Diekirch

5km (3 miles) E of Ettelbruck

Standing mostly on the north bank of the Sûre River, Diekirch (pop. 6,000) was a Celtic stronghold in the days before the Roman legions arrived. There are some good, and not difficult, signed hiking trails in the hills around the town.

Getting There -- One or two trains depart every hour or so from Ettelbruck; the ride takes just 5 minutes. By car, take E241/N7 east from Ettelbruck.

Visitor Information -- The Syndicat d'Initiative is at place de la Libération 3, 9255 Diekirch (tel. 80-30-23; fax 80-27-86; www.diekirch.lu), in the center of town. It's open July to August Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, and weekends from 10am to 4pm; and September to June Monday to Friday from 9am to noon and 2 to 5pm, and Saturday from 2 to 4pm.

What to See & Do

Be sure to view the ancient Eglise St-Laurent, in the oldest part of town. The church dates originally from the 6th and 8th centuries, although it has been much altered since then. It's open daily from 10am to noon and 2 to 6pm; admission is free.

Among other exhibits in the Musée Municipal (Municipal Museum), on place Guillaume II, is a group of Roman mosaics dating from the 3rd century A.D., found during excavations in the town. The museum is open Easter to October daily from 10am to noon and 2 to 6pm; admission is free.

The local tourist office can provide details for a signed circular hike of 7km (4 1/2 miles) from the center of Diekirch, across the Sûre, and into the hills to a prehistoric Celtic dolmen (stone tomb), dubbed the Deiwelselter (Devil's Altar).