Romantic Getaway Clervaux
Clervaux, a picturesque medieval gem in the Luxembourg Ardennes
Treat yourself and travel more often!
Welcome to Clervaux, a small town set amid the magnificent landscape of the Ardennes in northern Luxembourg. At the last census, Clervaux had a population of just over 6,000 and is home to the administrative headquarters of the canton of the same name.
Prepare to be enchanted by the hidden beauty of this unique destination. With its captivating landscapes, Clervaux promises a truly memorable getaway.
Nestled in the heart of the Luxembourg Ardennes, the town invites you to discover the region’s fascinating history by visiting the 12th-century Clervaux Castle, a genuine historical gem.
Nature lovers will also enjoy exploring the picturesque hiking trails surrounding Clervaux, which offer breathtaking panoramic views. Yet Clervaux is about much more than its historical and natural heritage.
You will also find charming shops, fine restaurants and lively festivals where you can sample delicious Luxembourgish specialities.
Whether you are looking for relaxation, adventure or cultural discoveries, Clervaux has something for everyone. Come and explore the hidden beauty of this medieval town and let yourself be captivated by its incomparable charm.
When should you visit Clervaux for a romantic getaway?
As always, the best time for a romantic getaway in Clervaux, Luxembourg, depends on your preferred weather and the activities you would like to enjoy. If possible, we recommend including the first Monday of the month and a Sunday in your stay, for reasons explained later on this page.
Spring brings mild temperatures, blooming gardens and a pleasant atmosphere. It is the perfect season for romantic walks through the surrounding countryside.
Summer offers longer days and warmer temperatures. This is an ideal time to explore the region, enjoy its outdoor terraces and take part in seasonal activities.
Autumn colours make the Ardennes even more picturesque. Temperatures are generally pleasant, although the nights can be cooler. It is a peaceful season, perfect if you would rather avoid the crowds.
If you enjoy a wintry atmosphere and snow-covered landscapes, Clervaux can also be charming in winter. Make sure you dress warmly, however, as temperatures can be low in northern Luxembourg. Some attractions are also closed during the winter, so it is essential to check before setting off.
How do you get to Clervaux?
Begin your romantic getaway by taking the scenic route to Clervaux. From Luxembourg City, a drive along the winding roads of the Ardennes will take you to this romantic haven.
If you choose public transport, which, importantly, is free throughout Luxembourg, regular trains also provide a comfortable way to travel directly from Luxembourg City to Clervaux in just one hour. Easy peasy. Reaching Clervaux is therefore extremely easy, with no changes required.
Which cosy and romantic accommodation should you choose in Clervaux?
When planning a romantic weekend in Clervaux, choosing the right accommodation can make all the difference.
Opt for a charming hotel in the heart of the old town to enjoy an authentic atmosphere. Some properties even offer bedrooms overlooking the castle, adding an extra touch of romance to your stay.
A few kilometres south of Clervaux, you will find an exceptional place to stay: the only château-hotel in the area where guests can spend the night. For a romantic weekend, treat yourselves to an unforgettable stay in this historic and magical setting.
What can you see and do during a romantic weekend in Clervaux?
Explore Clervaux Castle
Begin your visit at the famous Clervaux Castle, a former medieval fortress dating from the 12th century. Severely damaged during the Second World War, it was saved, restored and transformed by the Luxembourg government. Today, it houses three very different and fascinating museums.
Inside, discover The Family of Man, an exceptional photographic exhibition included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, celebrating humanity and love across the globe.
If you are in Clervaux on a Sunday, you can enjoy a free guided tour of The Family of Man photography exhibition at 4 p.m. Advance registration is required.
The castle houses two other museums, including the fascinating Museum of Models of Luxembourg Castles, which displays around twenty magnificent scale models representing some of Luxembourg’s most important castles.
The final museum, accessible from the courtyard opposite the other two, is the Museum of the Battle of the Bulge. The Clervaux region was the scene of fierce fighting during the world wars.
Explore the village of Clervaux
Wander through Clervaux’s cobbled streets, where every corner reveals charming architecture and picturesque squares. The Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Maurice, with its colourful stained-glass windows, offers a peaceful setting in which to pause.
Stroll through the old town, where half-timbered houses and narrow streets create a medieval atmosphere, and explore its parish church. The market square, surrounded by picturesque cafés, is the perfect place to stop for coffee together. The town is fairly compact, so you will not have to walk for miles, allowing you to fully absorb its picturesque medieval charm.
Enjoy a candlelit dinner in one of Clervaux’s restaurants
Clervaux offers plenty of dining options, with something to suit every taste. For a refined culinary experience, choose one of the picturesque restaurants in the old town, where you can enjoy lovingly prepared local cuisine.
Take a walk along the Clerve River
For an even more intimate experience, enjoy a peaceful walk along the banks of the Clerve, the river that flows through the town.
It is beautiful, peaceful and romantic, what more could you ask for?
Enjoy outdoor activities from the village
Several nature walks begin in Clervaux itself, including two that we particularly recommend. The first is a circular route that takes either 30 or 60 minutes, depending on how much time you have. It is an easy and bucolic walk that leads to Notre-Dame-de-Lorette Chapel.
You can download the map of this walking route here.
The second can be described as a short hike. It passes the Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian, which is definitely worth visiting, before following a path just behind the church up into the hills above Clervaux. From there, you can discover the more than century-old Abbey of Saint Maurice, founded in 1910 by Benedictine monks from the Solesmes Congregation and still home to a monastic community today.
If you are in Clervaux on the first Monday of the month, you may be able to join a guided tour. PLEASE NOTE: advance booking is essential. Email info@touristcenter.lu or call +352 92 00 72.
There are also many longer hiking trails around Clervaux, allowing you to enjoy the natural surroundings and landscapes of the Ardennes.
Discover golf as a couple
If you are travelling by car or have already booked this hotel for your stay, why not spend part of your romantic weekend trying an introductory golf session?
Who knows? You might discover a new shared passion that you can continue enjoying together once you return home.
Immerse yourselves in rural culture and local craftsmanship
The Robbesscheier Nature Centre, located in Munshausen, south of Clervaux, is a very special place. Although it is often associated with activities for families with children, it offers experiences for everyone and is also a delightful place to discover as a couple.
Step outside your usual routine and strengthen your bond by taking part in workshops and sharing creative moments together. It is an opportunity to make new memories and deepen your connection. You can combine the activity with tastings of local products.
If you would prefer something more intimate, you can simply follow the lovely hiking trail from Clervaux and stop for lunch at the restaurant. With its exposed beams, the setting is both rustic and cosy. Its environmentally responsible cuisine is prepared with fresh produce from the kitchen garden, as well as locally sourced meat and fish.
Afterwards, take some time to enjoy the estate’s magnificent bucolic surroundings, green spaces, vegetable garden and animals. You can even go for a horse-drawn carriage ride—even if you will not have the entire place to yourselves—before completing the walking loop back to Clervaux.
Treat yourselves to a private spa session
Our selection of accommodation in Clervaux includes hotels with bedrooms featuring private hot tubs. When busy exploring, however, it can be easy to forget to make the most of them.
The solution? Set aside some special time during your stay to enjoy a private moment together, perhaps at the end of the day, before or after dinner, so that you can unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Among our recommended properties is the superb Château d’Urspelt, which has a spa and wellness area with a sauna and fitness room, helping you relax and recharge during your romantic weekend. Access to this area costs €60 per person.
Experience a horse-drawn carriage ride
During the summer, the town of Clervaux organises free horse-drawn carriage rides. We recommend arriving early to avoid waiting in a long queue. The ride usually begins at Clervaux campsite beside the river and takes you into the centre of the village.
Admire the sunset
Clervaux has several lovely spots from which to admire a picturesque sunset.
Clervaux Castle itself provides magnificent views over the town and its surroundings.
Find a strategic position on the terraces or around the castle with an unobstructed view of the town and surrounding region, then settle down to watch the sunset.
Explore the area around the abbey to find peaceful places where you can enjoy a magnificent sunset.
Find a spot along the bridge over the Clerve River and watch the sun set over the water. Its reflections can create a particularly romantic atmosphere.
Take an evening stroll through Clervaux
Clervaux takes on a magical atmosphere at night. The illuminated Clervaux Castle creates a fairytale setting, as do the cobbled streets of the town centre and Place de la Libération.
The illuminated Church of Saints Cosmas and Damian is a majestic sight, while a walk along the Clerve River—particularly near the bridge—is wonderfully poetic.
Restaurant terraces overlooking the castle or river provide the perfect setting for a romantic dinner.
Depending on the events taking place during your visit, you may also be able to enjoy festivals or evening markets.
Surrounded by nature, Clervaux also offers peaceful nights that are perfect for stargazing and creating memorable moments together.
Where can you take a romantic day trip from Clervaux?
Visit Vianden
If you are staying for several days, why not plan a twin-centre city break and include Vianden? The drive from Clervaux is very straightforward. Alternatively, bus 182 runs directly from the centre of Clervaux to Vianden Breck, the stop beside the bridge in the heart of the town.
Vianden is a magnificent destination for a twin-centre city break and is home to what is considered Luxembourg’s most beautiful restored medieval castle. Read our detailed guide to Vianden to discover its attractions and the romantic things you can do during your stay.
Luxembourg is a magnificent and still relatively unexplored country. Its landscapes, picturesque villages and turbulent history make it an exceptionally romantic destination, and you are sure to return home enchanted. Remember that our Love Travel Planner is here to help turn your romantic weekend—or even a longer romantic getaway—into reality.
In the meantime, enjoy discovering Clervaux.