NUTS weekend @ Bastogne Barracks
December 14 - 15, 2024
Once again this year, Bastogne Barracks (and the rest of the town) are celebrating history! To mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, the public will have the chance to discover the former barracks through a wide range of activities. But why "NUTS"? Bastogne is a watershed in the Battle of the Bulge, and the Bastogne Barracks site in particular is a historic landmark not to be missed.
When Hitler launches his last major offensive of the Second World War — the Battle of the Bulge —, Bastogne is a major objective that the Americans must defend whatever the cost. And when an ultimatum is sent to the American headquarters in December 1944, it was Brigadier General McAuliffe, Commander ad interim of the 101st Airborne Division, who made history with his famous and brief reply:
“To the attention of the German commander. NUTS! The American commander”
This both negative and concise response to the German demand for surrender profoundly influences the course of the Battle of the Bulge. The next few days indeed see fierce fighting, but General McAuliffe and his men hold out, before being liberated on 26 December. The Sherman Jumbo Cobra King, known as the First in Bastogne is the first to bring salvation.
TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE
Find out more about the full NUTS weekend programme in the coming weeks on www.bastognebarracks.be!
Practical information
Adapted schedules
- Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December
- From 9 am to 7 pm
- ATTENTION: last entry at 6.30 p.m.
Admission
- €11 for adults
- €9 children under 18
- Weekend ticket at €16 for adults and €13 for under 18
- More information on special rates and discounts here
Tickets can be purchased directly on site or booked online.
Please note: payment by credit card only!
Access and car park
- Access through the old barracks’ guard post, rue de La-Roche 40, 6600 Bastogne
- Car park: on the parade ground of the old barracks or in front of the Bastogne cemetery
Dogs
With the exception of assistance dogs, which are always allowed on site, animals will not be allowed on site.