Top 5: castles to explore in Luxembourg Luxembourg's most breathtaking palaces, fortresses and manors
The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg abounds with castles known for their beauty and rich historical heritage. In short, the ideal place for connoisseurs of medieval architecture and fans of cultural richness who would like to live an unforgettable experience! Our Top 5 series contains our selection of five castles that you should not miss if you make a stopover in Luxembourg.
The New Castle of Ansembourg
If you want to spend some time strolling in the sun, in baroque gardens, participate in castle activities or discover some culture, then the New Castle of Ansembourg is the perfect place for you.
You can spend a relaxing day strolling along the mythological alley, daydreaming in the beautiful and well-tended gardens of the castle and enjoying a sunny day with family or friends.
Moreover, the 17th century castle's team organizes numerous events: guided tours, lectures, International Peace Day, heritage days, castle festivals, exhibitions (of paintings, photographs, calligraphies, sculptures, china), tastings and interactive workshops. The gardens of the castle are decorated with statues, staircases and baroque fountains of French inspiration. The garden statuary was designed by a Belgian forge master.
The New Castle of Ansembourg - built as a "House Forges" by Thomas Bidart, a pioneer in the iron industry - underwent major alterations in the 18th century, when his descendants were elevated to Baron (1728). Its current owner, Sûkyô Mahikari, has undertaken the latest restoration of the castle.
The two castles of Beaufort
Looking for an outdoor break? No need to go far.
The Mullerthal region is home to the two magnificent Beaufort castles. You can easily combine a visit to the castle with a hiking trail and discover the culinary specialties of the region. Luxembourg's Little Switzerland is also very famous for its walking trails.
The medieval castle and the Renaissance castle are hidden amidst majestic flora and fauna and are set next to a pond which accentuates the feeling of peacefulness and harmony.
The medieval castle was built in four periods between 1050 and 1650. After extensive restoration work, the ruins have been opened to the public since 1932. The medieval castle and its ruins have been listed as a national monument since 1988. In the summer, concerts are held by artists in front of the castle, supplemented by light shows.
The Renaissance castle, built in the 17th century, preserves the atmosphere of the era: the prestigious interior furnishings, the gardens, the stables and the distillery are in the same condition as they were when the last owners lived there. After each guided tour, a tasting of local products is offered.
The Vianden Castle
The Vianden Castle is one of the largest and most beautiful feudal residences from the Romanesque and Gothic periods in Europe. Let yourself be dazzled by this fairytale castle!
Furthermore, the Vianden Castle is the place where lively medieval festivals take place: medieval music concerts, sword fights, harquebusiers' shooting shows, bird trainers, fire-eaters, jugglers, poets, flag shows, dancers, workshops for children and a medieval market with all kinds of delicacies of yesterday.
It was built between the 11th and 14th centuries on the foundations of a Roman castle and a Carolingian refuge. For a long time, the castle belonged to the grand-ducal family, and since 1977 it has become the property of the Luxembourg State. Since then it was renovated and rebuilt in the historical style.
The Vianden Castle also appears in many fictional works, as well as in feature films. It is one of the castles that represents the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg on an international scale, so it could not be missing from our Top 5 selection.
The Wiltz Castle
The Wiltz Castle, its picturesque village and the entire Éislek region are rich in cultural treasures to explore.
The Wiltz Castle contains the National Brewery Museum, the Tannery Museum and the Battle of the Bulge Museum 1944-45. Let yourself get transported to another time by taking part in the guided tours and historical walks of the castle.
Throughout history, this castle has been demolished many times and then raised from its ruins. Count Jan had the Renaissance castle built, which still exists today. The monumental staircase facing the garden and the front of the castle have been the setting for the European Open-Air Theatre and Music Festival in Wiltz since the 1950s.
The Éislek, in the north of the country, is rich in cultural, industrial and religious heritage. Throughout the year, festivals, shows and traditional markets follow one another. This allows you to discover the region through its festivals and traditions.
The Éislek region is also known as a paradise for outdoor activities and remembrance tourism.
The lowland Koerich Castle
The Koerich Castle in the Guttland region is one of the most typical lowland castles and is part of the Valley of the Seven Castles.
The Valley of the Seven Castles is a 27km long route that brings together a concentration of outstanding medieval architecture. This tour starts in Mersch, then goes past Schoenfels, Hollenfels, Ansembourg, Septfontaines and ends in Koerich. Of course, you can also cross it in the opposite direction, starting in Koerich. The Valley of the Seven Castles allows you to travel through a thousand years of Luxembourg history in one day. You can easily discover it by car or by bike.
Koerich Castle, as one of the steps on the tour, is worth a visit!
Wirich Ist, Lord of Koerich and Seneschal of the court of Luxembourg, built the castle in the late 12th and early 13th century. The tower - known as 'witches tower' - and the exterior walls are of late romanesque style. Modifications in the Gothic style took place around 1300. In 1728, the southern wing was rebuilt in the Baroque style.
Today, the Koerich Castle is state property and many events are held throughout the year, such as the Koerich concerts and the medieval festival. Guided tours of the castle can be booked in advance.
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