Spotlight on Villages in Luxembourg: Greiveldange

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 Greiveldange, a scenic village in the municipality of Stadtbredimus in eastern Luxembourg (Canton Remich) with a population of about 960. 

On the slopes of the Moselle river, in the heart of Luxembourg's wine-growing region and surrounded by rolling hills of vines and dense native woodland, lies the picturesque village of Greiveldange (Greiweldeng in Luxembourgish), which could be described as a jewel of the Moselle. 

Although artefacts from earlier periods, particularly Roman, are constantly being unearthed all around the village, the first known written evidence of the village dates from 1218, in a document which is still held in the archives in Koblenz (Germany). Historically, its favoured position on the slopes of the Moselle valley have lent themselves well to agriculture, and particularly importantly, to viticulture, with two commercial winegrowers (Stronck-Pinnel 5th generation since 1855 and whose great-great-grandfather also operated the below mentioned Hëttermil and Beck-Frank 3rd generation) based in the village, as well as a number of other producers such as Cep d'Or and Gales also taking advantage of the mineral soils and climatic conditions that so benefit the hills surrounding the village.  

Apart from the Roman roots, signs of the historical life of the village can be seen in the lime kilns situated along the banks of the Aalbach stream that runs into then under the village. These are currently undergoing restoration, and one has already been made operational. To get them up to the required 1000-degree temperature required a full week of round the clock attention. The lime, known locally as "Hëtter", is what also gives its name to the Hëttermill just below the village by the Moselle, although its function was as a flour mill, not as a lime mill. Additionally, and close to the lime kilns, there is a communal wash house by the stream that dates in its current form from the turn of the 20th century but will have existed from an earlier period. 

The nature and agriculture of this beautiful region can be appreciated from many vantage points around the village, particularly as it is the epicentre of a number of walking and mountain biking trails with breathtaking views over the Moselle, soaring birds of prey and chance encounters with local fauna a possibility around every corner. 

One of the most striking sights as you approach Greiveldange from the Moselle is the Art Deco inspired Caves Coopératives building. This was first operational in October 1930, only eight months after construction work began, and even before electricity had been fully installed, and was operational until the end of the 20th century. The building now houses a number of commerces including traditional craftsmen and a tractor and farm equipment repairer. 

Approaching the village centre the road splits towards Canach on the right and Stadtbredimus to the left and is dominated by the pretty Saint Jacques-le-Majeur church. In its shadow is a fountain and the village café, Ailleurs, operated from the beautifully and meticulously restored house where the owner was born. 

Although tradition clearly plays a hugely important role, the village these days is a proud and happy mixture of many different nationalities and celebrates its past and its present with its biennial Multi Kulti event, in which the centre of the village is closed off and stands representing many of the different nationalities present in the village sell food, drinks and other national produce, with live music, dance and other cultural showcases. 

Another event which also involves the closure of the village centre takes place every year on 15 August and is known as "Léiffrawëschdag", a harvest festival. The day sees over 50 stands dedicated to a wide variety of products from garlic to glassware, gardenware to gastronomy. The two vignerons' doors are open until late into the night for wine tastings and live music and the atmosphere carries a real party vibe wherever you go. Although the closure of the village means that going directly by car is not possible, access is assured by a regular free shuttle bus which runs between Remich and Canach, via the village. The 2023 edition is only a day away; further information is available at https://www.greiweldengerleit.lu/home/.