Bastogne Belgium has so much to offer but I enjoy World War 2 history! There are so many unique moments from the war near this town you could spend weeks here if you wanted to. I got to spend another weekend here and this is what I found! Here is where I stayed for easy access to these locations!
Foy Belgium Area
The Temporary American War Cemetery
The first place I stopped was the Temporary American War Cemetery near Foy Belgium. The cemetery closed in 1948 and the bodies were repatriated. There is a small memorial there and there were a few mementos to show people have visited. It’s strange to see the wide open fields and grass everywhere and to think there were 2,700 plots here of Americans killed during the battles around Bastogne!
The Recogne German War Cemetery
The Recogne German War Cemetery is only a few hundred yards and across the street from the temporary American cemetery. This spot is still a war cemetery with headstones, crosses, and a chapel in the cemetery. German war cemeteries are vastly different than American war cemeteries. American cemeteries are pristine and perfect with all kinds of manicured landscaping and many staff members. German war cemeteries are more natural or wild and often have plants, trees, and tall grass amongst the quiet solitude of the cemetery. It’s a different way to honor the soldiers from Germany.
The chapel was a unique spot in the cemetery. It has dark grey stone and was open. The small interior had an altar with pictures and flowers and several displays located around the large room with windows. There was a small room with a rope to the bell but the rope or bell wasn’t functioning anymore. It was a nice addition to the cemetery.
World War 2 Native American Monument
A surprise monument I found after looking at Google Maps was the World War 2 Native American Monument near Foy. It was small and simple and down a dirt road and next to a bison farm which I thought was interesting. There are 2 stone monuments and sculptures. It seems to be visited often and you should go to!
Bizory Church
The Bizory Church near Foy was home to a small field hospital or aid station. This photo appears to have been taken here and the current condition of the church remains spartan. The church is small and is really more of a chapel than a big church but based on the old photo it housed a lot of injured soldiers at the time. The church is now closed off with a gate but the wood door is open and you can look inside.
101st Airborne Museum
The 101st Airborne Museum in the city of Bastogne was a small museum dedicated to the entire division which was in the city during the Battle of the Bulge. I love the exploits and history of Easy Company but they were but one of many during many of these battles and this museum shines a light on those others. It is a small museum and mainly has dioramas and mannequins with uniforms. There is also a “bombing experience” in the small basement that accommodated about 10 people. It was pretty realistic in my opinion so don’t be afraid to say no thanks if you don’t think you’d like loud noises and simulated war.
The main thing I really loved about the museum was all the photos! Each part of the house has several photos of the events and personal histories and stories from these photos. The history I was already familiar with but if you’re new to these stories you might find some of the information useful. I didn’t find the museum to add any information I didn’t know but did add some nuisance with photos and stories I was unaware of. If you’re familiar with a lot of the history already you could probably skip the €12 entry fee.
Bastogne Belgium was a focal point for the Battle of the Bulge and was made more famous from the episodes depicting “Easy Company” in Bastogne and the surrounding area.
I visited in June of 2023 and none of the places were busy at the times I visited. In fact, every outdoor place I visited was empty.
Nicely put together Brett! I will be going back to Bastogne for a second look.
Thanks,