Bourscheid Castle

Bourscheid, Luxembourg

Bourscheid Castle stands on a site with archeological evidence of structures dating back to Roman times. Standing majestically some 150 metres above the River Sûre, it is enclosed by a circular wall with 11 watchtowers.

Although first mentioned in records from 1095, the castle appears to have been built around the year 1000 on earlier foundations. It was extended on several occasions: the outer wall dates from 1350, the Stolzembourg house from 1384 and the courtyard from 1477. Behind the gateway from the end of the 15th century, a ditch protected by four towers barred access to the upper and lower castles. The southern and eastern towers are from 1498 and the artillery bastions were built in the 16th century.

The extension of the upper part of the castle took place in the 15th century while the great fireplace and tall chimney were completed about a hundred years later. Schenk von Schmidtburg, who acquired the castle at the end of the 18th century, undertook some repair work but was unable to prevent further degradation. In the 19th century, after the chapel collapsed, there was talk of demolishing the building. However, in 1936 it became a listed site and in 1972, with the encouragement of an association called the Friends of the Castle of Bourscheid, the State acquired the building and undertook extensive repairs. As a result of restoration work, the castle is now fully accessible to visitors, but remains a predominately open-air ruin. An audio tour is available in Luxembourgish, German, French, Dutch, and English. Publication of the Bourscheid historical archives has provided details of the castle and its former inhabitants.

The castle is open to visitors all the year round.

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Details

Founded: c. 1000 AD
Category: Castles and fortifications in Luxembourg

Rating

4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Kate Dobrova (5 months ago)
Enjoyed our visit to Bourscheid castle as it is in somewhat of a ruined state which is nice to see. It's also pretty open to go to everywhere in the castle which we loved. Great to be able to get to the top of the keep and to get to go into the towers. Just a few steps from the bus stop so easy to get to. Worth a visit for only 7 euro entry!! Not to mention the staff were lovely!
Martin E. (8 months ago)
More castle ruins than castle, but not quite just ruins. The ticket can feel slightly overpriced, given that the sightseeing won't keep you busy for much more than half an hour. The audio guide is well-done and the view is nice, but this is really not a day-long attraction (unless maybe there's an event?). Curiously enough, you could technically take some nice photos by just ordering drinks and sitting at the terrace above the café, without technically entering the castle area.
Prt Eng (8 months ago)
Largest castle/ruin in the region. Very old, lots of history. Inexpensive to visit. Dog allowed. Well preserved. Little cafe with outdoor tables to enjoy the castle and landscape view. Has audio guide in many languages, but lacks informative plaques for those not wanting audio guides. Would visit again. ?
Tim Stiffler (8 months ago)
A gorgeous castle in Luxembourg! Exactly what we were looking for. The fact that it is ruins gave us a sense of the age of the structures. The museum on the third floor of the house was very good- they had the information in several languages
dan (10 months ago)
Love this castle.. 2nd time I have been.. easy to get around.. spectacular views and setting..
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