New Admin Building for Administration of Nature and Forests Opens at Schoenfels Castle

Yesterday marked the opening of the new administrative building of the Luxembourg Administration of Nature and Forests at Schoenfels Castle.

Luxembourg Minister of Sustainable Development and Infrastructure François Bausch and Minister of the Environment Carole Dieschbourg attended the inauguration of this new building located in Schoenfels Castle. The origin of the castle, owned by the state since 1971, dates back to the 13th century. It is located along the river Mamer, in the nature reserve "Valley of the Mamer and Eisch" and is part of the picturesque "Valley of Seven Castles".

Long abandoned and without real affectation, the restoration of the load-bearing walls of the farm and the barn has made it possible to maintain the appearance of its historic building. The new constructions in traditional materials, on the site of the old stables, are grouped around the old inner courtyard. On the side of the valley, a new volume, which unites concrete and wood materials, has been added.

The keep, a majestic medieval tower characterised by its four corner turrets, is located in a century-old park including the old farmhouse, barn and new construction. It will be renovated by the Service des Sites et Monument National (finalisation expected in 2019). In the coming months, a forest museum will be integrated in the old barn and an ecological car park will be reserved for the users and visitors of the site. The premises can likewise be used by local associations.

The project is twofold: firstly for the benefit of the therapeutic workshop which has been installed in a wing of the inner courtyard since June 2014, and secondly to the Administration of Nature and Forests (ANF), which occupies the other parts since May 2018 and which now has modern and functional infrastructures. The building will therefore house the services of the ANF's Center-Ouest borough, which includes the forest yards of Mersch-Est, Mersch-Ouest and Kopstal.

A historic park, which is being restored under the management of Marc Schoellen on the principle of ecological management has also been integrated. The works are carried out by the ANF in collaboration with the non-profit organisation Stëmm vun der Strooss.