Sundial near Enscherange;
Credit: Otilia Dragan, Chronicle.lu
Throughout August, Chronicle.lu will be shining a spotlight on various villages across the Grand Duchy; the focus is mainly on some of the (perhaps) lesser-known villages with particular points of interest or an interesting history (e.g. cultural and/or industrial heritage).
The next article in this series is dedicated to Enscherange, a village in the municipality of Kiischpelt in northern Luxembourg (Canton Wiltz) with a population of about 200.
Enscherange (Äischer in Luxembourgish) is a peaceful little village nestled between the ridges that surround the valley on three sides. At the entrance to the village are the buildings of an old tannery where many locals earned their living until the turn of the century.
The Saint Laurent church dominates the village on a small hill. It was rebuilt in 1765 and enlarged in 1909 and included a gallery and a bell tower at the time. With the exception of the portico and the tower, its form is in line with the parish standards of the 18th and 19th centuries. Its two bells were cast in 1921 in Erfurt by Stroemer, and are two rarities today, since this foundry was completely destroyed during the Second World War.
Other defining features of Enscherange are its narrow streets and old castle, which is currently privately owned and barely visible from the outside.
On the banks of the Clerve stream is the recently renovated "Rackésmillen", which is the oldest mill in the country (dating from 1334) and the only one still operating on the banks of the Clerve.
The "Millefest" is the traditional mid-August meeting in Enscherange, scheduled to take place this year on Sunday 13 August 2023. The Rackésmillen will see the small valley vibrate with the sound of brass bands, the stalls of local craftsmen and children playing in the water. The day is set to start at 10:30 with a guided tour, a meal of "Kniddelen" (typical Luxembourgish flour dumplings), local gastronomy and various other workshops. Educational visits to the ancient mill as well as horse-drawn carriage rides, bouncy castles for the children and local organisations will complete the offer.
In the part of the village called "Loh", there is an intersection of the 6th meridian east with the 50th parallel north and the sundial of Kiischpelt. This is considered the only intersection of its kind in Luxembourg. The sundial is located in a scenic spot (above the village at 413.8 metres) overlooking green hills and valleys.
The Camping Val d'Or, located nearby and with access to the water, offers various types of accommodation for rent such as caravans, chalets, cottages, huts, safari tents and eco lodges. It earned a gold eco-label and is recognised by the Royal Dutch Touring Club (ANWB).
