Sometimes we overlook what is in our own back yard and decide that what is farther away must be "better"; when looking for things to do, particularly in the summer months here in Luxembourg, there are so many worthwhile things to do and see right here in the Grand Duchy...
One such thing is to visit Bourscheid Chateau. At around 40km north of Luxembourg city, situated between Diekirch and Wiltz, the chateau is actually located lower than the town. That's is because the promontory on which it sits is so protected.
The drive there is spectacular, with the last few kilometres revealing the ragged terrain that must be so difficult for farmers, with their wheat- and corn-fields tilted at significant angles. That gives a hint of what is to come, with the Sure river meandering through the valley below and flowing alsong Bourscheid-Plage - this currently offers many holiday chalets and space for campers, but the beach itself used to be popular in times past, attracting gentry from neighbouring countries too. But the road here is not the road to anywhere else, so if someone is driving to another centre in north, they would normally bypass Bourscheid. But what a hidden gem it truly is.
Back to the chateau, the origins of which date from the 11th century. There is ample parking at the chateau, necessitating a short walk up to the castle. Entry is not expensive, with the adult price of €5 including an audio tour with no less than 24 stations, describing in detail how the chateau was built, extended, fell into disrepair and was renovated. As well as discovering all about the cultural heritage and particularly the historical perspective, the views from the keep and the outside walls are simply stunning. The tour takes around 2 hours to cover everything. And there are toilets and a café for drinks, on site. They also have a functioning stocks, a great photo opportunity and some horseplay!
The keep and one of the palaces inside have been rebuilt and restored and, together with other components of the tour, give a true insight into how the chateau must have operated. visitors can see where the stables and blacksmith used to be, the four cisterns/wells, the chapel and cellars, as well as how the fortifications worked.
However, one drawback could be claimed to be the lack of suitable restaurants nearby. While down at Bourscheid-Plage there is a choice between a Friterie and a 4-star hotel with inflated prices, there is another hotel and separate restaurant back in Bourscheid town. We decided to plough ahead and go on to Diekirch where there was plenty of choice in the town.
