It has already been some time since I last shared an update on the Battle of the Bulge Hiking Trail, but the work has continued steadily in the meantime. Two years ago, in my previous update, I wrote that I had explored around 360 kilometres, of which I intended to include roughly 240 to 250 kilometres in the final trail. Since then, that total has grown to more than 700 kilometres of reconnaissance.
My most recent fieldwork took me to Bastogne. The defense of this town during the Ardennes Offensive was widely reported in the Allied press, although it did not have a decisive strategic impact on the course of the offensive. Since the early 2000s, Bastogne has regained considerable attention, largely thanks to the miniseries Band of Brothers, which tells the story of Easy Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. In that series, Bastogne plays a central role.
The foxholes in Bois Jacques, where Easy Company once held its positions, are now well documented and frequently visited. So frequently, in fact, that the authorities fenced off the forest a few years ago, and today a museum ticket is required to access it. For that reason, this reconnaissance focused mainly on the western and southern sectors of the defensive perimeter: the areas where the 4th Armored Division broke through German lines on 26 December 1944, as well as heavily contested locations such as Bois de Fragotte, Houmont, Assenois, and Marvie. These sites are less known to the general public, but no less interesting for that.
The traces of the Ardennes Offensive are still ubiquitous in this region. The forests are filled with shell craters and foxholes, and bullet impacts are still visible on some buildings. All of this makes the history here remarkably tangible. Despite many previous visits, it remains confronting to realise that you are standing on the very same ground where, 81 years ago, intense fighting took place and people fought each other on life and death.
Not every historical site will ultimately be included in the hiking route. The location of the 101st Airborne field hospital, west of Bastogne near Barrière Hinck, is too isolated in relation to the other historical sites. Moreover, little remains there today apart from a monument. Asking hikers to make a detour of several dozen kilometres for it feels like a bridge too far, especially given the final length of the trail, which will exceed 500 kilometres.
Finally, I can also share that the writing of the guide is steadily progressing. But I am only human, and with the birth of my daughter, my focus is currently mainly on my family. It will therefore still take some time before a finished guide reaches the bookstore.
I have written an extensive FAQ that will answer many questions, but do not hesitate to contact me if you have more questions.
