Beaufort Castle


One of the most famous sights of Luxembourg is the Beaufort Castle, which is located next to the homonymous village in the east of the country. Every year an ancient building is visited by more than 100 thousand tourists from all over the world. Visitors are given the opportunity to stroll through the old, moss-covered remnants of the fortress walls, relax on the shore of a small lake, visit the Renaissance palace and enjoy the local blackcurrant liqueur "Cassero".

History of the castle

The ancient castle, surrounded by a broad moat, was built between 1150 and 1650. At first it was an ordinary square-shaped fortress, located on a high hill. In the 12th century, a watchtower was added to it, and the gates were moved and further strengthened. Based on a historical document dated 1192, it is assumed that Walter Wiltz was the first owner of Beaufort.

In 1348 the castle passed to the clan of Orly and remained in their ownership for several centuries. During their tenure the structure was completed and significantly expanded. In 1639, Beaufort Castle was taken over by the Governor of the Luxembourg Province, John Baron von Beck, who completed the new wing with large Renaissance windows in the main tower. However, the governor did not want to live there and ordered the construction of a new Renaissance palace. The construction of the new estate was completed by his son in 1649, after the death of the governor. The castle itself began to slowly collapse. Since the second half of the 18th century, Beaufort Castle remained deserted, and in 1981 it became part of the State of Luxembourg.

The Renaissance palace became accessible to tourists only in 2012. Apart from some small additions, the palace has not been repaired and reconstructed and has remained unchanged since its construction. Tourists will see a large reception hall, a dining room, offices and bedrooms, a kitchen, a terrace and luxurious gardens. Walking around the palace courtyard, vacationers can visit the former stables in the north wing, small distilleries and a pleasure garden.

To the tourist on a note

  1. In the old castle, tourists are allowed to descend into the torture room, in which the tools of the medieval torturers survived.
  2. On the walls of the old castle in the destroyed rooms you can see pictures depicting what was before.
  3. In July, the Beaufort Castle Festival in Luxembourg is held. The audience will see a theatrical performance and magnificent festivities.
  4. In the homonymous village, located just above the castle, for tourists open tennis courts, swimming pool, equestrian theater and entertainment center with a skating rink.
  5. In summer, after the sun sets, the castle ruins are illuminated, which creates a unique fairy-tale atmosphere, and fairs and festivities are held near the fortress walls.
  6. Climbing the Main Tower of the castle, you can see a spectacular panorama of the surroundings of Beaufort.
  7. The new castle has preserved all the interiors of the Renaissance.
  8. On the territory of the castle, photo and video shooting is allowed.

How to get there?

From the capital to the castle you can get by public transport : by bus number 107 or by car along the road CR 128 - CR 364 - CR 357 for 20 min. From the city of Ettelbrook, a regular bus number 502 is sent every day. The bike path leading to the castle is PC3: Vianden-Echternach.