New Castle of Ansembourg
Gardens of New Castle of Ansembourg
Hollenfels Castle
Koerich Castle Interior
Mersch Castle
Schoenfels Castle
Schoenfels Castle
Septfontaines Castle Aerial View
Septfontaines Castle
Road near Koerich towards Septfontaines
CASTEL
The Valley of the Seven Castles is one of the easiest half-day trips from Luxembourg City. In the green Eisch Valley (Guttland region), you can follow a short scenic route and see seven castles within a small area. It’s a great plan if you want history, countryside views, and relaxed photo stops—without a long drive.
One important detail: this is not a route where you tour seven castle interiors. Some castles are ruins you can walk around, some are official buildings, and some are private homes. So the best way to visit is to keep your day flexible. Choose one “main” stop (like the gardens at Ansembourg or the ruins at Koerich), then enjoy the other castles as quick viewpoints along the road.
Below you’ll find a route map section, a simple driving order, and practical notes for each castle. For every stop you’ll know what you can do, how long to stay, and whether it’s open, private, or outside-only—so you can plan your visit in Luxembourg.
The classic driving route is about 25–27 km (15–17 miles) from Mersch to Koerich. Without stops, the drive can take about one hour, but most visitors take 3–5 hours because they stop for views, photos, and short walks.
Suggested driving order (easy and efficient):
Mersch → Schoenfels → Hollenfels → New Castle of Ansembourg → Old Castle of Ansembourg (viewpoints) → Septfontaines → Koerich
Now that you have the full route on the map, here’s what to expect at each castle stop.
New Castle of Ansembourg (Grand Château) is usually the most popular stop in the valley. It was built between 1639 and 1647 and looks more like a noble country home than a fortress. The main reason to come is the French-style garden: terraces, steps, statues, and fountains, with lovely views over the small village below.
Do not plan a classic indoor castle tour here. The castle building is generally not open to visitors. The gardens are the highlight, and you visit them at your own pace. In good weather, it’s a calm and easy walk. In wet weather, some paths and steps can be slippery, so take care.
What you can do: Walk the gardens and outdoor areas (the building is not open).
Time needed: 45–60 minutes.
Cost: Free (gardens).
Tip: Make this your “main stop” and keep a few other castles as quick viewpoints.
Koerich Castle (Gréiweschlass) is one of the best stops in the valley to explore ruins up close. It is a lowland castle with outer walls in an almost perfect square. It was built around the late 1100s and early 1200s, and the ruins are now owned by the Luxembourg State. The castle was originally surrounded by a moat and once had several towers. Today, the south-west tower is the main one still standing, and you can also see parts of the old “Witches’ Tower” and the surrounding walls. Some parts of the ruins have large openings and windows from later rebuilding phases.
What you can do: Walk through the ruins and circle the site at your own pace.
Time needed: 30–45 minutes.
Cost: Free access for visitors.
Tip: Do a full loop, then add a short village walk before you drive to the next castle.
Hollenfels Castle is one of the most dramatic-looking stops in the Eisch Valley. The castle has 11th-century origins and sits high on a rocky spur above the river. Its tall keep (almost 40 metres) is the feature you will notice first, especially when you look up from the road.
At the moment, this is mainly an outside visit. Due to renovation work, the castle cannot be visited from the inside. That said, it is still worth a stop for views of the walls, the ditch, and the valley scenery. The area around the castle is linked to youth-hostel and nature activities, so it feels like a living place, not an empty ruin.
What you can do: Enjoy viewpoints and exterior views (no indoor visit right now).
Time needed: 15–25 minutes.
Cost: Free for an outside stop.
Tip: For the best view, stop in the village and look up at the keep from public paths/roads.
Mersch Castle is an easy stop because it sits right in the centre of town. The site goes back to medieval times, but today the main building is used by the municipality. So, you should not expect a full castle tour with historic rooms.
Most visitors come for a quick outside look and a short walk around the castle area. If you want a small indoor visit, there is also the Castle Museum in the former chapel. This museum is usually open from May to the end of September (10:00–19:00). Outside that season, visits are normally possible only on request through the town administration.
What you can do: Exterior visit; optional small museum (seasonal).
Time needed: 15–25 minutes outside; 45–60 minutes with the museum.
Cost: Outside is free; the museum is free/low-cost depending on access.
Tip: Use Mersch as your practical break stop for coffee, snacks, and toilets before you continue the route.
Schoenfels Castle is known for its tall keep and its “storybook” shape above the village. A fortified site existed here by the late 1200s, and the keep still defines the skyline today. This is a strong photo stop, and it also gives you a quiet village feel that many visitors like.
For planning, the key point is simple: the inside is not open. The castle is under restoration, so this is an outside-only stop.
What you can do: Outside viewpoints and village walk (no interior visit).
Time needed: 15–25 minutes.
Cost: Free for an outside stop.
Tip: In summer, trees can block the view, so don’t worry if you don’t get a clear photo from the first spot you try.
Septfontaines Castle is a private castle above the village. It has medieval origins and includes a Renaissance tower added around 1600. This stop is mainly for a quick look and photos from public places.
You cannot enter the castle grounds because it is privately owned and not open to visitors. To see it, stay on public roads and viewpoints in and around Septfontaines. If you reach a gate or a “private” sign, stop there and turn back.
What you can do: See the castle from public roads and viewpoints (no entry).
Time needed: 10–15 minutes.
Cost: Free from public areas.
Tip: Park in the village and walk the last few minutes. Some small lanes near the castle can be narrow or uncomfortable to drive.
Ansembourg Old Castle (Vieux Château) is the most private stop in the valley. The first mentions of the site go back to the 12th century, and the castle still looks like a real medieval stronghold on the hill. Today it is private property and not open as a normal visitor attraction.
If you want to get close, the main option is being a guest at the nearby Hotel Temps d’Or. Otherwise, plan to enjoy it from viewpoints.
You can often spot the Old Castle from the public road near the New Castle of Ansembourg (look up toward the hill). If trees block the view, walk a minute or two along the road toward Septfontaines for clearer sightlines.
What you can do: Viewpoints only; close access mainly for overnight guests.
Time needed: 10–15 minutes.
Cost: Free for viewpoints; paid only if you book a stay.
Tip: Use your phone zoom here—it helps you see towers and roof details from far away.
Book Private TourNo. Several are private, and some are outside-only. This route is mainly gardens, ruins, and viewpoints.
Yes, but keep stops short. Gardens and steps can be slippery in rain, so wear good shoes.
It’s possible, but harder. Public transport is free in Luxembourg, yet village connections can be limited.
Yes. Stops are short, and you can take breaks in towns like Mersch.
Usually no. You only need booking if you want special access (like staying near the Old Castle).
