Diekirch, Altersheem

What did soldiers and civilians have to endure during the Battle of the Bulge in the Second World War? Using life-size dioramas, the military museum in Diekirch shows realistic scenes from the lives of soldiers in wartime and reconstructs the battles in the surrounding area. In close cooperation with hundreds of veterans from both sides as well as countless civilian contemporary witnesses, the emotions as well as cautionary memories of the war generation have been preserved for decades in the form of 50 unique dioramas, tens of thousands of exhibits and the museum's extensive archives. Fifty vehicles from both sides are also an integral part of the exhibition. Another important museum section is dedicated to the Luxembourg army. Its history is shown with countless exhibits, photos and documents. Each period is clearly explained with the respective infantry equipment, uniforms, weapons, vehicles, dioramas of operations. Multilingual group tours are available on request.

The US Memorial of Diekirch is located on the banks of the Sûre next to the pedestrian bridge that spans the river. Inaugurated in 1984 on the initiative of the Diekirch National Museum of Military History on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the liberation of Luxembourg and the Battle of the Bulge, it pays tribute to all those US military units that were stationed, fought and transitted through Diekirch and surrounding areas from September 1944 to February 1945. A bronze plaque at the bottom of the pedestrial of the monument shows the former railroad bridge, replaced later by the present concrete foot bridge. Units of the 5th US Armored Division liberated the town for the first time via that railroad bridge. The same bridge was used during the night of December 19/20, 1944 by approximately 6.000 civilians to flee the town in great haste face to the approaching enemy. Finally, the partially destroyed bridge was used in 1945 by units of the 5th US Infantry Division during the “Sauer river” crossing operations. It was repaired to be re-used as again a railroad bridge until 1962.

Cycling through the Éislek: the RentaBike Dikrich regional bike hire service encourages slow tourism and protection for the environment. City bikes, mountain bikes for adults, teenagers and children are all available. For four bikes or more, they can be delivered to a location of your choice. For your safety, we provide a helmet free of charge.