Bastogne is best known for its role in the Battle of the Bulge, the last major German offensive of World War II. In December 1944, American forces were encircled here and held out against overwhelming odds — a moment commemorated in McAuliffe Square, named for the general whose defiant one-word reply to a German surrender demand has passed into military legend. The Bastogne War Museum and the Mardasson Memorial together make this one of the most powerful WWII sites in Europe.
Beyond the war history, this is a pleasant base for exploring the Belgian Ardennes. The surrounding countryside is all rolling hills, small rivers, and dense forest — excellent hiking and cycling territory. Old castles and manor houses dot the landscape, and the local food leans hearty: game, cured meats, and strong abbey beers.