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Active Remembrance along the Liberation Route Europe

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The Battle of the Bulge and the break through Germany

February 2025

In February 2025, young people from seven European countries came together for a five-day youth exchange exploring key locations from the Battle of the Bulge and the Allied breakthrough into Germany during World War II. Traveling through Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands, we visited historical sites, took part in a workshop, and created videos, podcasts, and written content.

Follow their journey

We began our journey in Aachen, Germany, where we explored the city’s World War II history. From there, we made our way to the first stop: Roetgen, near the Hürtgen Forest. There, our guide Volker Lossner showed us the remnants of the Siegfried Line and explained what these tank fortifications meant for the defense of Germany.

We spent the night at Vogelsang International Place, and the next morning had a guided tour of the former Nazi training site. We learned about its dark legacy and how places like this are now transformed into spaces of remembrance and education.

Check out our video about Vogelsang

Crossing into Luxembourg, we visited Centre Cinqfontaines, a former Jewish deportation center. We recorded a podcast to share our reflections and the emotional impact of this powerful place.

During a human values workshop titled “All different, all the same”, we connected the lessons of the past with today’s challenges.

The next day, we followed the trail of history deeper into Luxembourg with a visit to the Schumann’s Eck Memorial Trail. We hiked the path lined with real testimonies from those who fought during the Battle of the Bulge. Walking through the forest surrounding the Vector of Memory brought history vividly to life.

In Belgium, we explored the Bastogne War Museum, where interactive exhibits told the story of the famous siege of the city in December 1944.

Check out our videO

On our final day, we traveled north to Maastricht in the Netherlands. In the city’s underground tunnels, we stood where a Rembrandt painting and other artworks had once been hidden for safekeeping. It was a powerful reminder that even in war, people fought to preserve not only lives, but also art and culture manifacts.

And just like that, our journey came full circle — back to Aachen, with new friendships, stories, and a deeper understanding of the past.

Exhibition Only Available on Desktop

Active Remembrance along the Liberation Route Europe

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The Battle of the Bulge and the break through Germany

February 2025

Follow their journey

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