Bourscheid – castle silhouette, quiet valleys and paths with panoramic views Discover Bourscheid

The castle is the most prominent landmark in the municipality and one of the largest complexes of its kind in Luxembourg. Perched on a rocky outcrop high above the Sûre River, it offers sweeping views across the valley. Eleven towers, extensive walls and two reconstructed buildings give a good sense of the scale of this medieval site. 

The castle is open all year round, including public holidays, and is gently illuminated in the evening – a sight that lends the place a calm, almost contemplative atmosphere. Before or after your visit, you can stop at the castle’s own bistro, where the in-house castle beer is also served. 

Those with a little more time should consider joining the ‘Els vom Schloss Bourscheid’ guided tour. Stories, natural history and small anecdotes bring the castle and its surroundings vividly to life. 

The area around Bourscheid is shaped by its varied topography. Slate cliffs, wooded slopes and the deeply carved Sauer Valley create numerous natural viewpoints. Some lie on high ridges, others directly along the trail. Most are accessible only on foot via the local hiking network. 

One of the best known is Gringlee, a rocky promontory overlooking a bend in the Sûre River and the castle. It is reached on foot and is considered one of the most impressive viewpoints in the country.

Several events take place at the castle throughout the year and can easily be combined with a visit. These include Jazz am Schlass, the “Nocturne” summer evening openings with concerts and a small, atmospheric Christmas market. 

The municipality is also active in sports: the Waletrail, a trail running event, leads through nearby valleys and hills and attracts numerous participants each year.

The combination of slate rock, varied contours and the proximity of the Sûre River makes Bourscheid an appealing hiking area. In many places the landscape still feels untouched, and even on well-known routes you can often find a surprising amount of tranquillity – perfect for stepping away from daily life. Many trails start directly at Michelau or Goebelsmühle railway stations, allowing for sustainable travel. 

Éislek Pad Bourscheid 

This trail connects distinctive points such as the Napoléonsknäppchen and the Doigt de Dieu. It is varied throughout and offers regular views over the plateau and the valley. 

Escapardenne Lee Trail 

This internationally recognised long-distance trail runs through the municipality and is considered one of the more challenging routes in Éislek. It follows ridges and striking rock formations and showcases the region’s landscape at its most dramatic. The stage ends in Ettelbruck, from where hikers can return by direct bus. 

Several shorter local trails of different difficulty levels are also available. 

Along the Sûre you will find several campsites as well as small restaurants. One of the best-known places is Bourscheid-Moulin: close to the river, framed by forested slopes and a good starting point for excursions. Here, visitors will find hotels, restaurants, a campsite and family-friendly activities.