Wallonia, the French-speaking region of Belgium, played a significant role during World War II, particularly during the Battle of the Bulge. This battle, also known as the Ardennes Offensive, was the last major German offensive campaign on the Western Front. It took place from December 16, 1944, to January 25, 1945, in the dense Ardennes forest region of Wallonia.From Saint-Hubert to Bastogne, walk along these selection of hiking and cycling trails dedicated to the souvenir of the Battle of the Bulge and the end of world war II in the Belgian Ardennes.

Mardasson Memorial in Bastogne

Battle of the Bulge

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Peace Wood

WW2 in the Belgian Ardennes

Explore the twists and turns of history as you embark on the Battle of the Bulge trail, which eloquently recounts the decisive moments of the Battle of the Bulge, nestling in the heart of the Libramont-Chevigny commune.&nbsp;Start your adventure by delving into the mysterious depths of the Ardennes forests, where every stone and tree still seems to echo with the echoes of the past. The paths lead you in the footsteps of soldiers, evoking the intensity of the battles that marked these once peaceful places.&nbsp;Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover or just curious and in search of adventure, this excursion promises an unforgettable experience, combining intellectual discovery and sensory wonder.

Belgium 

The Battle of the Bulge at Libramont-Chevigny

From the town centre through the small villages, you'll discover the crash site of Halifax HR872 LQ-K, the memorial known as the "Morocain", and the plaque commemorating the liberation of Saint-Hubert. These monuments will help you to learn more about the events that marked the town and its surroundings.&nbsp;This themed route has been developed in partnership with Saint-Hubert d'Ardenne asbl, the royal society for the history, archaeology and preservation of the heritage of Saint-Hubert.The association has been publishing history books and semi-annual bulletins for many years. Their books are on sale at the Tourisme de la Forêt de Saint-Hubert or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.sha.be/index.php?page=commander_cahiers">online</a>.

Marks of the war in the Saint-Hubert region

The Battle of the Bulge was the last major German offensive on the Western Front. It started on 16 December 1944 with a surprise attack in the Ardennes region in Belgium and Luxembourg.The aim was to seize the port of Antwerp and split the Allied armies. This operation has become more commonly known as the ‘Ardennes Offensive’ or the ‘Battle of the Bulge,’ taking its name from the ‘bulge’ created by the German Army in the Allied lines in the Ardennes. This included the formation of German soldiers that surrounded the Americans troops in Bastogne. Lasting around six weeks, it was one of the largest battles in U.S. history in terms of lives lost.The Freedom Trail itinerary begins in Bastogne where, in 1982, the World Union of Martyred Towns for Peace was created. The trail links many of the villages liberated by American troops after experiencing fierce fighting in the winter of 1944 to 1945. The route is easily accessible to walkers and mountain bikers. Themed Route developed in partnership with La Maison de la Randonnée - GTA Belgique asbl Roadbook and Map, as well as map IGN 1/25000 available <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.gta.be/">here.</a>

The Freedom Trail

This route enables visitors to discover the sites and stories connected to the battles fought to the north and the east of Bastogne, by the troops of the 506th and 501st Parachute Infantry Regiments of the U.S. 101st Airborne Division.The landscapes between the villages of Mageret and Foy are still marked by the traces of combat. Since the end of the 20th century, various monuments have been added throughout the area and act as a permanent reminder of the sacrifices made by many during the Battle of the Bulge.One of these monuments, located between Bizory and Foy, reminds us of the sacrifice of many American soldiers who were killed fighting in the area of the Bois Jacques (Jack's Wood).Another commemorative site, is that of the Bois de la Paix (Peace Wood). Through each of its memorial trees, it pays tribute to all the American soldiers and units that fought during the Ardennes Offensive. Inaugurated in 1994, the wood’s message of peace takes on its full meaning from the sky, with the trees of remembrance laid out in the shape of the UNICEF symbol.Following this route through the Ardennes countryside, visitors will discover more about the extent of the fighting.&nbsp; They will also learn about the difficulties experienced by the soldiers in their foxholes and on the frontline, and the fear and suffering experienced by the civilians trapped both inside and outside the perimeter of Bastogne during the winter of 1944 to 1945.The route is accessible to both walkers and cyclists alike.

When the Screaming Eagles of the 101st Airborne Division were surrounded by the Germans in Bastogne, the conditions were totally against the odds for the American soldiers. With little ammunition, few food supplies and even without cold-weather gear, the cloudy skies made airdrops impossible. Moreover, reinforcements were a week away from Bastogne. &nbsp;An air raid carried out on the aid station took out a big part of the medical company and wounded many soldiers. Although Americans were outnumbered five to one, General McAuliffe let his men form a 360-degree perimeter around the 333rd Artillery Battalion’s guns. Troops quickly communicated and adjusted their positions to encounter the attacking German troops. This pattern continued on through the battle. &nbsp;When the German commander Lüttwitz demanded the surrender of the American troops, General McAuliffe famously answered: “To the German Commander. Nuts!”&nbsp;Eventually, the skies opened up and supplies reached Bastogne via airdrop. Aircrafts came to the rescue of the soldiers who ran out of ammo for their artillery. Finally, Patton arrived breaking off the Ardennes Offensive. However, all this would not have been possible without the Screaming Eagles holding Bastogne. &nbsp;

Around Bastogne

In September 1944 the allied forces had reached the line from Luxembourg to Antwerp. Then Hitler decided to start a last counteroffensive in the Ardennes. He had to wait for bad weather conditions, with clouds and fog, to prevent the Allies from using their superior air force. Finally, the battle was launched on 16 December 1944 and the 6th Panzer SS Army, the 5th Armored Army and the Brandenberger’s 7th Army marched into the Ardennes. With this operation, codenamed Wacht am Rhein, Hitler wanted to split the allied armies by a surprise counteroffensive. He wanted to seize the bridges over the Meuse River in order to advance further via Liège to the port of Antwerp.The American side was completely surprised, but unlike the offensive campaign in May 1940, the Ardennes Offensive was no quick success. The weather conditions were worse, the allied air force was much more powerful and the German fuel supplies went short. By 23 December the weather started to clear. The Americans brought their air power into force and started a counterattack.By mid-January 1945 a lack of fuel forced the Germans to simply abandon their vehicles, which was fatal to Hitler’s ambition. On 25 January 1945 the battle was over. The Battle of the Bulge was the costliest operation ever fought by the U.S. Army; 10,733 American soldiers were killed and 42,316 wounded. German losses totalled 12,652 killed and 38,600 wounded. About 2,500 civilians lost their lives in Belgium and 500 in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.<iframe class="ql-video" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3VcxgN1dH2U?showinfo=0" frameborder="0"></iframe>

WW2 in the Belgian Ardennes

Themed routes

The Battle of the Bulge at Libramont-Chevigny

Marks of the war in the Saint-Hubert region

The Freedom Trail

Peace Wood

Around Bastogne

The Battle of the Bulge

Map

Photos