Footsteps of WWII · Belgium & Luxembourg

National Museum of Military History, Diekirch

Museum · Dec 1944 – Jan 1945; Sauer crossing 18 Jan 1945

The story

Diekirch, on the Sauer in north-eastern Luxembourg, lay on the southern flank of the Bulge. On the night of 18 January 1945 units of the US 5th Infantry Division crossed the river here as the Americans went over to the offensive. The museum grew out of the Diekirch Historical Museum, opened in 1984 in part of the former brewery, and now fills about 3,200 m² over four floors. Its life-size dioramas, centred on the night crossing of the Sauer, are surrounded by weapons, uniforms, photographs and more than 50 vehicles and guns from both sides. A second section covers the Luxembourg Army from 1815 to its UN missions.

What to look for

Start with the large diorama of the night-time Sauer crossing, then work through four floors of dioramas, vehicles and personal belongings from both sides. Look for the working Enigma cipher machine. The museum is in the old brewery buildings about 200 m from the town centre.

Plan your visit

Check opening days and prices on mnhm.lu before you go; the site could not be read in October 2026. Multilingual group tours can be booked through reception@mnhm.lu or +352 808 908.

Nearby sites

• Luxembourg American Cemetery, Hamm · 29 km
• Bois Jacques foxholes, Foy · 34 km
• Mardasson Memorial, Bastogne · 34 km
• Bastogne War Museum · 34 km
• Bastogne Barracks (McAuliffe's HQ) · 35 km
• Recogne German war cemetery · 36 km

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