Stolzembourg, Bei der Bréck

The Auto-Pédestre Stolzemburg starts in the village center, near the Copper Mine Museum. After a few hundred meters, turn right towards Pütscheid. First, the path runs past Stolzemburg Castle. Its founding date is not precisely documented. However, it was destroyed in 1454 by Governor Antoine I. de Croÿ. Later it was rebuilt before falling victim to the troops of the French King Louis XIV. In 1898, the castle was rebuilt in the Scottish style. It is now privately owned. The hike continues southeast along the Ammeschterbaach to Pütscheid. Here you reach the highest point of the hike. After crossing the village, the route continues to Klangbaach and past the old copper mine, where up to 5,000 tons of copper ore were extracted annually in the past. Today, only some parts of the tunnel are accessible to visitors. From here, the path goes downhill back to the starting point of the hike.

Follow in the footsteps of the miners in the former copper mine near Stolzembourg. Experience the copper mine museum, which provides information on the geological features of the region, the history of the copper mine and the mining techniques used, walk along the 1.5 km-long geological nature trail with ten information panels and, as the highlight of the visit, discover the galleries of the copper mine. Important visitor information: The guided tour lasts three hours and includes the visit to the museum, the walk along the nature trail (3 km in total, i.e. 1.5 km there and back) and the exploration of the galleries. The entire tour is accompanied by a guide only. The museum, the nature trail and the galleries cannot be visited independently. A certain basic fitness is required for the visit to the copper mine, as access to the gallery is through the former drainage gallery, in which water still flows today, there is a low ceiling height in some passages of the galleries and the ascent out of the copper mine is via a steep staircase. Children under six must be accompanied by their parents. The copper mine is unsuitable for younger children, but they can visit the museum and the geological nature trail (unfortunately they have to wait outside for the copper mine tour). Helmets, rain jackets and boots are provided free of charge. Combined with a temperature of 11 degrees Celsius inside the mountain, it is recommended to bring warm clothes. Dogs are allowed in the museum and on the nature trail, but not in the copper mine (where they have to wait outside). Guided tours (start at the museum): From mid-July to the end of August there are daily guided tours at 14:00 (only with ticket online reservation). From April to mid-July and from September to October, guided tours are offered on Sundays and public holidays at 14:00 (only with ticket online reservation). Individual group tours can be booked on request from April to October.

Stolzembourg Castle, perched atop a hill in the heart of Stolzembourg village, has a rich history that spans centuries. Mentioned as early as 1192, it began as a simple tower, serving as a lookout along the River Our road in the county of Vianden. The castle's fortunes were tumultuous. In 1454, Governor Antoine I de Croÿ ordered its destruction, a fate repeated in 1679 during the Dutch War when Louis XIV's troops ravaged its walls. Left in ruins for over two centuries, its story took a turn in 1898. An Englishwoman named Mrs. Digby purchased the site and constructed a Scottish-style manor house adjacent to the ruins. This marked the beginning of a new chapter for Stolzembourg Castle, now privately owned. Throughout the 20th century, the castle changed hands and underwent renovations, adapting to the tastes and needs of its owners. Despite the transformations, it retained its historical significance, serving as a reminder of the area's past. With support for restoration efforts, there is hope that one day Stolzembourg castle’s doors may reopen, allowing visitors to step back in time and explore its ruins.