Bourscheid Castle crowns a rocky spur 150 metres above the Sûre and covers 12,000 square metres — the largest castle footprint in the Grand Duchy. Documented from 1095 but built on a 10th-century predecessor, its outer wall is punctuated by 11 watchtowers, and the inner keep once housed the Lords of Bourscheid. After it fell into private hands in 1512 it slowly collapsed; the state bought and stabilised it from 1972 onward.
Bourscheid feels wilder and less curated than Vianden — expect open sky, ruined walls and a self-guided audio tour rather than furnished rooms. The audio guide (included in the ticket) is genuinely excellent, with 14 stops covering siege engines, feudal life and the castle's Renaissance decline. Combine with a river-valley hike: the E1 European long-distance path runs directly past the barbican. Windproof jacket recommended even in July.
Hours
- Daily 9:30-18:00 (Apr-Oct)
- Daily 11:00-16:00 (Nov-Mar)
- Closed 24-25 Dec, 1 Jan
Good to know
How much does entry cost?+
Adults $6, students $4, children 6-14 $3, under-6 free. Family ticket (2+2) $15. Free with the Luxembourg Card.
Are there free days?+
Free on 18 May (International Museum Day) and on Journées du Patrimoine in mid-September.
How much time do I need?+
About 2 hours with the audio guide. Add an hour for a walk down to the Sûre and back.
When is the castle closed?+
Closed 24-25 December and 1 January. Winter hours (Nov-Mar) are shorter, 11:00-16:00 only.
Is booking necessary?+
No — tickets are always sold at the gate. Groups over 15 should email castle-bourscheid.lu to reserve.
How do I reach Bourscheid without a car?+
Free train to Michelau (40 min from Luxembourg-Gare), then bus 545 to Bourscheid-Village and a 20-minute walk up the ridge road.