It’s hard to imagine that one of the smallest countries in Europe is home to more than 70 castles, but that’s the case with Luxembourg. The Grand Duchy sits between Germany, France, and Belgium, so it occupied a very strategic position throughout the Middle Ages. Its history stretches back more than a thousand years, which is reflected in its medieval towns, impressive fortifications, and castles. Today, Luxembourg is a fantastic destination for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in European heritage. There are a lot of castles in Luxembourg to get through, too, so you may want to build a list to ensure you don’t miss out on the best ones.
While attractions such as Vianden Castle get a lot of attention from visitors, some of the most interesting castles in Luxembourg are lesser-known ones that offer a more authentic look at the past. If you plan to hop between historic attractions in Luxembourg, whether that be in Luxembourg City or beyond, purchasing the LuxembourgPass is a great way to make sightseeing more affordable. You’ll also find that the free public transportation network in Luxembourg makes it easy to travel across the country without renting a car.
Whether you choose to focus on the most popular castles in Luxembourg or you venture off the beaten path, exploring these historic landmarks is one of the best ways to experience the rich history of Luxembourg.
7 castles in Luxembourg to visit
1. Vianden Castle
The picturesque town of Vianden is located in the Vallée de l’Our (Our Valley), and it’s home to one of the most impressive castles in Luxembourg. Built on the foundations of an earlier Roman fort, Vianden Castle was completed in the 14th century, and it was once home to the Counts of Vianden. This was one of the most influential noble families in the region, so you can imagine how grand the rooms are.
Vianden Castle is located on a strategic hilltop overlooking the surrounding countryside, making it key to protecting important trade routes in the medieval period and beyond. The castle fell into decline in the 19th century, but it was eventually restored and is now one of the most visited landmarks in Luxembourg. Inside, visitors can explore furnished rooms, beautiful grand halls, and a Byzantine-style gallery. Entry costs €13.00 for an adult ticket, but admission is included if you’re using the LuxembourgPass.
It’s very easy to see why Vianden Castle is one of the top castles in Luxembourg. It’s a must-see for anyone with an interest in medieval history, architecture, or beautiful scenery. If you’re travelling by car, you’ll need to park at the base of the hill and walk up to the castle, as there are no public parking spots near the castle’s entrance.
2. Bourscheid Castle
One of the most impressive castles in Luxembourg is Bourscheid Castle, located in the north of the country, near the village of Bourscheid. The fortress dates back to the 11th century, but major changes were made to its structure until the 15th century. Bourscheid Castle is the largest castle in Luxembourg by area, and its position made it an important stronghold that controlled access through the Ardennes region. Today, the castle is partially ruined, but it’s just as impressive as ever.
If you plan to go inside Boursheid Castle, recent restoration work has stabilized the remains of the castle, so visitors are able to walk along sections of the wall for incredible panoramic views of the valley and forests below. Sadly, we arrived long before opening hours, so we could only admire it from the outside. I would strongly suggest driving up to Bourscheid Castle, or at least around the valley, so you can see it with your own eyes. It’s one of my favourite castles in Luxembourg and well worth visiting if you have the time.
Entry to Bourscheid Castle costs €7.00 per adult, or admission is free with the LuxembourgPass. There’s a free parking lot across the road from the castle, which makes it very accessible, too.
3. Beaufort Castle
The Müllerthal region is very popular for hiking, and it’s famous for being where the Schiessentümpel Waterfall is located. It’s often referred to as Little Switzerland, so it’s a great part of the country to explore on foot. It also happens to be home to Beaufort Castle. It consists of two different structures, making it one of the most unique castles in Luxembourg. The oldest part of Beaufort Castle dates back to the 11th century, and the Renaissance chateau was added in the 17th century.
In the medieval section, you’ll find defensive walls, a moat, and impressive stone towers, which you can easily view from the roadside, too. The Renaissance part is where elegant rooms and refined interiors can be admired. Visitors have access to both structures, and there’s plenty of information available to explain about the families who lived in the castle. Entry costs €8.00 for an adult, or it’s free with the LuxembourgPass, and there are a lot of places to park in the parking lots across the road.
It’s very easy to combine a visit to Beaufort Castle with a day of outdoor exploration or while visiting the region as part of a day trip from Luxembourg City. Beaufort Castle is one of the most unusual castles in Luxembourg to visit, offering an interesting insight into how castles have evolved over the centuries.
4. Ansembourg Castle
If you want to see a good selection of castles in Luxembourg in a day, it’s recommended to drive the Valley of the Seven Castles route, just west of Luxembourg City. Ansembourg Castle is one of the route’s highlights, known for being one of the most elegant aristocratic residences in the country. The structure seen today dates back to the 17th century, and it was built to replace an earlier medieval castle.
It’s worth taking a stroll through the landscaped gardens, which are free to the public. The castle itself is privately owned and not open to visitors. Ansembourg Castle looks very different from other castles in Luxembourg that were used for defensive purposes, instead reflecting the prestige and wealth of the families who lived here. During our visit, we were the only people in the gardens, so it offered a tranquil setting to enjoy the garden’s layout and views of the castle.
5. Larochette Castle
One of the most dramatic castles in Luxembourg has to be Larochette Castle, overlooking the charming village of Larochette. This castle was built in the 11th century and became home to several important noble families. Over the centuries, multiple residential buildings were built inside the castle walls, but during the 16th century, a fire caused so much damage that much of the complex was left in ruins.
Luckily, large portions of Larochette Castle have been restored, allowing visitors to see exhibitions and reconstructed rooms that share more about the castle’s history. It’s worth spending at least one hour exploring the grounds and enjoying the views over the surrounding village.
You’ll find Larochette Castle much quieter than other popular castles in Luxembourg, such as Vianden Castle, so it’s the perfect option if you’re looking for hidden gems in Luxembourg. Plus, entry is only €8.00, or it’s free with the LuxembourgPass. Parking is also available right outside the castle entrance.
6. Pettingen Castle
Near the village of Mersch is one of the best castles in Luxembourg in terms of preserved ruins. It was built in the 13th century, and it possessed one of the largest keeps in the country, so it was very important for defensive purposes. Much of the exterior still survives, despite damage and periods of neglect. Although Pettingen Castle stands as a ruin today, it’s still worth stopping here while driving through Luxembourg, if only to admire the medieval architecture.
Pettingen Castle is free to enter and is open throughout the day, so you can come early in the morning, as I did, and enjoy the castle all to yourself. There are a few information boards set up around the exterior of the castle that explain more about its history and the area that it’s situated in.
7. Bourglinster Castle
A castle that really surprised me in Luxembourg was Bourglinster Castle. Its origins can be traced to the 11th century, and it eventually evolved into a unique mix of medieval and Renaissance architecture. The castle played an important role in the political and military history of the region, and today visitors can explore its courtyard and walk across the bridge where an active moat once stood.
What’s really unique about Bourglinster Castle is that it’s now home to one of the best fine dining restaurants in Luxembourg – Brasserie Côté Cour. It’s interesting to see how this medieval castle has adapted to modern life without losing its historic character. It’s very easy to reach Bourglinster Castle from Luxembourg City, so make sure you add it to your list!
Bonus: Roman archaeological site in Luxembourg
Gallo-Roman Villa of Echternach
Yes, there are plenty of castles in Luxembourg to get through, but what about Roman sites? The Gallo-Roman Villa of Echternach is an excellent addition to any Luxembourg itinerary centred around historic attractions. It offers visitors the chance to step further back in time, before the medieval castles were built. This impressive archaeological site dates back to the 1st century AD, and it was once one of the largest Roman villas north of the Alps. It served as a residential and agricultural complex, demonstrating the wealth some landowners enjoyed in Gallia Belgica.
Today, visitors have the chance to explore reconstructed walkways and foundations, and the museum showcases artifacts that were found during excavations. Entrance to the site is free, but there are paid guided tour options available. If you have time, I’d recommend visiting Echternach, which is the oldest town in Luxembourg, as well as Trier, which is only a 30-minute drive away and the oldest town in Germany.
Places to eat in Luxembourg
Gohan Sushi
Just a short drive from Luxembourg City, in the town of Walferdange, is Gohan Sushi. The sushi here has to be among the top sushi I’ve ever had – it was unbelievable. The menu focuses on a blend of traditional dishes and contemporary fusion creations, with dishes such as homemade gyozas, sashimi, signature rolls, ramen, and freshly made soups available. Everything is made using fresh ingredients, too, so the flavours really pop. We sampled a mixture of everything here, including some delicious mocktails, which I’d recommend ordering to go with your meal.
If you’re looking for a break from the usual Luxembourgish or French restaurants found in Luxembourg City, Gohan Sushi is definitely worth stopping at during your time in the Grand Duchy.
Cannoleria Luxembourg
Cannoleria Luxembourg is a great option for Italian food in Luxembourg City. This family-run restaurant has a menu focusing on classic Italian dishes, with highlights including homemade lasagne, carbonara, pinsas, and, of course, homemade cannoli. The potions here are very generous, so you probably don’t even need to order a starter, especially if you’re having pasta. The setting is very nice too, with both indoor and outdoor seating available. Cannoleria Luxembourg is located just a short distance from Ville Haute, so it’s very easy to get to if you’re staying in the city centre.
Bistrot de la Presse
For some traditional Luxembourgish food, you won’t want to miss Bistrot de la Presse. It’s located right in the heart of Ville Haute, surrounded by elegant buildings and some of the city’s main attractions. We chose to dine on the terrace so we could soak up the lively atmosphere, but indoor seating is also available. The menu focuses on Luxembourgish and French cuisine, so it’s a nice restaurant in Luxembourg to dine at if you want to try something traditional without needing to venture far from the old town. This was one of my favourite meals in Luxembourg City, thanks to its mixture of tasty local dishes and the relaxed vibe.
Where to stay in Luxembourg
hu Birkelt Village
Luxembourg is well known for being one of the most expensive countries in Europe. This means that staying in hotels can take a big chunk out of your budget. As an alternative, hu Birkelt Village is a great budget-friendly base to explore the country from. This 5-star campsite is located in the village of Larochette, with a variety of sleeping arrangements available, including private 2-bedroom cabins. These cabins are ideal for small groups or families, offering a comfortable stay with separate bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as a kitchen, small dining area, and a terrace.
I’m not normally one to stay at a campsite, but having a private cabin made it feel more like a budget hotel. There is a wide range of on-site amenities at hu Birkelt Village to enjoy as well, such as indoor and outdoor swimming pools, sports courts, entertainment programs, restaurants, and a small food market. If you’re planning to visit Luxembourg on a budget, staying at hu Birkelt Village is probably your best option.
Is Luxembourg worth visiting?
For travellers who enjoy castles, scenic landscapes, and history, Luxembourg is definitely worth visiting. While many people visit Luxembourg during day trips from cities like Brussels or Metz, I think it’s worth exploring for more than a couple of days. There are a lot of incredible castles in Luxembourg to visit, as well as ancient Roman archaeological sites, and that’s on top of visiting Luxembourg City. With free public transportation and the LuxembourgPass making it more affordable to visit attractions, Luxembourg is quite an accessible destination that doesn’t get the attention it deserves.
If you’re planning a trip to Luxembourg and have any questions about places to visit, which castles in Luxembourg to focus on, or where to eat, please get in touch. You can reach out using the contact form or via email, and I’ll respond as quickly as possible. Don’t forget to follow my travels on Instagram and TikTok, too, where you’ll find helpful travel tips and ideas about where to plan your next adventure.
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