Getting to Esch-sur-Sûre by public transport

High above the town lie the ruins of the former Esch-sur-Sûre Castle. Between around 1050 and 1292, it served as the ancestral seat of the Lords of Esch and was one of the region’s most important noble residences. Its location on the rock above the River Sauer was deliberately chosen: from here, the valley could be easily surveyed and controlled. Over the centuries, the castle was extended and altered on several occasions. Following the death of Gottfried IV of Esch in 1292, the complex was divided amongst several families and gradually lost its importance. Later, it even served temporarily as a sort of ‘quarry’: building materials from the castle were reused for other construction projects in the village. The site has belonged to the Luxembourg state since 2006. Those who climb the stairs – the site is not wheelchair accessible – are rewarded with beautiful views of the village and the Sûre valley. Several information boards on site recount the castle’s history and bring the place to life.

Get fascinating insights into the craft of cloth weaving at the Nature Park Centre Upper-Sûre. The former cloth factory in Esch-sur-Sûre houses an exhibition on the history of wool processing as well as cloth production. Even today, the carefully restored machines, on which exclusive woollen cloth is produced, are still in action during guided tours of the museum. The "Duch vum Séi" and many textile products along with other unique souvenirs are available in the regional shop.

Not far from the castle ruins, the Statue of the Virgin Mary stands above Esch-sur-Sûre, having watched over the village since its inauguration on 12 September 1912. Perched on its striking pedestal, it remains one of the town’s most famous landmarks to this day, whilst also offering beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. The statue is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the protector of Esch-sur-Sûre, and was modelled on the statue of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes. According to local legend, its erection dates back to the miraculous healing of a woman from Esch-sur-Sûre, who, following a pilgrimage to Lourdes, expressed a wish to have a statue erected in honour of Mary out of gratitude. With the support of the villagers, the project was eventually realised. The statue, which stands approximately 3.10 metres tall, was skilfully crafted from copper and now sits atop a solid stone plinth that has been in place since 1933. The site can be reached via a path lined with chestnut trees. The climb is short, but steep and includes some steps.

The Esch-sur-Sûre Dam: A Marvel of Innovation and Utility Discover the Esch-sur-Sûre dam, a masterpiece of engineering and innovation, whose curved arch design and concrete construction have shaped Éislek’s landscape since 1955. The genesis of the Esch-sur-Sûre dam can be traced back to July 30, 1955, when the Minister of Public Works, Bodson, ceremoniously broke ground. This monumental project, guided by the visionary plans of French engineer André Coyne, not only revolutionized dam engineering at the time but continues to stand as a testament to innovative design and functionality. Structural Ingenuity The dam's architectural brilliance lies in its curved arch design, a pioneering approach in the 1950s. This architectural marvel spans 48.00 meters in length with a width of 4.00 meters at the foot and 1.50 meters below the roadway deck. Notably, the roadway boasts a width of 8.50 meters, inclusive of pavements. What sets this dam apart is its reliance on concrete with minimal metal reinforcement, a testament to the engineering confidence of the era. Water Reservoir and Capacity The Esch-sur-Sûre dam's primary function is water management, boasting a total reservoir capacity of 62 million m³, with an effective capacity of 53 million m³. This reservoir plays a pivotal role in preventing flooding in the village of Bavigne, maintaining a delicate balance with a maximum water level of 321.00 meters (reference level to the sea). The dam's design allows for a controlled water intake at 277.50 meters, ensuring both functionality and safety. Hydropower Generation The dam's significance extends beyond water management, as it serves as a powerhouse for electricity generation. Operational since February 15, 1960, the Esch-sur-Sûre power station harnesses the force of water through two main turbines at the dam's base and additional turbines downstream. The dam contributes to Luxembourg's energy grid, providing a substantial net electricity production of 10.0 GWk. Dual Role: Drinking Water Production In a dual role, the Esch-sur-Sûre dam also contributes significantly to Luxembourg's drinking water supply. In the late '60s, the construction of SEBES facilities concluded, adding drinking water production to the dam's repertoire. Today, SEBES, the operator of water production, covers approximately 70% of the nation's drinking water needs. The meticulous water collection system, installed during the 1993 lake draining, ensures the highest water quality standards. Expansive Water Body The transformation of the Sûre valley in 1959 marked the creation of a vast reservoir, covering approximately 400 hectares and stretching over 16 kilometres. This expansive water body submerged four houses and farms, altering the landscape but ultimately contributing to the region's water management and energy sustainability. In conclusion, the Esch-sur-Sûre dam stands not only as a feat of engineering but as a versatile hub, influencing energy production, water management, and the overall sustainability of Luxembourg. Its enduring legacy continues to shape the nation's infrastructure and environmental stewardship.

The Auto-Pédestre Esch-sur-Sûre starts at a car park slightly outside the town. First, it leads you through the town and then along the Sauer riverbank, past the old cloth factory and to the 47-meter-high arch dam. This was built from 1955 to 1958. Its wall thickness is about 1.5 m at the top and about 4.5 meters at the bottom. The path then leads to the wooded hills around the Upper Sauer Reservoir. This serves not only as a beautiful natural spectacle but also as a drinking water reserve and for power production. From above, you get great views over the reservoir, whose appearance changes constantly throughout the seasons. The path takes you almost to Kaundorf, where it turns back, slowly leading back to Esch-sur-Sûre. From here, it is always downhill, then through the idyllic little town and past the ruins of the medieval castle, returning to the starting point.