10 Castles in Luxembourg Every Traveler Should Visit
Castles in Luxembourg have a way of making you feel like you’ve stepped straight into a storybook. When you are visiting Luxembourg, maybe you are like me, and want to visit as many as possible, as each one is atmospheric and unique. If you love castles, they will quickly become the highlight of your trip.
Whether you’re drawn to romantic ruins, grand restored palaces, or peaceful hilltop views, the castles here offer something for every kind of traveler. I’ve explored several on my own, and each had its own charm, from quiet forest paths leading to hidden towers to sweeping fortresses overlooking postcard-perfect towns.
If you’re planning your own adventure, this guide will help you discover which castles in Luxembourg are worth adding to your itinerary.
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The Best Luxembourg Castles to Visit
It can be overwhelming to hear that there are over 50 castles in Luxembourg that you can visit, so I am going to list my favourite 10 and most famous castles in Luxembourg to help you decide which castles to add to your list.
If you do not have access to a car and want to see Vianden and Beaufort Castle, then take a guided day trip, where you will visit Vianden & Beaufort Castle, see a famous waterfall in Mullerthall, and visit Echternach, the oldest town in Luxembourg.
Vianden Castle Luxembourg
Vianden Castle is for me the most beautiful and most famous castle in Luxembourg and visited by thousands of people every year. It was built from the 11th to 14th century on the foundations of an old roman fort. In 1820 it was sold and the new owner sold everything off and eventually it became a ruin. It was transferred into the states ownership in 1977 and since then extensive work has been done to restore it. There is a set route to take through the rooms of the castle which have been restored to the rooms they believe they were originally.
Vianden castle Luxembourg is open daily from 10am to 6pm. It costs 12 euros to get in and you can get an audio guide for an extra 2 euro which I thought was well worth it, to hear the history behind the castle and learn more about the rooms you visit.
It is a beautiful castle, situated in a stunning town which the castle dominates. It is also possible for you to get a ski lift or walk a bit higher up the mountain so you can get a full view of the town and the castle.
Where is Vianden Castle in Luxembourg? It is located 50km north east of Luxembourg City just a few km from the border with Germany. Viaden Castle from Luxembourg City is only about 45 minutes by car, though it will take you about an hour and a half by bus.
This was my favourite Luxembourg Castle and one you must visit while you are in Luxembourg.
Click here to Purchase your ticket to Vianden Castle and skip the queues
Grand Ducal Palace Luxembourg
This is the official residence of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and is located in the centre of Luxembourg City so you can’t miss it on your trip as it is one of the Luxembourg famous landmarks. Outside you will normally see a couple of guards, guarding the entrance to palace and once a month you can see the official changing of the guards.
The Luxembourg Royal Palace was originally built in 1574 as the town hall before becoming the Grand Duke’s residence in 1890. From mid July to beginning of September it is possible to see the inside on a guided tour, at a cost of 18 Euro.
Wiltz Castle
The current castle was built in 1631 on the remains of a previous castle built in the 12th century. It is located in the town of Wiltz and now holds the National Museum of the Art of Brewing. There are also festivals held within the grounds in summer. If you don’t want to visit the Museum which I didn’t, you can still walk around the grounds to see some of the ruins from the previous castle.
It is open all year round from 9am to 5pm and closed for lunch from 12-2pm, though in july and august is it open from 9-6pm. The entrance fee is 8 euro including an audio guide and a tasting of a beer.
Beaufort Castles Luxembourg
There are 2 Luxembourg castles on this site, the medieval castle and the ruins that you can visit are beautiful. It was originally built in the 12th century and had a moat surrounding it. By the end of the 30 year war in the 1600’s the castle was a ruin and the owner sold up. In 1645 the new castle was built and the old castle was left to decay. In 1928 work began clearing the rubble at the site and in 1932 after some restoration the castle was opened to the public.
The medieval castle is open from 9am to 6pm from 15 March 2025 to 30 November 2025. It costs 7 euros to enter and you get a brochure telling you about a few of the different rooms within the ruins.
It’s only small and does not take long to visit, but the location is beautiful and worth a visit if you are in the area. This is the closest castle to Echternach as there is no Echternach Castle.
The renaissance castle was built next to the ruins of the old castle by the new owner in 1645. In 1981 the ownership transferred to the state but the current owner was allowed to live there until she died in 2012. It was then opened to the public in 2013.
If you want to visit this castle then you must book in advance when it opens again on 15 March 2025, for the tour which costs 14 euros and includes entrance to the medieval castle too and is run Thursdays to Sundays at 11am and 4pm.
Larochette Castle
Larochette Castle stands on a hill 150 metres high above the town in the Valley of the White Ernz. About a 10 minute walk from the town. The castle was built in 11th century but burnt down in a fire in 1565 and has been a ruin ever since. The state acquired the castle in 1979 and restoration and archaeological explorations have been done since then. The House of Homourg has also been restored.
The entrance fee is 7 euro and you walk through the gardens and the area where the bailey once was before reaching the castle. It is nice to visit, though you do not need much time.
Bourscheid Castle
Bourscheid Castle was built around the 11th century but enlarged during the 14th and 15th centuries. It fell into disrepair in the 18th century and eventually became a ruin. In 1972 the state acquired ownership and reconstruction began.
It stands on a 150 metre high cliff and was strategically important due to how inaccessible it was.
It costs 7 euro to enter and you can also purchase an audio guide for a smartphone or tablet for 2 euros.n. The views from the castle of the valley before are amazing and it’s well worth a visit. It is quite a big castle and with the audio guide does take maybe an hour to get around.
Bourglinster Castle
I spent 2 nights in the town of Bourglinster and my hostel was just around the corner from the entrance to the castle so I had to go explore one evening.
It was built in the 11th century and was extended in the 14th and 15th century. It was party destroyed in the 17th century but was restored. It was acquired by the state in 1968 and fully restored and opened to the public in 1982. It now houses a restaurant and 3 banqueting halls. You aren’t able to tour the inside unless you are visiting the restaurant but you can walk around the grounds and see the outside of it for free.
Clervaux Castle
The castle dominates the town and as you are driving through it you can’t miss the castle. It was built in the 12th century and enlarged in the 15th century. It is the home of 3 museums, “the family of man” photo collection, which is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is open from 1 March 2025 to 1 January 2026 from Wednesday to Sunday 12pm to 8pm and costs 6 euro.
The Museum of the Ardenees Counteroffensive & Museum of the scale models of Luxembourgs fortified castles, are open Thursday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm, each museum costs 3.50 euro though you can buy a combi ticket for both museums for 5 euros.
You can only see the inside if you visit a museum but you are able to explore the courtyard and grounds for free.
It is a nice little town to make a stop and the Parish Church near the castle is beautiful and on top of the hill you can also visit The Benedictine Abbey of St Maurice. It is only a 15 minute walk to the Abbey but you also have the option of driving up if you have a car.
Esch-Sur-Sure Castle
Esch Sur was one of my favourite places to visit though the ruins of Esch Sur Sûre Castle are small and on top of a hill in the middle of the town. It is quite a hike and the 2 ruins are on 2 separate hills if you want to visit both. I also decided to climb the hill opposite so that I could get this view down into the town.
The castle dates from the 10th century and an extension was added during the 13th century. The castle started to deteriorate in the 16th century and was taken apart in 1685. The state acquired the castle in 2005 and some restoration work has been done.
If you have a car and are travelling through Luxembourg then this is a place you should have a stop and explore. The views are amazing and you should hike the hill opposite too.
Luxembourg City Castle
In the city of Luxembourg you can see parts of the original castle in Luxembourg City that was built in 963. By the 12th century it was extended and was remodelled various times over the years. The initial casemates were dug by the Spanish in 1644.
The fortifications were dismantled in 1867 as per the requirements of the Treaty of London. There is very little left of the fortifications now, though you can visit the Bock Casemates and see some of the walls around the old town. Luxembourg City and it’s fortifications are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Valley of 7 Castles in Luxembourg
If you haven’t seen enough castles with the list above then take a drive from Mersch to Steinfort and you will be able to see 7 different castles. Some of these seven castles are privately owned and visitors are not able to access, though some of them can you visit the grounds and explore a little closer.
Mersch Castle was built in the 13th century and is now used as the town hall. Although you can’t tour the castle it is possible to walk around the outside of it and to climb the stairs to the top of the turrets.
Schoenfels Castle was built in 1292 and was sold to Luxembourg state in 1971. Restoration is currently ongoing so you are not able to visit the inside of the castle but you are walk around the outside and the grounds for free.
Hollenfels Castle was built around the 11th century and today is used as an activity centre for young people and part of the nearby Youth Hostel. It is possible to get a tour of the castle, though you need to call in advance to arrange.
Ansembourg Castle was built around the 12th century and is now the private residence of the Count and Countess of Ansembourg meaning that it is not open to the public, though you are able to visit the gardens of the new castle of Ansembourg (also known as Grand Chateau d’Andembourg).
Septfontaines Castle was first mentioned in 1192 though it is not exactly sure what was on the site at this time. Over the years it has been added to and destroyed by fire, though restoration work has been done on the castle and in recent years it has been able to rent the castle for private events.
Koerich Castle was built in the late 12th century, though now stands as a ruin in the village of Koerich. It is possible to walk around the outside though generally the inside is closed to the public. It is possible to book a tour inside or you can attend one of the events or concerts that is held there.
I hope you enjoyed my guide to a few of the castles in Luxembourg, have you visited any of them or seen any different ones? If haven’t been to Luxembourg yet then I hope you get a chance one day to see this beautiful country.
Where to stay in Luxembourg
If you are planning a trip to Luxembourg city, then check out my Guide on Where to stay in Luxembourg.
You might also find these guides on Luxembourg helpful:
- How to spend 1, 2 or 3 days in Luxembourg
- Luxembourg Castle Hotels
- What to do in Luxembourg City
- Best day trips from Luxembourg
- Best time to visit Luxembourg
FAQ’s about Luxembourg’s Castles
A: There are over 50 castles in Luxembourg, though it is not possible to see them all, as some are privately owned and not open to the public.
A: The most famous castle in Luxembourg is Vianden Castle, which has around 100,000 visitors annually.
A: The Grand Ducal Palace is the official residence of the Luxembourg Royal Family, but in reality, they do not live there and instead reside at Berg Castle, a 30-minute drive north of Luxembourg City.
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So much memories, spend many holidays in this region… I remember vianden, Clervaux! Nice post & pictures! Great Job
I wish I had read this article on the Castles of Luxembourg before I visited Luxembourg. I missed so many castles just from your list of 9, let alone the 50+ castles they have! I only visited 2 castles, the Vianden Castle and Luxembourg Castle. I now have a reason to go back, to visit more castles!
I remember the time when I would have to take the BeNeLux visa to travel to Europe and while I traveled extensively in Belgium and Netherlands, I never made it to Luxembourg. I do know that it is a beautiful little country with lots of wonderful sights and the castles look truly magnificent. I guess someday I really need to make a plan.
I had no idea there were so many castles in Luxembourg. The ones your visited are so pretty. I love old buildings like these, they make for great exploring
City of Castles… amazing city. I liked Vianden Castle because it is on small hill. Esch-sur-sure castlecus spectacular due to views. These castles can be covered in 1 day?
They are quite a distance apart, some it can take 45 mins or an hour to drive between them. I would say 2 days to do the castles and 1 day to see Luxembourg City 🙂
Luxembourg is such a tiny country and still it has so much to offer. I think Luxembourg is great for adventure enthusiasts. I wouldn’t mind castle hopping either. They seem similar to the forts and palaces of India.
I would LOVE to visit Luxembourg and castlehop (if that’s a word). I love castles so much as they provide so much insight into the history of the place your visiting. And, each one is different. I would especially love to visit Beaufort Castle. It reminds me a bit of Tintern Abbey in Wales!
We only passed through Luxembourg very briefly. What we saw was amazing though and we said we definitely have to come back and explore properly one day. This post makes me want to go tomorrow! Love exploring castles!
These are wonderful castle recommendations. It is amazing that Luxembourg has a lot of castles even though it is a small European country. It would be nice if there are no entrance fee or less than 5 euros. I am particularly interested with the Bourglinster castle because you have mentioned that it has a restaurant. I am going to google the name of the restaurant.
It’s incredible that somewhere as diminutive as Luxembourg can contain so much history and while Vianden Castle is the postcard image of the country, there are clearly very many more. Bourglinster Castle looks particularly charming but really, any on this list are visually stunning. Certainly, in a country as small but expensive as Luxembourg, it’s good to find an attraction that doesn’t break the bank
15 incredible places to visit while in Luxembourg . The highlight of the nation’s capital has to be the magnificent Luxembourg Castle , which dates all the way back to the Early Middle Ages.
Castles are really fascinating, they take you to a world of fantasy back in time. Luxembourg, the name itself evokes for me images of fairy tale castles, princesses, knights in shining armour, in short images of the medieval times. Would love to get there and be lost in the stories of these intriguing castles.
That looks like a really fun trip.The Luxembourg Castle looks especially appealing – so old and mysterious, and perched right on the river like that. Love it!
Luxembourg is definitely on my must-go list cause I’ve heard a lot about its fascinating castles! Now I know where to go, thanks for sharing!
Luxemburg is such an underrated country, and your post with tons of castles are really a good reason to go. I do love Lux, and I’ve been to Vianden more times than I can count. Love it.
I haven’t been to Luxembourg. 50 castles are quite a lot. How did you decide which ones to visit?
I spoke to locals who recommended certain castles and also googled it!!
It is amazing to me that a country as small as Luxembourg has 50 castles. I have visited Europe before but never been to a castle. To me it would be fascinating to go on a tour of one of them that has been preserved or restored, but I think I would like to visit one that is ruins the most. Ones like Beaufort or Larochette look haunting and have their own kind of appeal to me.
I have few friends living in Luxembourg. Your post urged me to visit them. Now I am bookmarking your post for my visit!
I’ve never been to Luxembourg but I love castles! I’d love to go exploring all of the different castles. I may need to put this on my plan for the summer! Great pics.
Some of these castles are spectacular! Even as a ruin, they are impressive and you can imagine what they were like in their glory days. I never knew there were so many in Luxembourg. I especially love the ones where you’d have to hike or on top of a hill. Beautiful! SO much history.