Table of Contents
Introduction
The small country of Luxembourg is home to some of the most beautiful and fascinating castles in Europe. With a long and complex history stretching back over a thousand years, Luxembourg’s dramatic castles perched on hilltops and cliffs tell tales of medieval knights, religious wars, and royal intrigue. Visitors can explore majestic halls, secret passageways, medieval towers, and sweeping views over rivers and forests. The castles bring Luxembourg’s history to life, transporting you back to a land of fairy tales.
Vianden Castle
History and Architecture
Vianden Castle is one of the largest and most impressive castles in Luxembourg, with origins dating back to the 10th century. Perched atop a rocky promontory high above the Our River, it has a striking silhouette visible from miles around. The castle was built in stages from the 11th to 14th centuries and reflects a blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, with multiple levels of walls and towers. Vianden was the seat of the influential Counts of Vianden for centuries.
Inside the Castle
Walking through Vianden’s chambers and corridors, you’ll discover medieval frescoes, tapestries, furniture, and weapons that provide an immersive glimpse into medieval life. Don’t miss the Knights’ Hall with its beautiful vaulted ceiling and massive fireplace, as well as the Bedroom of Countess Yolanda. From the top of its majestic Grand Tower, you can take in sweeping views over the quaint town below and verdant forests.
Views and Surroundings
In addition to the castle itself, visitors to Vianden can ride a chairlift up to admire the spectacular panorama over the castle and countryside. There are also lovely hiking trails through the forests and along the riverbanks below the castle. The charming old town of Vianden is fun to explore, with its historic Bridge of Vianden dating to 1856 and picturesque half-timbered houses along cobblestone streets.
Bourscheid Castle
History and Architecture
With its imposing circular towers and sheer cliff-side setting high above the river valleys, Bourscheid Castle looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. It was built in stages from the 10th to 17th centuries and was the home of the powerful House of Bourscheid family for hundreds of years. Heavily damaged by fire in the 17th century, today the ruins retain their dramatic silhouette.
Inside the Castle
Walking through the remains of this mighty fortress, you can climb spiral staircases, explore the medieval great hall and chapel, and take in the archways and chambers that give a sense of how grand it once was. The castle has been partially restored and houses exhibits about medieval life and artifacts discovered on site. Don’t miss the deep castle well that was carved 140 meters down into solid rock.
Views and Surroundings
Perched so high up, the vertigo-inducing views from Bourscheid are phenomenal, showcasing forests carpeted in autumn colors that stretch as far as the eye can see. The castle surroundings are ideal for walks, picnics, and admiring the panoramas. A steep path leads down to the river below for a different vantage point.
Clervaux Castle
History and Architecture
First built in the 12th century, Clervaux Castle is situated on a ridge with three massive circular towers that appear to sprout up from the rocky outcrop. It belonged for centuries to the Lords of Brandenbourg and was later strengthened in Renaissance times. Visitors can appreciate both medieval and Renaissance architectural details blended together.
Inside the Castle
Clervaux Castle houses diverse exhibits, from a collection of luxury vintage cars to displays on the famous Battle of the Bulge in WWII that took place nearby. Kids will love exploring the medieval-themed basement rooms. Guided tours provide insights into the storied past of the lords and ladies who once lived here.
Views and Surroundings
The castle grounds are pleasant to explore, with gardens, trails, and picnic areas with scenic views over the castle ramparts. A path leads down into the valley and the town of Clervaux below, where you can visit photogenic historic buildings and monuments.
Beaufort Castle
History and Architecture
With imposing cylindrical towers and sheer cliffs on three sides, Beaufort Castle certainly fulfils the image of a medieval fortress. First built in the 11th century, it occupies a strategic location overlooking the river. The castle complex expanded over the centuries with additions in the Gothic and Renaissance styles.
Inside the Castle
Walking through the many rooms of Beaufort, highlights include the knights’ hall, dungeons, and bedchambers that show different eras of history and architecture. There is also a museum exhibiting artifacts discovered at the castle such as pottery, weapons, and religious carvings. From the battlements, you get amazing panoramas.
Views and Surroundings
The dramatic clifftop setting of Beaufort rewards you with far-reaching vistas over the river curves and wooded hills. Follow winding paths down into the pristine river valley below the castle, where you can go for scenic walks along the waterfront. You can also take a charming 2km hike on an ancient roman road to the nearby town of Echternach.
Larochette Castle
History and Architecture
First built in the 11th century on the site of an ancient Roman watch tower, Larochette Castle perches on a white sandstone cliff. With its towers, turrets, and timber-framed manor house, it looks like an illustration from a storybook. The manor house section dates from the Renaissance period.
Inside the Castle
The castle is full of unexpected delights, including intricate wooden doorways, carvings, tile stoves, furniture, and art that provide insights into the governors who once lived here. Kids will love exploring the narrow spiral staircases. There are great views from the ramparts over the forested valley below.
Views and Surroundings
The vertigo-inducing setting on sheer white cliffs is part of the appeal of Larochette. The castle seems to organically sprout up from the cliffs. From atop the castle, you can enjoy spectacular panoramas over the endless green forests of the Mullerthal region, perfect for hikers.
Esch-sur-Sûre Castle
History and Architecture
First built around 900 AD overlooking the Sûre River, Esch-sur-Sûre developed from a Roman watchtower into a grandiose Gothic/Renaissance castle. With seven impressive towers and vivid red shutters, this romantic castle retains many medieval elements like arrow slits, cannonballs embedded in walls, and Romanesque columns.
Inside the Castle
Inside, Esch-sur-Sûre contains opulent rooms with rich woodcarvings, colorful frescoes, elaborate ceiling designs, and detailed tile stoves that attest to the prosperous life of past aristocrats. Of particular note is the Knights Hall with an impressive Renaissance ceiling and large fireplace.
Views and Surroundings
From the castle ramparts, you can take in panoramic views over the river valley dotted with half-timbered villages looking like miniature toy towns. The castle borders a nature reserve, so you can explore scenic trails through the protected forests and meadows nearby.
Ansembourg Castle
History and Architecture
Nestled in a verdant hollow surrounded by forests, Ansembourg Castle charms visitors with its fairytale turrets and idyllic valley setting. First built in the 11th century in the Romanesque style, it was rebuilt in elegant Renaissance style in the 16th century. This petite chateau has delicately ornamented bay windows and lavish interiors.
Inside the Castle
Wandering through the intimate rooms of Ansembourg Castle feels like peeking inside a luxurious jewel box. Admire the detailed wood paneling, ornate ceilings, cozy fireplaces, painted tiles, and the sumptuous bed said to have belonged to French queen Marie Antoinette.
Views and Surroundings
Ansembourg is enveloped in scenic forests perfect for leisurely walks under the towering trees, with trails leading down to a pond frequented by ducks and swans. On the other side of the castle are rose gardens and orchards filled with the blossoms and fruit trees.
Bourglinster Castle
History and Architecture
With its imposing square towers and sprawling size, Bourglinster Castle stands like a mighty medieval bastion. First built in the 9th century, it evolved over centuries into a grand baroque-style chateau. Dominated by an enormous central tower, the symmetrical architecture impresses visitors.
Inside the Castle
The lavish baroque great hall stuns with carved pillars, frescoes on the ceiling, and giant chandeliers sparkling with crystal. Other highlights include the Knights Hall with intricately-carved wooden paneling and the kitchens displaying copper pots from medieval times.
Views and Surroundings
Perched on a rocky outcrop, Bourglinster rewards visitors with panoramic views over the surrounding forests and valleys. The castle borders a nice park where you can go for scenic strolls. Follow the Valley of the Seven Castles signposted route to see more stunning castles in the area.
Useldange Castle
History and Architecture
With its imposing square keep and round bastions, Useldange Castle has an austere beauty. Built by 12th century nobility on a hilltop, it was later modernized in the 18th century. This castle is one of the best preserved in Luxembourg, allowing visitors to appreciate different eras of architecture and defenses.
Inside the Castle
Inside, Useldange contains a collection of historical artifacts like weapons and ceramic ware that provide insights into medieval life. Admire the sprawling castle gardens, chapel, kitchens, bedrooms and the dungeons carved into solid rock. Climb up the Twin Tower for amazing panoramas.
Views and Surroundings
The 360-degree views from the Twin Tower encompass the emerald valley below dotted with storybook villages and rolling vineyards growing grapes for the fruity white wines the region is renowned for. Follow scenic trails through the protected nature areas near the castle.
Vianden Castle – Practical Information
As one of Luxembourg’s top attractions, Vianden Castle welcomes thousands of visitors per year. It’s open every day except Mondays from 10 AM to 4 or 6 PM depending on the season. Entrance tickets cost between €6-€9. Guided tours in English provide added insights. Allow at least 2-3 hours to see the castle and surroundings. The castle has a restaurant and gift shop. Reach Vianden by car or bus from Luxembourg City in about 1 hour. Nearby towns like Ettelbruck also connect to Vianden by local bus.
Conclusion
With its fairy tale castles set amidst breathtaking landscapes, Luxembourg offers a magical escape into the past. Each castle has its own unique charms – whether the dramatic cliffside ruins of Beaufort, opulent Renaissance interiors of Ansembourg, or intricate medieval chambers of Vianden. Beyond the castles, visitors can explore charming country villages, pristine river valleys, and hiking trails galore. Visiting Luxembourg’s castles lets you immerse yourself in medieval ambiance and the region’s fascinating history.
FAQs
How many castles are there in Luxembourg?
There are over 75 castles and fortresses of varying sizes and states of preservation in Luxembourg, showing the country’s strategic importance throughout history. Many of the castles date back to the Middle Ages.
What is the most famous castle in Luxembourg?
Vianden Castle is considered the most famous and impressive castle in Luxembourg. Perched high on a rock above the town of Vianden, this enormous medieval castle has stunning architecture spanning many centuries.
Are Luxembourg’s castles open year-round?
Most of the castles are open from around April through October. In winter months, some castles have more limited hours while others close entirely until spring. Vianden and Beaufort Castles have the longest seasons.
Can you go inside all the castles?
While you can admire the exterior of every castle, not all allow you to venture inside. Eight castles have interiors you can visit, including Vianden, Beaufort, Clervaux and Bourglinster, where you can experience period rooms.
Are there guided tours available?
Yes, many castles offer guided tours that provide in-depth insights into the history, architecture, and stories associated with each one. Guided tours are recommended to learn the most during your visit. English tours are widely available.