Bitburg

Bitburg is a town in Rhineland-Palatinate, western Germany. It lies in the Eifel region near the border with Luxembourg and is part of the Bitburger Land collective municipality in the district of Eifelkreis Bitburg-Prüm.

The town is known for the Bitburger Brewery, established in 1817, which remains a major local employer and a notable tourist attraction. Bitburg’s historic center features traditional half-timbered houses and several churches, reflecting a long urban history.

Bitburg’s history stretches back to the Middle Ages, with evidence of earlier Roman presence in the wider region. It developed as a local market and administrative center and has been influenced by various rulers over the centuries, including the Electorate of Trier and later Prussia.

In 1985, Bitburg gained international attention when U.S. President Ronald Reagan visited a nearby military cemetery, a visit that sparked controversy over war memory and symbols.

Today Bitburg serves as a regional center for commerce and administration, while also attracting visitors with its beer culture, local festivals, and access to the Eifel’s natural scenery. The town’s population is about 11,000 residents.