Clervaux Castle
Castle Hilltop castle housing photography museum and historical exhibits
In northern Luxembourg, Clervaux Castle houses local history exhibits and the Family of Man photographic installation; visitors explore the keep, museum rooms and the town’s compact streets.
A hilltop medieval castle overlooking the town of Clervaux in northern Luxembourg, known today as both a historic fortress and a cultural museum site. The complex combines defensive architecture with museum spaces and is a prominent landmark within the town.
The castle houses a permanent installation of Edward Steichen’s photographic exhibition “The Family of Man,” consisting of 503 photographs arranged in the layout of the original 1955 show. Additional rooms display regional history and local collections, offering museum visits alongside views from the castle grounds.
Origins of the site date to the medieval period, with the castle built and altered across several centuries; its present fabric reflects phases of medieval construction and later modifications. It suffered heavy damage during the Second World War and was repaired and adapted for museum use in the postwar decades.
Sitting above the town of Clervaux, the castle occupies a prominent position in the Ardennes landscape of northern Luxembourg. The structure overlooks the Clerf (Klerf) valley and is centrally located within the town, which serves as the nearest settlement for visitor access.
- Family of Man: The castle contains a full installation of the "Family of Man" photographic exhibition, comprising 503 images arranged as in the 1955 original.
- WWII damage and restoration: Significant wartime damage occurred during World War II and the structure was subsequently restored in the postwar period.
What to See #
- The Family of Man: A permanent installation of Edward Steichen's 1955 exhibition that contains 503 photographs arranged to echo the original MoMA presentation.
- Local history museum and keep: Museum rooms and the castle keep housing local history displays and regional artifacts relating to Clervaux and the surrounding Ardennes.
How to Get to Clervaux Castle #
Clervaux is about 60-70 km north of Luxembourg City. By car, take the A7 motorway and follow local roads to Clervaux (approx. 1-1.25 hours). Rail services connect Luxembourg City to nearby stations; local buses or a short taxi complete the journey.
Tips for Visiting Clervaux Castle #
- Visit the photography exhibit (The Family of Man) housed in the castle's museum - it's one of the most famous photography exhibitions ever curated.
- Clervaux can be combined with drives through the Ardennes for scenic stops and Second World War sites.
- Check seasonal opening times for interior rooms; winter closures are common for small museums.
Best Time to Visit Clervaux Castle #
Late spring to early autumn offers the easiest access and best weather for walking the town and castle grounds.
Weather & Climate near Clervaux Castle #
Clervaux Castle's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -2°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (895 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 0°C. The wettest month with 91 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
