📜 Tourist Passport Required
📅 Date: 18 January 2025
Historical Background
🌍 During the Battle of the Bulge, Bettendorf faced some of the heaviest fighting. The Sauer Valley, forming the southern flank of the German offensive, was a hotly contested battleground.
⏳ On December 16, 1944, German forces invaded Bettendorf via Hoesdorf. By January 10, 1945, soldiers of the 10th U.S. Infantry Regiment entered the town, successfully crossing the Sauer River with the help of residents. This pivotal event is commemorated by a memorial stone in Bettendorf.
🏛️ A replica of the Sauer River crossing is featured at the National Military Museum in Diekirch. The valley was fully liberated by American forces on January 18, 1945, but the battle left devastation in its wake. Traces of the conflict remain in the surrounding forests.
⚔️ The Battle of the Bulge marked Hitler’s desperate attempt to regain control of the Western Front by capturing Antwerp and cutting off Allied supply lines. From January 18–22, 1945, two U.S. Army divisions braved freezing temperatures and intense German resistance to cross the Lower Sûre near Ingeldorf and Reisdorf—without artillery support.
🎖️ Eighty years later, Bettendorf honors the sacrifices made during this critical time with a reenactment of the Sauer River crossing (weather permitting) and other commemorative activities.
Event Highlights
- 🚶♂️ Walk Through History:
🏞️ Explore wartime landmarks and monuments.
🏕️ Visit a reenactment camp, enjoy a field kitchen lunch, and receive a commemorative coin.
- 🚛 Historic Vehicle Procession:
🚗 View a static display of military vehicles, both historical and modern.
Tour Details
- 📅 Date: 18 January 2025
- 🕘 Departure: 10:15 AM
- 🕖 Return: 7:00 PM
Pricing
- 💶 Cost: €55 per adult
- 💳 Payment Methods:
- 💵 Cash (EUR or USD)
- 💳 Credit Card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express)
What’s Included?
✅ 🚌 Round-trip bus transportation
✅ 🎭 Access to historical events and official ceremonies
✅ 🍴 Lunch
✅ 🪙 Commemorative coin
✅ 🏛️ Entry to the National Military Museum in Diekirch
✅ 👨✈️ ITT escort
What’s Not Included?
❌ 🍹 Beverages and additional meals
❌ 💁 Tips
➡️ Cancellation & Disclaimer Policy
