English
There can be no doubt that it is not enough to simply preserve our castles and chateaux from decay, we also have to open them to the public, manage them, and breathe new life into them after years of decline.
Many state-owned castles and chateaux are now managed by private associations. They have regained a large portion of their former importance and thus belong to our country's main tourist attractions; just look at the 160 000 visitors a year to Vianden Castle. To a large extent these castles also enrich our country's cultural life with concerts, conferences, seminars, medieval festivals and a multitude of exhibitions.
The non-profit making Association des Châteaux Luxembourgeois was founded on August 31, 1989 in order to better coordinate the various events and activities of each of our country's castles, to give more weight to the state administration bodies, and to carry out more plans and projects through joint funding. Its statutes declare cultural, educational and tourism promotion as the association's top priority. No less than sixteen castles and chateaux to name them from north to south: Clervaux, Wiltz, Esch-sur-Sûre, Vianden, Bourscheid, Beaufort, Larochette, Useldange, Pettange, Mersch, Schoenfels, Bourglinster, Koerich, Luxembourg, Hesperange and Dudelange - are managed by private groups or tourism associations. The unpaid work and the selfless dedication of voluntary staff have only the one goal: to breathe new life into our castles and palaces according to the motto: "A future for our past!"
This web site is designed to arouse in you, dear reader, an interest in the chateaux and castles of Luxembourg and to invite you to honour these proud witnesses of our past with your visit.
René Feis
Chairman of the Association of Luxembourg Castles and Chateaux
Presentation of the Association
The Luxembourg Association of Castles was founded in August 1989 with the aim of promoting member sites; from a cultural, educational and a tourism point of view.
Apart from devoting their time to regular meetings, the association's volunteers also organise an annual trip in order to visit exceptional sites and to meet other similarly-minded historical heritage enthusiasts. Thus our association twinned with the Castle of Freÿr (Belgium) in 2008.
Our not-for-profit organisation coordinates the activities of different sites and ensures the promotion of various castle events. To do so, volunteers have prepared this brochure and web site presenting all of Luxembourg's castles, giving detailed practical information about the location, access routes, public transport, nearby bike and hiking trails, but equally options for refreshments, meetings and events.
Well aware that castles are witnesses of our History, we must ensure that these treasures will survive for future generations to enjoy.
Happy reading
