Fort Thungen

Explore the museum within this vast 18th-century fortification and climb onto the rooftop to find out why it is nicknamed “Three Acorns.”

Fort Thüngen, the remaining foundation of a vast fortification in historic Luxembourg City, now contains a captivating museum. Standing steadfastly in Dräi Eechelen Park, the fort was used as a stronghold by both the Austrians and the Prussians throughout the centuries. Admire the fascinating defensive architecture and check out the three main towers, known locally as Dräi Eechelen, the Three Acorns.

Stroll through the park to reach the imposing stone fortification named after an Austrian commander-in-chief. Fort Thüngen’s surrounding park area was once a deep moat only traversable via a 554-foot (169-meter) tunnel. Note the building’s intriguingly squatty design. It was built in 1732 to fortify the Redoute du Parc and other Vauban defenses, but was almost entirely demolished after the Treaty of London eliminated the need for the fortress. See the foundations of its three acorn-shaped towers extensively restored and reconstructed in the 1990s.

Venture inside the fortress and explore its beautifully restored interior. Visit the Musée Dräi Eechelen to discover a permanent exhibit that traces the city’s timeline from 1443 to 1903, housed in the underground chambers of the medieval fortress.

Notice the contrasting architecture of the Musée d’Art Moderne Grand-Duc Jean (Mudam), which overlooks the fortress. The prism-like glass façade of Luxembourg’s slick Museum of Modern Art peers over the gray stone fortress ramparts. Check out this museum to find comprehensive exhibits of contemporary art from Luxembourg and beyond.

Fort Thüngen is perched above the lush greenery of Parc des Trois Glands in northeastern Luxembourg City. Those aged 26 and over pay a fee to enter. The site is closed on Tuesdays. The Musée d’Art Moderne Grand-Duc Jean also has an admission fee, with free entrance to visitors who are age 21 and under. Check the museum’s website to find out what temporary exhibitions are showing during your visit.

Take the easy stroll back to downtown from Fort Thüngen by walking down the hill to a tunnel and descending the zigzag path through the park.