Schoenfels Castle. Schoenfels, Luxembourg

Schoenfels Castle, or Schlass Schëndels, is a striking medieval keep nestled in the heart of the Mamer Valley. It was built in 1292 by Friedrich of Schoenfels and it is one of the seven castles of the Valley of the Seven Castles, located between Kopstal and Mersch.

Through the centuries, the castle had numerous owners, passing to the Ansembourg, Sassenheim, and Schloeder von Lachen families. Despite lacking strategic importance, its defenses were dismantled by the French army in 1683. In 1690, a feud between Theodor von Neunheuser and the Lords of Brandenbourg led to the castle and the surrounding village being burned to the ground.

By the 19th century, Schoenfels Castle became a residence, with Baron Auguste Goethals adding a manor house beside the keep. However, this addition was later demolished in 1976 after the property was acquired by the State of Luxembourg in 1971.

Currently undergoing restoration, the castle is set to become a visitor center and a Water & Forestry Museum, preserving its historical significance while offering insight into Luxembourg’s natural heritage. Though the interior remains closed to the public, visitors can admire the impressive 25-meter-high keep and explore the surrounding valley.