Credit: MCULT
On Thursday 11 June 2026, Luxembourg launched Heritage Quest Luxembourg, a new citizen science project aimed at helping the public discover and preserve the country's archaeological heritage through the online analysis of LiDAR data, alongside the opening of the 2026 European Archaeology Days.
The project was presented by Luxembourg's Minister for Culture, Eric Thill, during an event marking the start of the second edition of the European Archaeology Days (Journées européennes de l'archéologie - JEA) in the Grand Duchy.
According to the Ministry of Culture and the National Institute for Archaeological Research (INRA), Heritage Quest Luxembourg was developed under the direction of Dr Maxime Brami of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and relies on LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology, which uses laser scanning to reveal archaeological features that are often invisible to the naked eye, particularly beneath forest cover.
Through the participatory platform Zooniverse, members of the public will be able to analyse digital terrain models and identify features that may indicate burial mounds, sinkholes or former charcoal production sites. The observations collected will contribute directly to scientific research and help improve knowledge of Luxembourg's historical landscapes.
The project relies on the principle of collective intelligence, with each image being analysed by several independent participants. The most promising discoveries will subsequently undergo further analysis and field verification.
"The project demonstrates how new technologies can strengthen the protection and promotion of cultural heritage while encouraging public participation in research. Moreover, archaeology is much more than a scientific discipline. It helps us better understand our history, identity and culture. With Heritage Quest Luxembourg, everyone can now actively contribute to this process of discovery and transmission," said Minister Thill.
Heritage Quest Luxembourg is supported by the Schleich-Lentz Foundation, under the aegis of the Fondation de Luxembourg, and is being implemented in cooperation with INRA.
The ministry and INRA also announced the programme for the second edition of the European Archaeology Days, taking place across Luxembourg from Thursday 11 to Friday 19 June 2026.
Programme:
Thursday 11 June 2026 in Luxembourg City and Dalheim
10:30: Presentation of the European Archaeology Days and launch of the Heritage Quest Luxembourg citizen science project at the Ministry of Culture (press conference)
18:30: Conference, titled "2,000 Years of Viticulture History in the Moselle Region", at the Gallo-Roman Theatre in Dalheim
Friday 12 June 2026 in Bertrange and Echternach
10:00: Open day at INRA's restoration service in Bertrange
19:00: Official opening ceremony by Culture Minister Eric Thill at the Trifolion in Echternach, followed by a conference on the progress of the Petite Marquise excavations and a wine reception
Saturday 13 June 2026 in Luxembourg City, Kaundorf, Goeblange, Echternach and Dalheim
11:00: "Bronzene Geschichten: Der Wagenlenker und die Tierkampfgruppe im MNAHA" conference with Franziska Dövener at the National Museum of History and Art (MNAHA) in Luxembourg City
11:00 and 14:00: Guided tours of the Saint-Pirmin archaeological site in Kaundorf
14:00: Guided visit to the Roman villa of Goeblange-Miecher
14:00: "A Roman Villa in the Land of the Treveri!" at the Réimervilla in Echternach
17:00: Conference, titled "Aux origines de l'archéologie luxembourgeoise: l'activité antiquaire d'Alexandre Wiltheim", at the Gallo-Roman Theatre in Dalheim
Sunday 14 June 2026 in Waldbillig, Dalheim, Blaschette, Luxembourg City and Vichten
10:00: Open day of the Société Préhistorique Luxembourgeoise (Luxembourg Prehistoric Society) at the former Hôtel des Cascades in Waldbillig
10:00: Family discovery activity "A Journey Through the Vicus" at the Gallo-Roman Theatre in Dalheim
12:00: Demonstration, titled "Bell Beaker Metallurgy", at the Neolithic House in Blaschette
14:00: Guided tour, titled "D'Mosaik vu Viichten – e réimescht Meeschterwierk", in Luxembourg City
14:00: Guided tour, titled "Op de Spuere vun de Réimer", in Vichten
Tuesday 16 June 2026 in Dalheim
18:30: Conference, titled "Im Strom der Geschicht – (Römische) Flussfunde in Trier", at the Gallo-Roman Theatre
Friday 19 June 2026 in Dalheim
18:30: Conference, titled "Exploring Roman Britain: New Methods and Perspectives", at the Gallo-Roman Theatre
Most activities are free of charge, although some require prior registration.
