4 Best Sights in The Luxembourg Ardennes, Luxembourg

Around 16 km (10 miles) east of Esch-sur-Sûre, you'll encounter the small town of Bourscheid. You'll likely drive through en route, so make sure to detour along the quiet, winding road up to the ruins of Bourscheid Castle. The building dates back to 1000 AD and was ruled by the Lords of Bourscheid for four centuries. 

Driving around the last bend into Vianden, you're greeted by a full-length view of Vianden Castle rearing up on the hill, replete with conical spires, crenellation, step gables, and massive bulwarks. The castle was built on Roman foundations at the turn of the first millennium, though its most spectacular portions date from the 11th, 12th, and 15th centuries. Its near-pristine appearance is the result of massive restoration in the 20th century.

Following the green Sûre valley toward Goebelsmühle—along a quiet, winding road that is one of the most picturesque in the grand duchy—look for signs for Bourscheid Moulin-Plage, where you'll see the romantic ruins of Bourscheid Castle. It looms 500 ft above the Sûre River, with commanding views of three valleys. Restorations have made this rambling hodgepodge of towers and walls more accessible; the views are magnificent and there's a snack bar.

Building began on the castle around 927 AD and it later passed down through the Counts of Esch, who gradually expanded its fortifications. At one point their kingdom stretched to Diekirch, but by 1330 their light had been extinguished, with many of their number lost to the Crusades. Today, visitors can scrabble the two main sections left standing, including what remains of the original keep and the 15th-century round watchtower.