Canton
Clervaux
Portrait
of the canton
Canton Clervaux is located in the Ardennes. It is the northernmost canton of Luxembourg and is characterised by its hills, deep valleys and forests. It has also always been characterised by agriculture and forestry. Canton Clervaux is one of three cantons in Luxembourg with a triangle. The cantonal headquarters of Clervaux is home to the UNESCO exhibition “The Family of Man” by Edward Steichen.
With an area of 342.2 km², the canton of Clervaux is the largest canton in Luxembourg. However, it only has around 21,800 inhabitants and one of the lowest population densities in the country. “Kneiff” near Huldang is the highest point in Luxembourg at 560.05 metres above sea level and the Houser transmission tower of the RTL Group is the highest structure in the country at 300 metres.
The canton includes the following municipalities: Clervaux, Parc Hosingen, Eschweiler, Weiswampach, and Wincrange.
Burrigplatz, Huldange, Municipality of Troisvierges
The landscape
The landscape is very rural. Slate soil, hills, forests and fields characterise the canton. The many streams, such as the wild valleys of the Our and Clervaux, as well as the Weiswampach Lake, make it very water-rich. The canton lies in the Our Nature Park, an area known for its biodiversity, hiking trails and picturesque landscape.
The Our with Eisenbach in the background, Municipality of Parc Hosingen
Transmitter of Hosingen, Municipality of Parc Hosingen
History
A spectacular discovery of a Roman treasure from the 4th century AD near Hosingen demonstrates the early strategic importance of Canton Clervaux.
Clervaux Castle in the centre of the cantonal capital symbolises its noble heritage, which dates back to the 12th century. The canton has also been strongly shaped by agriculture for many years.
The Shepherd of Asselburren represents the local resistance against the French revolutionary troops at the end of the 18th century in the so-called Klëppelkrich.
From the mid-19th century onwards, the promises of the industrial revolution led to significant emigrations to the cantons of Esch and Capellen, as well as to North and South America. This can still be seen today in the ruins of the abandoned village Oberschlinder.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the significant Benedictine Abbey "Saint-Maurice"was established high up on the hill near Clervaux.
During the Second World War, the Clierf canton was heavily affected by the Ardennes Offensive, which is commemorated by the GI Memorial Clervaux and the Memorial Parc Hosingen.
Clervaux Castle
The Abbey of Clervaux, Eselborn, Municipality of Clervaux
Culture
Canton Clervaux is characterised by a vibrant village life with numerous village festivals and celebrations. Traditional festivals such as the Potato Festival in Binsfeld and the Haupeschmaart in Munshausen embody the rural life of Clervaux.
The Shepherd of Asselburren, Mill of Asselborn, Municipality of Wincrange
Attractions
Canton Clervaux is a paradise for hikers due to its viewpoints, rural architecture, and beautiful nature.
The exhibition "The Family of Man"by Edward Steichen, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage, can be visited at the Clervaux Castle.
The Rural Museum in Binsfeld offers an authentic insight into the typical professions of agriculture and craftsmanship for the Canton Clervaux.
Traditional village architecture in Basbelain, Roder or Weicherdange, along with long hiking trails such as the Escapardenne Éislek Trail, make the canton an ideal destination to discover the north of Luxembourg.
Rural Museum, Binsfeld, Municipality of Weiswampach
The Tony Buerg Library, Troisvierges, Municipality of
Troisvierges