Actually, this title is a lie because there are more than 7 castles in this valley! However, the 7 castles I am talking about are the 7 castles which follow the Eisch river.
"The valley of the 7 castles"... What a pretty name, isn't it? And this is the name given to the course of the Eisch river which stretches for almost 40 km and where you can discover and visit 7 medieval castles on one or the other of its banks. Note that such a concentration of feudal castles is unique and each castle belongs to a different municipality! Thus, you will visit: Mersch, Schoenfels, Hollenfels, Ansembourg, Septfontaines and Koerich (following the ascending course of the river) to find all these medieval castles. To discover this valley, you can take your car, the bus or follow a 37km path on foot. So grab a picnic, a bottle of water and let's go!
THE CASTLE (OR THE TOWER) OF MERSCH?
The journey begins in the town of Mersch where the first castle of the 7 is located. If you decide to come by car, I advise you to park it in the parking lot of the church which is free and nearby. Afterwards, as the castle is close to the church, you will only have to walk about 5 minutes to get there. But don't hesitate to go and admire the facade and the architecture of the church which is itself a monument to visit in Mersch! Indeed, this church has a late classical style characterized by the pillars placed in front of the entrance, reminiscent of ancient buildings, particularly Greek.. So, it's quite surprising to see it in the center of an ordinary town like Mersch. I invite you to enter to discover its interior.
The castle of Mersch
When you come out, turn left and go straight until you see a fountain. If you are in front, it means that the building behind is the castle! When you see it, in my opinion, you will be surprised by its shape. Indeed, it looks more like a tower/dungeon than a castle. Moreover, its red color makes it very different from a medieval castle with its gray rocks. Retrace your steps and turn right when you see a sign indicating "town hall, castle". At this time, it's time to take a picture because the castle has its left side which creates a kind of bridge and pedestrians can come and pass through the castle! And, if you want to know more about the castle, I advise you to climb the dungeon and enter inside, where you will find a unique room (free entry) dedicated to the history of the castle! In other words, a small museum in the castle!
A PERFECT PLACE FOR DRACULA: THE CASTLE OF SCHOENFELS
From Mersch to Schoenfels, you can take the bus or your car to reach Schoenfels Castle which is right next to the entrance to the town. Otherwise, you also have a dedicated path for pedestrians and bicycles that goes to Schoenfels. If you take this path in the summer (August), be careful on the right side of the path as there are lots of brambles with large blackberries for a quick snack!
The castle of Schoenfels
Once you arrive in the town of Schoenfels, you can see the castle. And you can easily recognize it from afar thanks to its imposing shape! The castle probably dates from the 13th century and nowadays only the (a little disappointing) keep remains. In addition, do not expect to see anything other than its exteriors! Indeed, the castle cannot be visited. However, take the time to admire its impressive architecture: the keep is 17m x 13m and 21m high. Thus, the castle is higher than bigger! And by its dark colors (compared to the red castle of Mersch for example), I would even say that it is the perfect castle for a vampire like Dracula to live there... Besides, I thought I saw a shadow ominously at a window of the castle... Or, maybe it was my imagination... So I chose to continue quickly to the next castle!
A YOUTH HOSTEL IN THE CASTLE OF HOLLENFELS
Let's continue the journey with the castle of Holenfels. This one is lost on a hill and to reach it you have to climb. Indeed, the castle was built on a rocky outcrop so from the top, you will have a beautiful view of the Eisch valley and the forests! After a few minutes you should see the castle after a bend. Then, a few hundred meters further on, follow the path which turns right and take the stairs to arrive directly at the entrance to the castle.
Today it is currently used as a hostel (at least in the annexes) so you will see in its courtyard a campfire and other facilities for young people. Like Schoenfels Castle, you cannot visit it but you can notice an interesting detail on its facade: look at the top of the main building and you will see incredible gargoyles with different shapes and expressions. These sculptures make a big impression on me and I wonder how they manage to install them at this height! Indeed, Holenfels Castle is higher than Schoenfels Castle with its 39 m high keep.
The castle of Hollenfels
Leaving the castle courtyard, turn left then right and continue straight until you see the entrance to a park on your left. Enter and you will have another view of the castle which is very photogenic! At this time, you can even enjoy a good picnic at the picnic table just in front of this setting!
GARDENS AND CASTLE OF GRAND CHATEAU OF ANSEMBOURG
In Ansembourg there are two castles, the old castle (private residence so not visitable at all) and the large renaissance style castle with its gardens. And, among the 7 castles in the valley, the Grand Château d'Ansembourg is my favorite even if it doesn't have the shape of a castle at all and looks more like a beautiful residence!
First, when you see the castle, you have a beautiful view of it which is surrounded by an ornate portal with two sculptures of lions (lions are the emblematic animal of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg). Then follow the gate turning right and you will see the entrance to the castle. Come to the courtyard to admire the buildings that made up the castle. You will also notice that many fruit trees (pairs and apple trees) grow on several facades of the buildings which gives a beautiful cachet to the castle. Pass the building and take the direction of the gardens of the castle. Opposite the other castles, the Grand Château d'Ansembourg has a magnificent one with flowers, orchards, fountains, boxwood alleys... And even a vegetable garden!
The castle of Grand Château of Ansembourg
I advise you to follow the alley a little lower surrounded by sculptures of gods on each side (try to find the deity Artemis for example) and to continue until you arrive at a fountain with two eagles which is magnificent with the tree behind. The other side of the driveway leads to a part of the castle where you have a front facing the garden and another fountain which depicts a man riding a fish. I won't describe the whole garden as there is a lot to see so take the time to enjoy this peaceful garden and its beautiful surroundings. I would say that I was in the garden of paradise because this garden is full of stillness...
NOTE THERE ARE 2 CASTLES OF SEPTFONTAINES!
After the Grand Château of Ansembourg and the break you took in its garden, you are full of energy to visit the penultimate château: the château de Septfontaines. For this one, be careful because, in reality, there are 2 castles of Septfontaines in Luxembourg! One is a medieval castle next to a bank of the Eisch River and the other is located in the heart of Luxembourg City. Fun fact: when I visited this valley, I made the mistake. This means that I first visited the castle of Septfontaines in Luxembourg instead of visiting the medieval castle of Septfontaines! That's why I decided to describe you both to avoid further mistakes!
About the medieval castle of Septfontaines: same song as for the others: no possibility of visiting it inside. Only the outside is visible and that's a little disappointing as the castle looks very stunning from a distance on its rocky outcrop but up close it's obvious the castle is abandoned. Some have even tagged it... However, for those interested, know that the castle is for sale: https://www.athome.lu/vente/maison/septfontaines/id-7419406.html and the Government of Luxembourg does not intend to acquire this property which is therefore available to individuals. But beware: major work is to be expected, not to mention the routine maintenance costs.
The castle of Septfontaines
About the castle of Septfontaines in Luxembourg: like the castle of the Grand Château of Ansembourg, this castle looks more like a large residence than a castle. But do not hesitate to enter its courtyard and enjoy its garden which is different from that of Ansembourg. Here, there are no fruit trees or flowers, but rather large trees with permanent leaves (pines) and a beautiful green lawn. In the garden, you will also notice a pavilion. Idem, the castle inspires immobility while behind its gate, it is the city.
The castle of Septfontaines (bis)
KOERICH CASTLE OR WHAT IS REMAINING
I think at this point you don't want to discover another castle... But don't worry because this is the last castle I'm talking about! And, while other castles were fairly well preserved, Koerich Castle is in ruins.
The castle built in the 13th century adjoins the town hall of Koerich. Only ruins of the castle remain but it is possible to visit it all year round and for free. Inside, metal structures have been installed to facilitate the visit and there was even a marquee to host cultural events. For example, concerts or weddings can take place indoors. And, the castle always remains impressive for any event!
The castle of Koerich
Otherwise, the city of Koerich also has another treasure! It is one of the most beautiful Baroque churches in the country: the Saint Rémy church. I advise you to go there because it is close to the castle and I assure you: you will not be disappointed! And, for my part, it was the first Luxembourgish church that I visited in Luxembourg!
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