Beaufort Castle is one of Luxembourg’s most impressive medieval ruins — a dramatic 12th-century fortress complex perched on a rocky spur in the Mullerthal region, complete with a beautifully preserved Renaissance château built into its walls. Known locally as Buerg Beaufort, this dual-era castle offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore both a medieval fortress and a Renaissance residence in a single visit, all set within the gorgeous forested landscape of Luxembourg’s “Little Switzerland.”

Quick Facts: Beaufort Castle, Luxembourg

• Best time to visit: April–October (the castle is open for guided and self-guided tours); summer for the castle’s traditional events and open-air concerts
• Top attraction: The medieval castle ruins and the 17th-century Renaissance château
• How to get there: ~35 minutes from Luxembourg City by car; limited bus service (bus 111 or 112 from Luxembourg City to Beaufort, ~45 min)
• Entry fee: ~€7 (adult); guided tours included
• Combine with: Walking trails through the surrounding Mullerthal forest, including the famous Mullertrail routes

The History of Beaufort Castle

The original castle was built in the late 12th century by the lords of Beaufort as a defensive fortress overlooking the Sûre valley. Expanded through the 13th and 14th centuries with additional towers and curtain walls, it saw action during the Eighty Years’ War and eventually fell into ruin by the 17th century.

In 1649, the new owner, Jean de Bounder de Melsbruch, constructed the Renaissance château adjacent to the medieval ruin — an elegant residence reflecting the period’s shift from military fortification to domestic comfort. Today, the château houses period furniture, tapestries, and information panels on the castle’s colourful history.

Beyond the Castle

• Mullerthal Trail: Beaufort is an excellent base for hiking in Luxembourg’s “Little Switzerland” — the Mullerthal region — with its bizarre sandstone rock formations, deep gorges, and mossy forests.
• Echternach: Luxembourg’s oldest city is just 10km away. Read our guide →
• Vianden Castle: Another of Luxembourg’s great medieval castles, beautifully restored and one of the grandest in the Ardennes region.

The former Roman village, now the town Beaufort, is situated in Luxembourg at an altitude of 409 meters above sea level. You can find here the ruins of Renaissance Castle Beaufort from the 17th century, which is situated in area of Luxembourg that is often referred to as a “Little Switzerland”. Furthermore, there is also neo-Gothic church ruins from the 12th century.

The first mention of the original village dates back to the 12th century. Most of the monuments in this city, as well as throughout Luxembourg, were bombed during the war.

The village is now a popular summer resort with a swimming pool, camping and a youth hostel. You can follow any of the numerous trails which lead you through the forests of the Mullerthal valley.

View Beaufort – a popular summer resort in Luxembourg in a larger map

Have you explored Beaufort Castle or hiked through Luxembourg’s Mullerthal region? Share your castle and hiking discoveries in the comments! 🏰

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