Getting to Bourscheid by public transport

Bourscheid Castle is Luxembourg‘s biggest castle, an impressive structure with its characteristic round towers, situated on a steep promontory, perched 150 metres high above the Sûre river. The castle was probably built in the 10th century, and then extended in the 14th and 15th centuries, when the fortress wall was added, flanked by six Gothic towers. Nowadays, audio guides in seven different languages guide visitors round the castle. There are amazing views from the castle over the whole valley around Bourscheid. In the evening, the building is illuminated, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere. The nearby Stolzembourg House is a magnificent Gothic manor house dating back to 1348.

At the crossroads of the 15th and 16th centuries, the serene landscape of Bourscheid, Luxembourg, bore witness to a harrowing episode—the notorious witch trial at the high court of Bourscheid. Preserved documents at Schmidtburg, near Gemünden in the German Hunsrück district, narrate a tale of darkness that unfolded in the pursuit of justice, as six individuals faced accusations of witchcraft. The accusations, orchestrated by the lordship of Bourscheid, painted a sinister picture of secret pacts with the devil, plotting the ruin of God's creation and the lordship itself. Summoned by the order of the lordship, the accused were restrained on the rack and subjected to intense interrogation with the intent of extracting confessions. Witnesses were closely examined, and the high court meticulously scrutinized the so-called evidence. Following a thorough examination, the court rendered its judgment. In the end, two women, one from Michelau and another from Kehmen, faced the horrifying fate of being burned alive at the high court or gallows hill. The Duchy of Luxembourg became a stage for a haunting witch hunt between 1560 and 1683, claiming numerous victims. Rooted in a tumultuous period of economic depressions, plagues, and religious conflicts, the witch trials saw 2,500 to 3,000 cases initiated, with at least 2,000 ending in execution. The belief in a secretive witchcraft sect conspiring against God's creation gained traction, fueled by publications and sermons. Accusations could be directed at anyone, from spouses to neighbors, in an atmosphere of fear and tension. Witch trials were often initiated by the populace and supported by the authorities. In Luxembourg, a mix of secular courts and official actions facilitated the trials. Communities devised methods like witch taxes to finance the trial costs. The accused, pressured to confess, often faced torture, leading to a wide range of punishments, from burning at the stake to banishment. Despite attempts by the provincial government to curb abuses, the witch hunts persisted. The French occupation in 1684, under Louis XIV's decree, finally brought an end to the trials, concluding a dark chapter in the Duchy of Luxembourg's history. Not only witches faced trial at the Bourscheid high court. Legend has it that a man, known for his many crimes, managed to evade capture until he was caught stealing 500 grams of flour. As punishment, he was sentenced to hang at the high court. Interestingly, there was a loophole where a condemned person could escape death if they found a woman willing to marry them and moved abroad together. Talk about a unique loophole in the justice system!

Starting from the village center, the Auto-Pédestre Bourscheid crosses the CR 348 and then leads into the dense forest north of the village. The path descends all the way to the Féischterhaff. This somewhat remote farm is located in a meander of the Sauer. The path now runs southwards, gently uphill to the 10th-century Bourscheid Castle. This triangular castle towers about 150 meters above the Sauer and is accessible only from one side, which deters enemies. Over time, the property developed from a small wooden fort into the impressive feudal castle we know today. Since 1972, it has been state-owned and has undergone constant renovation work. The hike continues eastward. You quickly reach the viewpoint at the Schleedbësch, which offers a wonderful panorama of the castle. After climbing a few hundred meters uphill, the end of the hike comes into sight.

On this route you will encounter two special monuments. At Napoléonsknäppchen, an oak tree rises in honor of Napoleon's son and a viewing platform presents you the plateau. Doigt de Dieu means Finger of God in German. This natural, stone monument may not show you the right way, but marks a magnificent view.

Situated high up on a rock face, it offers a sweeping view over the gentle meanders of the river. The viewpoint is located on the Escapardenne Lee Trail and the local hiking trails BS 1, BS 4 and BS 6 and is also a popular starting point for paragliders - perfect for a break while watching the brave flyers and enjoying nature. The Gringlee cannot be reached by car.

The fascinating sport of paragliding can be practised together with other members at the locations Gringlee, Kautenbach and Michelau. The practice of the sport is reserved for members. Once a year, the club organises a tandem weekend for interested individuals.