Wiltz
Nestled in a serene setting of lush hills and peaceful valleys, Wiltz is a charming city situated in the heart of the Éislek region within the Nature Park Upper-Sûre. At the top of the city stands the ancient castle of the former Counts of Wiltz, which now houses a tourist information center and two museums. Beer enthusiasts can explore the National Museum of the Art of Brewing, showcasing Wiltz’s rich beer brewing history through its micro-brewery. Additionally, history buffs can immerse themselves in the Battle of the Bulge Museum’s exhibitions. Each summer, the castle’s grand Renaissance staircase transforms into the backdrop for the renowned “Festival de Wiltz”.
Wiltz Festival
Ever since 1953, an unmatched outdoor theater has been held annually at a castle for artists, theater groups, and musicians from all over the world. In the beginning, a few people from Wiltz came up with the idea to start a festival in Luxembourg. It started with theater and naturally transitioned into music, drawing both knowledgeable audiences and casual fans. Over the years, the Festival of Wiltz has showcased some of the greatest artists of our time, a first for the country. To address issues with bad weather, a retractable roof was added to cover the main stage in 1991, providing shelter for thousands of spectators and exceptional acoustics.
What to do in Wiltz
Nestled in the picturesque Ardennes region of Luxembourg, Wiltz is a historic town that dates back to ancient Celtic settlements and was officially granted town status in 1240. The town is divided into an upper and lower section, with the upper part featuring the castle of the former counts of Wiltz, who were some of the oldest noble families in Luxembourg. Wiltz played a significant role during World War II, as it was occupied by the Nazis from May 1940 until its liberation in January 1945, during which time 80% of the town’s homes were destroyed in the Battle of the Bulge.
One of the best ways to explore Wiltz is by walking along its cultural trails. You can embark on the 3km yellow trail in the upper town, where you can see 12 inscriptions explaining how Wiltz earned its nickname of Martyr town. Along the way, you will pass by attractions like the Jardin de Wiltz and the baroque high altar at the parish church of Notre Dame. Alternatively, you can opt for the 4.5km red trail, which takes you from the Nieder-Wiltz bridge to the sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima and Decanal church. History buffs can follow the remembrance trail to Schumann’s Eck, where they can see the battlegrounds where American and German soldiers clashed, culminating at a tomb dedicated to the 28th infantry division and the National Liberation Monument.
Spread across 600 acres of lush lawns and gardens, the Wiltz Castle is a must-visit destination that hosts several museums and events throughout the year. Within the castle premises, you will find the National Museum of Brewing in the castle stables, showcasing the evolution of beer production spanning over 6,000 years. Apart from its informative exhibits, visitors can also explore the world’s tiniest micro-brewery to learn about the brewing process from grain cultivation to fermentation. Inside the castle, the Tannery Museum sheds light on Wiltz’s leathermaking history dating back to the 1640s. Additionally, visitors can visit the Museum of the Battle of the Bulge, established in 1970, which recounts the events of the Ardennes Offensive in December 1944, highlighting the hardships faced by soldiers and residents through a collection of photos, artworks, documents, and war memorabilia.
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A Walk Down Memory Lane: Fond Moments from Previous Wiltz Festivals
The Wiltz Festival has a long-standing reputation as a captivating celebration of music and arts, making it a must-visit event on Luxembourg’s cultural calendar for many years. Held in the charming town of Wiltz, nestled in the stunning Ardennes mountains, the festival has been a stage for a diverse range of performances—from local talents to…
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Wiltz Food Guide: 10 Restaurants and Street Food Stalls You Must Try in Wiltz
Wiltz is a charming town located in north-western Luxembourg. Situated on the banks of the Wiltz River, this town has a rich history and was even a battleground during World War II. Today, it offers a great selection of restaurants and street food stalls that cater to various tastes. Whether you’re a vegetarian looking for…
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Wiltz – Discover a fairytale of castles, counts, and windmills
In the Ardennes region, you’ll find the town of Wiltz, which is divided into two parts: the upper town with its castle on a plateau, and the lower town located in the valley near the river. Its name originates from a Celtic term that means “on the creek,” with evidence of a Celtic community by…
Missed Out on Festival Wiltz? Check Out These Fun Choices!
If you didn’t get to experience the lively Festival Wiltz, there’s no need to fret! Europe is filled with amazing festivals that celebrate music and the arts in many ways. Here are three exciting options you definitely won’t want to skip.
1. Glastonbury Festival (England)
When: Late June
Where: Somerset, England
One of the most well-known music festivals in the world is the Glastonbury Festival. It’s famous for its diverse mix of musical acts, which include everything from rock and pop to electronic music. In addition to music, you can enjoy theater performances, circus acts, and poets sharing their words. This five-day festival creates an incredible atmosphere in the beautiful countryside, turning the area into a playground for music fans. With acts ranging from big-name stars to budding local artists, there are plenty of options around every corner. Get ready for a colorful experience packed with artistic displays and a friendly spirit among all the festival-goers!
Before you buy tickets for Glastonbury, it’s important to do some homework on the companies selling them. Make sure to confirm that the seller is trustworthy, as many fake websites can trick you. One way to check is to look for any official partnerships or mentions on Glastonbury’s own website. Also, take some time to read reviews and testimonials from past customers to understand their experiences on sites like NIMHE. It’s a good idea to know the terms and conditions of the tickets, like how refunds work and how the tickets will be delivered to you. You can also explore social media to get a better idea of the seller’s reputation and how they handle customer service.
2. Festival d’été de Québec (Canada)
When: Early July
Where: Quebec City, Canada
While this festival is located outside of Europe, the Festival d’été de Québec offers a wonderful change for anyone looking for a blend of music and culture. Over the course of 11 exhilarating days, the heart of Quebec City lights up with performances from more than 300 artists spanning genres like rock, pop, hip-hop, and classical. Both outdoor and indoor events take place, turning the historical city into a lively arts festival. Attendees can enjoy acts from well-known names as well as discover up-and-coming local talents, all set against a glorious backdrop of the city’s rich architecture and history.
3. Sziget Festival (Hungary)
When: August
Where: Budapest, Hungary
Sziget Festival is a week-long celebration held on Óbudai-sziget (Old Buda Island) and ranks among Europe’s biggest music and cultural events. Attracting millions of visitors yearly, the festival offers a fantastic variety of music genres, including rock, pop, folk, and electronic. Besides music, Sziget provides numerous cultural attractions—participants can discover art installations, take part in workshops, and engage with interactive activities. The enchanting island setting creates an extraordinary atmosphere where you can enjoy top-class music right in the heart of the lovely city of Budapest.
Whether you’d rather soak up the iconic vibe of Glastonbury, embrace the cultural flare of the Festival d’été de Québec, or dive into the vibrant spirit of the Sziget Festival, you’re in for an unforgettable time. Make sure to jot down the dates, and get ready for an incredible journey into the realms of music and artistic expression!Missed Festival Wiltz? Discover These Exciting Alternatives!