Pettingen, perfect for a picnic

I came upon Pettingen Castle by accident after visiting Kass Haff farm near Mersch. It was the perfect spot for a picnic with plenty of shady spots to escape the heat.

Pettingen Castle outer walls

Why visit?

-Very pleasant spot to break a journey.

- Open-air and freely accessible all year so there is no charge to wander through the grounds.

- One of the best- preserved moated castles in Luxembourg and you can walk in what was once the moat and marvel at the imposing castle walls.

View of a tower from the old moat

What I discovered

This is a very good castle for those interested in castle construction. At the centre of the castle is the keep with its extremely thick walls. The square structure of the castle around the keep is still clearly visible and you get a real sense of how the moat would have protected the castle.

Pettingen is also a castle with important connections to Luxembourg's medieval history. A former vassal of Countess Ermesinde, Arnold of Pettingen signed the deed which granted Luxembourg City its freedom in 1244.

Most of the castle was destroyed in in the late 1400s but it's foundations remained and the castle was rebuilt in 1503. Four corner towers were added in 1571 and you can still see two of these almost entirely.

The castle was razed again in 1684 when Louis XIV captured the Luxembourg fortress. in 1920 the south façade collapsed leaving us with the beautiful ruin that we can explore today.

Historical information is on display on a few signs nearby but otherwise it is light on historical detail.

Inside the ruins of Pettingen Castle

What to see

There are some charming details to look out for. Rustic door handles, a rather large catapult, a tunnel under the entrance bridge, and a very small playground as well as steps inside the inner walls make this one of the safer castles for children to explore.

Playground in the moat of Pettingen Castle

Catapult at Pettingen Castle

Door handle at Pettingen Castle

Visiting information

-Located about 30 minutes north of Luxembourg City Centre and about ten minutes north of Mersch

-It is free and open all year round.

-Much of the castle is flat and therefore fairly friendly to wheels

-Parking is available in the village and we found a spot close to the castle.

-Bring your own picnic and water. I don't remember being able to find a nearby café or shop so your stop will be brief unless you come prepared!

Final verdict

I'm not sure this castle is worth a day-trip in its own right, but is worth a stop if you are nearby.