Canton
Wiltz
Portrait
of the canton
Canton Wiltz is located in the north of the country and has an official city of the same name. With an area of 264 km² and a population of around 19,944 inhabitants (2025), it combines a large natural area with a strong historical and industrial identity. As part of the Luxembourg Ardennes, the canton is characterized by slate, mountainous landscape and a low population density typical of the north.
Surré, Municipality of Stauséigemeng
Landscape
The natural landscape of Canton Wiltz is characterized by forests, rural plateaus and former industry. The rivers Sûre and Wolz form deep valleys, while the artificial lake on the Upper Sure is one of the country's most important drinking water reservoirs and a recreational area for tourists and locals. Large parts of the canton belong to protected areas such as the Our Nature Park and the Upper Sûre Nature Park.
View of Bonnal from Kaundorf, Municipality of Stauséigemeng
View of the Stauséi with SEBES, Municipality of Esch-sur-Sûre
History
Canton Wiltz has played a central role in the political, social and industrial development of Luxembourg.
The city of Wolz was first mentioned in the 8th century.
Medieval lordships have marked the region. This can be seen, for example, at the Esch Sauer Castle from the year 927 or at the castle of the city of Wolz from the 12th century, which are witnesses to this feudal past. From the 16th century onwards, leather and cloth crafts developed into a major industry. Later, Canton Wiltz was able to build a reputation throughout Europe. The city of Wiltz is also known for its local beer.
At the beginning of World War II, the canton became a symbol of national resistance. A general strike in the city of Wiltz against the Nazi regime led to the execution of 21 workers - a historic moment for the labor movement and resistance in Luxembourg. Not far from Wiltz, at Schumannseck, one of the bloodiest battles of the Battle of the Bulge later took place.
The dam in Esch-sur-Sûre was built in the 1950s. The Upper Sûre reservoir is still important for the country's water supply and is located in the middle of a nature reserve.
Esch-sur-Sûre, Municipality of Esch-sur-Sûre
View op Upper Wiltz, City of Wiltz
National Strike Monument, City of Wiltz
Liberation Memorial, Schumannseck, Municipality of Stauséigemeng
Culture
The city of Wiltz is the capital of the Ardennes, and across the entire canton, forests and nature play an important role. This is clearly seen in the legend of the "Donkelsser Wollef", who told all kinds of stories in a wolf's fur in the 19th century and is still known today.
The national poet Michel Rodange worked in the city of Wiltz as a cantonal road inspector and wrote his Renert, a masterpiece of Luxembourgish literature.
Canton Wiltz is also the birthplace of René Arend, the inventor of McDonald's Chicken Nuggets.
Since 1948, the traditional Geenzefest has been organized in Wiltz to celebrate the beauty of the landscape.
Donkelsser Wollef, Doncols, Municipality of Winseler
Attractions
The Upper Sûre Lake combines nature and leisure experiences. The forests and lake allow you to consciously experience the biodiversity around the area.
Wiltz Castle and the Esch-sur-Sûre Castle, as well as the rural architecture of villages such as Lellingen, Insenborn and Boulaide, represent Canton Wiltz well.
Today, the national strike monument stands in the city of Wiltz. At Schumannseck, the Remembrance Trail and the Liberation Memorial commemorate the dark chapter of the Battle of the Bulge.
Groussgaass in Upper Wiltz, City of Wiltz
Boulaide, Municipality of Stauséigemeng