Discover Bour: Forest, Eisch and Village History

Bour combines an established village structure with woodland landscapes, the Eisch and noteworthy traces of local history. Those looking for a mix of nature, walks and culture during their holiday will find various options here for planning their days. The Chapel of Saint Celsus, the paths through the surrounding area and the historical importance of the Eisch in particular give the village its own distinct character.

Woodland landscapes and paths along the Eisch

Bour is situated on the Eisch. To the north, east and west, the village is surrounded by rising woodland areas, while the land slopes gently downwards to the south. There are several meadows and arable fields there. The Mëlleschbaach flows into the Eisch south of Bour. One of the village’s springs that still exists today is the Source François.

Bour’s natural surroundings provide a suitable setting for walks in the forest. The Auto-Pédestre Tuntange hiking trail passes through Bour and along the edge of the Mariendallerbësch. Sturdy footwear and something to drink are recommended for this trail. If you would prefer to focus your stay more on the valley, you can also include the Sentier National de la Vallée des Sept Château in your travel plans. It brings the valley in which Bour is situated to life.

These different options allow you to plan your day flexibly: you can explore the landscape around the village or make a longer route the focus of your day. If you are travelling with your family, this allows you to choose between observing nature, visiting the village and going on a hike, depending on your interests, without limiting your stay to just one theme.

Village Structure and the Chapel of Saint Celsus

Bour has preserved the basic structure of a traditional linear village to this day. The construction of Rue de Luxembourg expanded this structure somewhat. A prominent landmark is Bour’s restored chapel. The present-day chapel was built in 1851 and is dedicated to Saint Celsus. It stands at the eastern entrance to the village, where Rue d’Arlon joins Rue de Luxembourg, which leads to Tuntange.

There are also details inside that are worth a closer look. The four geometrically designed antique-glass windows were created around 1935. The altar contains statues of the Madonna and Child, Saint Celsus and Saint Eligius. The furnishings also include an intricately designed Baroque tabernacle with a chronogram. Above it is an oval niche containing a statue of the Virgin Mary. Those interested in sacred art and local architectural history can therefore include the chapel as a specific cultural highlight of their stay.

Historical Traces of Water and Forest

The Eisch shaped not only the landscape but also the area’s former use. As early as the 13th century, its water power was used to operate the former grain and saw mill in Bour. In the 18th century, the Eisch was made navigable for periods of time by means of locks. This was intended to enable the transport of iron between the Simmerschmelz and the Ansembourg ironworks.

Charcoal burning was also widespread in the area around Bour. It was practised there until the beginning of the 1930s. These historical references add a history to today’s impression of the landscape, in which water, forest and skilled labour were closely connected.

Bour as a Starting Point for Finding Your Accommodation

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home, you can consider which of Bour’s different aspects are particularly important for your trip. Those who primarily want to experience forest paths and the landscape along the Eisch should include the hiking options in their daily plans. For travellers interested in culture, the Chapel of Saint Celsus, its furnishings and the preserved village structure are the main attractions. Those who would like to combine both can consider Bour as a destination for a stay focused on nature and local history.

For further orientation, you can also visit Schrondweiler, Larochette, Beringen, Nommern, Mersch, Ansembourg, Tüntingen and Heffingen.

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Mersch.