Luxembourg is a tiny country at the heart of Western Europe surrounded by France Germany and Belgium, with a population of about 639,070 people. In spite of its size, the 2,586 km2 of Luxembourg (which has the unique distinction of having made public transit free for everyone) has been the center stage of major historic events in Europe, and the many castles here bear testimony.

Luxembourg's location made it to be desired by many European powers, which resulted in many fortified castles being built here, including some that are ruins today. Here are the ten most historic castles to visit while in Luxembourg.

10 Vianden Castle

This castle from the 15th century housed the influential counts of Vianden who were connected to the Royal Family of France and the German imperial court. Visitors to Vianden Castle will see its rich architecture from that era, the chapel, and the small and large palaces from the end of the 12th and the first half of the 13th century.

In 1820, it fell into ruin during the reign of King William I of Holland and was sold piece by piece. But it regained its glory in 1977 when it became state property and restoration efforts started. Viaden Castle hosts events like a medieval festival in summer where musicians and other artists perform.

  • Cost: Adults 10 Euros, Children (6 to 12 years) 2 Euros, Students (13 to 25 years) 4 Euros

9 Larochette Castle

The rugged ruins of this castle on a mountain spur overlook the scenic Larochette village and dates back to the 11th century. Larochette Castle looks the way it does due to a fire that destroyed it in 1565.

The main castle built in dressed stone is surrounded by a destroyed rampart and a deep ditch divides the castle in two.

On one end of the mountain spur are stately mansions remnants, a testament to the architectural marvel that was Larochette Castle.

Of the original houses of Larochette Castle, only the 1385-built House of Créhange was restored to high architectural quality from 1983 to 1987, after it burned down at the end of the 16th century.

  • Cost: To visit Larochette Castle one can buy a Luxembourg Card for one to three days which starts at 13 Euro, roughly $13 USD.

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8 Bourscheid Castle

Bourscheid Castle is the largest castle in Luxembourg and is perched 150 meters above the River Sûre.

This triangular shape castle was built in four phases the last of which was finished in 1430, with the construction of a large enclosure and 11 towers. It's named after the Bourscheid lords who lived in it and were respected families in the region.

In 1626, the House of Bourscheid was replaced by that of Metternich before the French Revolution ended the feudal power system. Today the castle can be visited and rented for private events and is open every day.

  • Costs: From 4 Euros (kids) to 7 Euros (adults); roughly $4 and $7 USD, respectively

7 Beaufort Castle

Beaufort Castle consists of Medieval and Renaissance castles nestled among a canopy of trees and a scenic green landscape. It was built between 1050 and 1650 in four construction phases.

From 1928, Edmond Linckels the new castle's owner started to renovate the neglected castle ruins that were by then inhabited for 300 years and were opened to the public in 1932.

In 1988 Beaufort Castle was designated as a historical monument.

6 Clervaux Castle

Clervaux Castle on the slopes of a rocky raised land above Clervaux town dates back to the 12th century and was built in phases. The castle's west wing with the manor house is the oldest section.

After the Clervaux Castle was totally destroyed on December 17th, 1944 during World War II, the Luxembourg government acquired the castle and totally restored it.

Since the 1970s the castle has hosted exhibitions and museums like the Museum of the Battle of the Bulge and the Museum of models of the Castles and Palaces of Luxembourg.

In the east wing visitors can visit the world-famous photo exhibition 'The Family Man' UNESCO World Heritage Site.

5 Useldange Castle

This castle dates back to the year 1100 during the reign of Useldange lordships until this dynasty became extinct around 1250. Through his marriage to Irmgard de Boulay in 1415, John of Rodemacher owned Useldange Castle, but France and Burgundy war marked their demise.

Roman emperor Maximilian I confiscated the castle and gave it to Christopher of Baden. These upheavals damaged the castle, and it fell to ruins and became a stone quarry, and was demolished in 1903.

A US-based Useldange native bought the ruins in 1924 and renovated them, but they didn't match the original architectural fidelity.

In 1934 the gate and palace were replaced by a modern villa that is today a town hall.

  • Admission: Entry to Useldange Castle is free and fully accessible, allowing visitors to touch history in 16 stages, and includes wildlife and garden tours.

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4 Esch-sur-Sûre Castle

Located in the town with the same name, the Esch-sur-Sûre Castle dates back to 774 according to the first written records, but the castle's foundations were laid in the year 927. That was when Meginaud or Maingaud and his wife Hiletrude acquired the site, and build this fortified, eight-meter square, castle, and farm buildings.

In the middle of the 16th century, the Esch-sur-Sûre Castle started deteriorating and was demolished in 1685 by Louis XIV's troops, but the outer wall remained.

  • Admission: Today ruins of this castle are government-owned, and open to the public all year round.

As a bonus, the Esch-sur-Sûre Castle towers over the scenic Esch-sur-Sûre little town.

3 Ansembourg Castle

Ansembourg Castle was built in 1639 by Thomas Bidart a pioneering iron industry mogul. The castle underwent a tremendous transformation in the 18th century when Bidart's heirs were designated first as barons in 1728 earls and later counts.

In 1750 the gardens were laid out to be adorned with stairs, human statues, and decorative fountains styled in gardens of that era.

2 Hollenfels Castle

Hollenfels Castle is on a rocky spur at a height of 315 meters and is part of the 'Valley of Seven Castles' that towers over the narrow Eisch Valley. From the castle, visitors get great views of the lush and green surroundings.

Hollenfels Castle has a nearly 40-meter-high fortified tower (keep), angular tower, curtain wall, and a main residential building.

This castle has a youth hostel and ecological center and families with kids can visit and soak in the environment.

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1 Brandenbourg Castle

The ruins of Brandenbourg Castle are perched on a rocky spur and tower 70 meters over Brandenbourg Village. From the tower visitors get great views of the village and the lush environment.

There is a circular route with information boards to guide visitors through the castle, from the tunnel that links the castle to the lower courtyard to the spire and the chapel.

There also are beautiful cellars to see while exploring this ancient and imposing castle.