"The Battle of the Bulge" Top 5 Page for this destination Bastogne by Dabs

Bastogne Travel Guide: 73 reviews and 183 photos

Bastogne, the sight of the Battle of the Bulge

The Battle of the Bulge, also known as the Battle of the Ardennes, started on December 16, 1944 when Hitler launched a surprise attack in an effort to reach the port of Antwerp. There were many factors working against the American forces as they defended Bastogne against the Germans, they were outnumbered, cut off from their supplies, without cold weather gear in a brutally cold winter yet the Germans were still unable to take Bastogne.

This was one of the most fierce battles of WWII, it was over by the end of January 1945 at a cost of many lives, estimates vary but the toll was somewhere around 75,000 Americans and 100,000 Germans.

Sherman tank in Place McAuliffe

Last visit to Bastogne: Sep 2006
Intro Updated Jan 15, 2007
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Reviews (6)

Place McAuliffe Things to Do (3)

In the center of town is a square named after famous American General McAuliffe whose short and sweet response to the... more travel advice

American Memorial Things to Do (3)

The Mardasson Memorial (American Memorial) is a star shaped monument in tribute to the American soldiers that fought and... more travel advice

Mediocre bistro fare Restaurants (1)

All I wanted to eat was a sandwich and some soup so we picked the more casual Bistro Leo over the Restaurant Leo next... more travel advice

Hotel in the center of Bastogne Hotels (1)

There are not a lot of options for hotels in Bastogne so this ended up being the most expensive hotel of our trip, 88E... more travel advice

Favorites (1)
Books and Movies

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Comments (11)

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hunterV Jan 18, 2011 at 10:40 AM

Hi, Kristi! Thanks for your story about that remarkable historical place....
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BruceDunning Jun 13, 2010 at 11:44 AM

The historical center must have been somber, but interesting. Good presentation
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ranger49 Feb 4, 2010 at 8:46 AM

Currently we are re-watching Band of Brothers and last night reached the Bastogne episode. It is no less harrowing or moving a second time round.
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johngracemark Aug 21, 2009 at 4:37 PM

Yes, there were about 80,000 "casualties" during the Battle of the Bulge, but "only" about one-fourth are listed as killed in action. My dad was one of the missing in action (MIA) who was made a prisoner of war (POW). Fortunately for me, he came home.
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yumyum Nov 14, 2007 at 9:59 AM

Another interesting historical place. Thanks for introducing it to me.
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deecat Mar 30, 2007 at 6:17 PM

I would enjoy seeing Bastogne because of its historical importance; I especially enjoy WWII history. You're as bad as I am about the reading about and researching before you go somewhere.
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VeronicaG Oct 31, 2006 at 9:41 AM

I'm sure my husband would love to see Bastogne for its military significance--my grandson would really go for the imposing looking tank! Thanks for the tips, Kristi!
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Bwana_Brown Oct 20, 2006 at 3:38 AM

First Ipers then Bastogne - makes one glad that destructive battles like these have been relatively rare on North American soil. Great hotel tip, at least the pink chair matches the wall!
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jo104 Oct 18, 2006 at 5:14 AM

Interesting tips Kristi, that bedspread did look hideous
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MATIM Sep 27, 2006 at 2:31 AM

good to read you find the museum.