Éisleker Geschichtsfuerscher (EFG) members on a visit to the CRRA in Titelberg; Credit: Cliff Nosbusch

Chronicle.lu has teamed up with Luxembourg's National Institute for Archaeological Research (Institut national de recherches archéologiques - INRA) for a series of articles on archaeological digs and discoveries around the Grand Duchy.

The series explores digs spanning from prehistoric to Roman and medieval times, highlighting key finds and what they reveal about Luxembourg’s past. It also sheds light on the work of the INRA and its approach to archaeological and historical research.

The latest article in this series looks at the local history group Éisleker Geschichtsfuerscher ASBL.

"From the Early Stone Age to the Middle Ages... Every piece fits into the big puzzle of the Éislek's history..."

In the heart of northern Luxembourg, where forests and high plateaus shape the landscape, a group of dedicated people has taken on a special mission: to research and share the history of the Éislek region. The Éisleker Geschichtsfuerscher, a young but growing association, brings together archaeological finds, old stories and historical clues - like puzzle pieces - to build a clearer picture of the region's past.

A Club with a Passion for History

Founded in 2023, the group already has over 50 members. People join for many reasons: some actively search for artifacts using metal detectors or by observing the ground, while others are simply interested in history and archaeology without doing fieldwork. They all share the same goal: to discover, document and share the history of the Éislek with the public.

The association has three main goals:

  • Research, documentation and publishing: the group conducts and supports historical research in the Éislek area, following legal guidelines and working closely with the INRA. All discoveries are carefully recorded and published to increase our knowledge about northern Luxembourg’s past.
  • Education and outreach: archaeological finds and historical topics are prepared for use in schools, local exhibitions and public talks. The group also aims to be a bridge between science and the wider community.
  • Help with amateur finds: when private individuals come across possible archaeological objects, the group helps document them properly and pass the information on to the national database - so that nothing gets lost.

A Special Highlight: the Heinerscheid Project

One of the group’s biggest projects so far took place in Heinerscheid. On 6 April 2023, a member of the group noticed two square shapes with a dot in the middle on an aerial photo - a typical sign of ancient burial ground. Soon it became clear: this might be an important Iron Age or Roman site.

In 2024, during emergency excavations for a new high-voltage power line near Hosingen, the group had a chance to connect with archaeologist Iliya Hadzhipetkov from the INRA. He immediately saw the potential of the Heinerscheid site. A large-scale geophysical survey confirmed the presence of the two graves and provided additional about the organisation the organisation of the site. A full excavation was planned, with students and volunteers from the group working closely together.

In July 2025, the project came to life. Almost a dozen members spontaneously offered to help with the dig as volunteers. The excitement among everyone involved was clear. The collaboration with the archaeologists and students went smoothly, and every day brought new and fascinating discoveries. The most special moments came when ancient artifacts saw daylight again for the first time in nearly 2,000 years.

For more on the Heinerscheid project, see Archaeology in Luxembourg: Heinerscheid Early Roman Burial Ground

More Than Just Archaeology

The work of the Éisleker Geschichtsfuerscher is more than just digging in the ground. It connects past and present, science and volunteer work, experts and amateurs. At a time when history can feel distant or abstract, this group is helping to bring the cultural heritage of northern Luxembourg back to life - stone by stone, find by find, puzzle piece by puzzle piece. For more information, see https://www.egf.world/