On Good Friday everything was closed in Germany for the holiday and the guys had the day off work so we crossed the border to spend the day in Luxembourg. Our first stop was Burg Bourscheid also known as Château de Bourscheid in Bourcheid, Luxembourg. It’s only about an hour from Spangdahlem. We then stopped in Echternach, the oldest city in Luxembourg, on the way back. It’s only 30 mins from Spang and I’ll have a separate post coming up about it.
Vianden is one of our favorite castles and you drive right past it on the way to Burg Bourscheid. You could easily do both in a day if you desired although know that while Vianden is open year round, Burg Bourscheid is not and it closes for the winter. On the way you’ll pass the overlook where you can get a great shot of Vianden, see photo above.
As we were driving we also noticed a sign for Basin Superior so we stopped to check it out. It’s a large dam and the first one that we’ve seen here in Germany so far. There is a decent sized parking area and a huge tower to climb so that you can overlook the dam and the surrounding area. Apparently you can go see the hydraulic pumping station as well. It’s a good climb up look how tiny Bea & Mr. B are!
While the view of the dam itself is not real ‘pretty’ on the other side you can see out into the area and there is a sign telling you how far several cities (like Paris, etc) are from your location.
Burg Bourscheid is only about 20 mins from Vianden and also passes through Diekirk where there is a military museum as well, we’ll be going back to hit the museum at some point.
You’ll see the castle as you start to drive through the valley, keep going up and just past it on the left will be a free parking area.
The entrance fee is €5 adults, €4 kids 13-25, €3 kids 6-12, kids 5 and under are free. The admission fee includes an audioguide as well. It was €17 for our family of 4 (2 adults, 14 & 11). Normally we don’t do the whole audioguide thing but since it was included we used it and it had some interesting information. Our kids did not use them though, by choice.
We enjoyed walking around the grounds checking out the ruins and the views of the valley.
There are several areas with rough steps, but you can easily skip or go around them as well.
Plenty of views out into the area below as well, despite the fact that Burg Bourscheid is actually lower than the village itself.
You can walk into the house and up explore the several stories, the audio guide covers it as well.
Some artifacts that have been found during the excavations.
The wine cellar.
That would’ve taken many hours to make that mosaic floor!
Also know that getting a full view of the castle is not easy, we asked where we could drive to get one and were told about a road (which we could not find) and the campgrounds, which was closed. So you won’t easily find an overview to get a full castle shot for this one.
Bathrooms are available in the cash office, as well as a drink machine, and after the gated entrance area as well. The staff was very friendly and spoke English. This is not a stroller friendly site so plan on baby wearing with little ones.
Overall it was a great visit and I’m glad we decided to check it out. There are tons of castles in the Luxembourg area and this is just one more checked of our to see list!
Have you been to Burg Bourscheid? What did you think?
Know Before You Go
What: Burg Burscheid in Boursheid, Luxembourg.
How To Get There: It’s about 1 hour from Spangdahlem, and 2 hours from Ramstein. GPS address: Château de Bourscheid
Schlasswee L-9140 Bourscheid
Parking: Is free and is to the left of the castle after you pass it, there isn’t a whole lot of parking but it wasn’t busy the day we were there.
Cost: €5 adults, €4 kids 13-25, €3 kids 6-12, kids 5 and under are free. We paid €17 for the 2 adults and 2 kids.
Dogs: Are allowed in on a leash.
Traveling with little kids: The ruins aren’t stroller friendly and there are several sets of stairs, plan on baby wearing.
How long: Plan on at least an hour to walk the ruins and listen to the audioguide.
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