Brandenbourg Castle

Brandenbourg Castle lies above the hamlet with the same name, on a promontory in the silent valley of the river Blees, in Luxembourg.

Brandenbourg Castle was probably built in the 10th century but was first mentioned in 1244. It is situated on the old route from Vianden to Bourscheid. At the end of the 13th century, when the primitive dynasty of Brandenbourg died out, the castle went to Thierry von Neuerbourg; who was linked to the Counts of Vianden. After that the castle went through the hands of the Lords of Haraucourt, Salm, Kitzingen, Stassin and Blochausen.

In the 14th century a chapel was added to the castle. And during the 15th and 16th century the castle was expanded and a bailey, two towers, vaulted cellars and curtain walls were added. The castle fell to ruin in the early 19th century because of severe neglect.

The castle was used as a filming location in 2004 for the Hollywood movie George and the Dragon.

I must say that this is one of my favorite Luxembourg castle ruins. Because when I visited it in 1997 it was freely accessible and was my idea of a romantic ruin due to its location and the way it was overgrown. It really felt like a discovery. During a later visit however the castle was being restored and was completely fenced of. Recently I visited it again. The restoration has turned out beautiful I must say. It has been made accessible with respect to the ruin. You can now wander through almost the entire castle, go into subterranean rooms and up into the keep. It is freely accessible during daytime hours. Recommended!

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