Bourscheid Castle
- fjpaley
- 13 hours ago
- 3 min read
This was my favourite!
If you are taking a trip to the north of Luxembourg make sure you stop at Bourscheid Castle. It might not be the most in-tact castle, but I found it one of the most rewarding. With it's incredible views of the Éislek region and overlooking the Sure river, it offers a glimpse into Luxembourg's past without the crowds.
Why visit?
-It is the largest building of its kind in the country.
-A number of hiking trails start at the castle so you can combine culture and nature.
-There is a car park, but it is small.
-Possible to visit using public transport- train and then bus.
What I discovered
I've been here a few times and on my last visit was saddened to discover that they had updated the retro audio guide and headset for a scannable QR code so you can use your phone to listen to the audio guide. Undoubtedly this is more convenient and hygienic but I did enjoy the old- fashioned feel of everyone getting their own headset- the children also enjoyed that part. On our most recent trip we were all crowded around my phone as we listened to the guide.
Happily, the audio itself hasn't changed much and is still delightfully old-fashioned. The listener is asked to imagine they have come across a ghost and a narrative ensues between a visitor and a ghost from the past who answers their questions and fills in the history.
The castle itself is the largest of its kind in Luxembourg. Be aware, there is no roof on much of the castle- so you will get wet if it rains! But the walls, embrasures and cellars are still standing and are perfect for exploration by young and old alike. Do be careful though, as with all old sites the floors are uneven and the edges of walls narrow.
For a super comprehensive history you can do no better than visit the Bourscheid Castle website itself.
What to see
Firstly, you will be struck by the views. They are beautiful.
Secondly, you will get a real feel of how castles develop. This is a brilliant castle to take your budding historians to. You can visibly see the development of the castle as it gets bigger and the walls get further out as the defences get more advanced. The audio guide also does a good job of highlighting this.
Lastly, and I've not seen many guides mention this, there is an amazing mosaic floor. Don't imagine Roman mosaics though, it is made up of slate tiles slotted together to form a pattern. I don't know how old it is but we enjoyed marvelling at how long it must have taken to make, how decoration can take many forms, and that it is always possible to embellish things with the materials you have to hand. Always a lesson worth reflecting on!
Visiting Information
-Located in the Éislek region of Luxembourg it is about a 50 minute drive north of Luxembourg City centre. Free parking is available but it does get busy. It is possible to get to Bourscheid without a car; take the train to Ettlebruck and then a bus.
-The castle is open all year, often including holidays from 9.30am until 6pm.
-If you have a Luxembourg Pass the castle is free to visit, otherwise it will cost 7 euros for an adult visit. There is a discount for seniors and children. If you have children under five they are free.
-The audio guide costs an extra 2 euros but once you have the card with the QR code you can keep it and listen again at home!
-The drive up to the castle is steep but not long. I've done it with a pushchair but recommend parking the pushchair once inside as the castle is not that easy to navigate with wheels.
-There is a small cafe selling ice creams and drinks but I recommend taking a picnic, especially if you are combining the visit with a walk in the nearby area.
Final verdict
This is a castle I have been to a few times and I always find something new to appreciate. With a large majority of the castle in the open air you do not get the feeling of being rushed through. Signs are put up to guide you to the relevant section on the audio guide so you can explore at your own pace. Bourscheid is ideal, especially if you are looking for a day out that combines nature, amazing view and history.
Comments