Fischbach Castle

Unlike the Grand Ducal Palace and Berg Castle, Fischbach Castle is not State property. Nevertheless, maintenance and renovation work are undertaken by the State during periods when the Castle is used as the residence of the Hereditary Grand Duke, the Lieutenant-Représentant, or the Former Grand Duke, in accordance with the Grand Ducal decree of 9 October 2020 establishing the Maison du Grand-Duc.

The castle’s original appearance remains largely unknown.

The origins of Fischbach Castle date back to the Early Middle Ages. A first mention of a castle lord in the mid-eleventh century attests to the longstanding presence of the Lords of Fischbach within the Luxembourgish nobility. Earlier occupation of the site, from the ninth century, remains plausible.

The Castle’s original nucleus was built on a rocky spur overlooking the Wisebaach valley, a strategically advantageous location for a fortified structure. Remnants of defensive elements, still partially visible in the current masonry, testify to this medieval past, although the castle’s original appearance remains largely unknown.

The estate was acquired by the de Cassal family in 1686, marking a decisive stage in its architectural evolution. The Castle underwent a major transformation in a Rococo style influenced by the architecture of Echternach Abbey. Significant changes included the reorganisation of the main façade and the creation of terraced gardens, enhancing its representational character. The Rocaille-style ornamentation still gives the eastern façade strong visual impact today. The Castle subsequently changed hands several times, including ownership by the Collart family and the Luxembourg Ironworks, Forges, and Factories Company.

The Castle subsequently changed hands several times, including ownership by the Collart family and the Luxembourg Ironworks, Forges, and Factories Company.

Initially used as a summer residence, it was made available during the First World War by Grand Duchess Marie-Adélaïde for charitable purposes, hosting underprivileged schoolchildren from the mining region. After the war, it resumed its function as a summer residence and underwent gradual transformation into a permanent residence between 1923 and 1931.

At the start of the Second World War, the Castle was briefly used as a children’s rest home before being requisitioned by the Dr. Joseph Goebbels Foundation for Artists, which established one of its ‘Künstlerheime’ there - residences for artists supported by the Nazi regime. After the Second World War, the Grand Ducal Family regained possession.