A tank for a bottle of cognac?
This German “Königstiger II” was abandoned in the Belgian Ardennes during the Battle of the Bulge (that started 75 years ago, in December 1944). Normally he would have been taken to be scrapped shortly after the war, but a woman from the village La Gleize (Jenny Geenen-Dewez, wife of a local inn-keeper) proposed the Americans who transported the Königstiger, to exchange the tank for a bottle of (French) cognac and ... they agreed! Believe it or not, this is a true story!
In 2015 the tank was repainted in its original colours. He is one of the 5 surviving tanks of this type in Europe.
http://www.december44.com/en/history_battle_of_the_bulgela_gleize.htm

#LocalSecrets #History

The Königstiger II had 185 mm armour on the front of the cupola and was equipped with the famous 88 mm cannon. This cannon was one of the strongest cannons from WW II and could pierce the front armour of most Allied tanks (such as the T-34 and the M4 Sherman) up to a distance of 1500 metres. The range of the cannon was 10 kilometres.

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Compare 124 Chalets in La Gleize with updated reviews, rates, and availability.

"We loved staying in this house with its beautiful nature."

"Vi blev glatt överraskade över mängden utrymme som fanns tillgängligt, Det kändes väldigt mysigt och perfekt för en avkopplande helg"

"Beautiful view, well equiped house, enough to do also on rainy days. We enjoyed our stay. "

"Beautiful house on a fantastic place !"

"Excellent location, cozy, fully furnished, and clean cottage, and flexible and responsive hosts. I had a very pleasant stay with my family in the cottage and strongly recommend it"

"The chalet was a delight! It was stylishly furnished and had a very modern feel, We loved the convenience of the dishwasher in the kitchen, Can't wait to come back!"

"Ein sehr schönes Haus, es liegt trotz der stark befahrenen Straße ruhig und ist komplett ausgestattet. Als wir ankamen, war das Haus sauber und die Betten waren gemacht. Alles in allem eine gute Erfahrung!"

"Stayed 2 nights. Made reservation on short notice due to travel changes. The host, Stef, was very accommodating and although I do not speak Dutch and my French is very basic, Stef was easy to communicate with over email and in person. Excellent recommendations for local dining options."

"Perfect getaway in nature, Spacious chalet with a lovely garden and BBQ for evening meals"

"Easy, helpful owner, delightful property."

"We loved our stay here. Especially the in and outside fireplace! Nice and clean. Beds were perfect. And very near the racing cirquit!"

"Charming place with stunning views! The house was clean and cozy, Quiet location, perfect for a getaway"

"Stimmungsvolles, großes Haus in wunderschöner Lage. In der Nähe gibt es viel zu unternehmen und perfekt für Naturliebhaber. Einkaufsmöglichkeiten nicht ganz in der Nähe, aber mit dem Auto gut zu erreichen. Die Hygiene hätte besser sein können und auch die hohe Energierechnung hinterher schockierte mich. Also hinterher ein gemischtes Gefühl. Die Kosten wären inklusiver."

"This place was just what we needed! The combination of nature and comfort is hard to beat, We loved sipping coffee in the garden each morning, The kids enjoyed the nearby Wildpark Achouffe, and we took a lovely day trip to the lake for kayaking, The only downside was having to leave!"

"Spacious and cozy chalet with all essential amenities, The sauna and Turkish bath were perfect for relaxation after our hikes"

"We had a fabulous stay. Everything was as described and the very clean. Thank you."

"Die Hütte war großartig! Wunderschöne Aussicht und ein schöner Kamin. Es war alles da für einen schönen, unbeschwerten Urlaub."

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Recent reviews of La Gleize hotels

5/5 Excellent

Great place to stay

"Spent a lovely evening here, the proprietess was very friendly and helpful. Great night's sleep and all the amenities you would expect, including excellent proximity to Spa Francorchamps race track."

A verified traveler stayed at Le Relais de Pommard

Posted 4 days ago

5/5 Excellent

"I stayed here when I was in Belgium in business. The hotel is lovely and spacious as was the room. The service was excellent and the food was very good too. Lovely music playing in the evenings and large windows I can leave open while I enjoy the music and vibes. "

A verified traveler from Bushey stayed at Hotel Verviers Van der Valk

Posted 6 days ago