ettelbruck. Village parking is easy; the castle has limited parking, better to walk up from the village.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Family of Man worth traveling to Clervaux for?

Yes, for photography enthusiasts absolutely. For general travelers, it depends — it's a serious, thoughtful exhibition that rewards time. Combined with the castle setting and the Ardennes atmosphere, a day trip or overnight easily justifies itself.

Can I combine Clervaux with Vianden?

Yes, but not easily by public transport (both are best reached from Ettelbruck via different bus lines). By car it's a 30-minute drive between the two — combining them in a two-night northern trip works well.