Hollenfels Castle

Hollenfels Castle lies on the south side of the village with the same name, in Luxembourg. It is situated in the valley of the Eisch stream, which is also known as the Valley of the 7 Castles. The other 6 castles are: Koerich, Septfontaines, Ansembourg, New Ansembourg, Schoenfels, and Mersch.

Hollenfels Castle was first mentioned in 1129. In the 13th century, Ludolf, Knight and Lord of Hollenfels, and his wife Sara were given the water-rights of the nearby Mariënthal abbey. In the 14th century, the mighty square keep was built. The possession of Hollenfels Castle was then shared by two noble families. From the 15th century on, the castle was jointly owned by several noble families: Ansemburg, Greifenklau, and Salm.

In 1681, the castle was occupied by French troops. In 1691, Hollenfels Castle was owned by JB. de Brias. In 1729, he ordered the construction of the mansion against the northeast side of the keep.

In 1818, the castle was bought by JB. Thorn-Suttor, who was governor of Luxembourg during the Belgian period between 1831-1839, and who was already the owner of Schoenfels Castle. In 1840, he sold both castles to J. Engler, a senator from Brussels. It later passed to his son-in-law the Baron A. Goethals.

At present, the Hollenfels Castle is state-owned. There is also a youth hostel in the 18th-century bailey. I stayed there during my 'castle hunt' in Luxembourg in 2007. It is simple but sufficient. And of course it is really cool to stay near this great castle. Although it was a pity that I couldn't visit the interior of the castle.

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