What to see in the Luxembourg/Aachen/Arnhem Area

I will be in Luxembourg next Friday for a morning of meetings, and will be flying home via Amsterdam on the 25th. This gives me about 5 days to do some WW2 site-seeing in the area. What's worth visiting? If you recall, I was in the Ardennes about two years ago and already visited the following sites:

• American Cemetery in Hamm, Luxembourg
• German cemetery in Sandweiler
• Bastogne ("E" Company foxholes near Foy, pillbox where seige was broken, 'Original Museum', Mardasson Memorial)
• Houffalize
• Parker's Crossroads
• La Gleize
• Stavelot
• Baugnez (Malmedy Massacre site)
• Poteau

(For reference, here is a thread I made about the previous trip: http://www.ww2f.com/topic/47442-photos-from-my-2012-european-trip/?hl=%2Beuropean+%2Btrip+%2B2012)

I'm still planning what to do for this trip, and am currently thinking of something like this:

Friday afternoon: WW2 site-seeing in Luxembourg
Saturday: full day in the Ardennes (maybe stay the night in Bastogne?)
Sunday: Move on to Aachen
Monday: Move west into the Operation Market-Garden area (stay in Nijmegan?)
Tuesday: Arnhem/Oosterbeek and move onto Amsterdam

Does anyone have any suggestions on what to see in these areas? I've seen enough museums in recent years, so I'd prefer actual "field" sites such as bunkers, battlefields, trenches, etc. These certainly aren't available over here in Canada, so when I'm in Europe I like to focus things like these. Any and all input is welcome.

And yes, I will be posting pictures when I get back.

Thanks,
Alan

 

Patton - I've sent you a PM

I suggest a visit to the area east of Nijmegen (Veritable & Blockbuster; Op Plunder: Rees bridgehead and Canadian battle for Bienen and Emmerich) and of course the Airborne battle for Arnhem. We could meet up.


Did some stuff on it on WW2talk:
http://ww2talk.com/forums/topic/50898-veritable-15th-scottish-43rd-wessex-divisions-in-the-reichswald-battle-feb-1945/
http://ww2talk.com/forums/topic/48254-aubrey-cosens-victoria-cross-at-mooshof/
http://ww2talk.com/forums/topic/47307-veritable-the-canadian-finale-moyland-wood-goch-calcar-road/
http://ww2talk.com/forums/topic/50742-rhine-crossing-1945-the-rees-bridgehead-51st-highland-div-in-operation-turnscrew/

 

Hulloes Allan,

In Luxembourg you should not miss the National Museum of Military History in Diekirch, it would be my top recommendation. In Bastogne as well the 101st Museum in the old Officers mess, as well as the Bastogne Barracks are worth a visit!
Do not, I repeat, DO NOT visit the new "Museum" at the Mardasson site! Every one involved with the project should be locked up for wasting the taxpayers money!

If you want to meet up and have a tour of some of the battle sites in Luxembourg and Siegfried Line pillboxes on the AM of the 20th shoot me a PM, I will be around during your visit so it would be my pleasure!

Cheers

Tom

 

Tom - I fully agree, was there a couple of weeks ago. Is not worth the money for your ticket.

It's a pitty since this once beautiful Museum was what triggered my attention for the Battle of the Bulge. There is hardly any specific info left on the battle for Bastogne.

 

Even worse, the little info on the subject that is left is full of bad mistakes.....

 

Are you driving ? If so, then you must ( possibly on Tuesday morning ) drive up the road from Nijmegen Bridge, approach Arnhem from the south and go over the John Frost Bridge.

It's an unforgettable moment for the WWII buff.

 

I wasn't planning on visiting sites related to the Rhine Crossings, but I'll keep it in mind. Thanks for the offer -- I'll send you a PM later in the day.

If the Diekirch museum is open on Friday I think I'll visit it then. When I was in Bastogne the Officer's Mess was closed, so I'll add it and the Barracks to my list this time. Last time I was at the Mardasson memorial the old museum looked like it had a fire -- I'll remember not to visit the new one.

I'll send you a PM later today.

Yes, I'll be driving. I find it almost impossible to get to the most WW2 sites relying on public transportation, and like to do things at my own (relatively fast) pace in order to maximize what I see. I was planning on doing that drive anyway, but I'll lock it in now.

 

Add, the Netherlands Memorial and Cemetary to your list and do the same with the Henri Chapelle Cemetary.

The Diekirch museum is an absolute must !

 

Chateau Clervaux in Clervaux is a nice museum dedicated to the battle of the bulge. It is in Northern Luxembourg.

http://www.destination-clervaux.lu/activities-art-culture/museums/

 

Absolutely agree with this suggestion. Never forget it. And just for kicks, re-read Ryan's ABTF before you go. Places it in in context.