What is actually going on beneath our capital? If you're feeling curious and looking to enjoy a few hours in a refreshing 15°C environment this summer, why not explore Luxembourg’s underground world with guides from the Frënn vun der Festungsgeschicht (Friends of Fortress History) association?
Guides lead visitors through parts of the casemates that are not always open to the public, where it would be easy to get lost without guidance. That is why six such tours are being offered over the summer.
The area beneath the city park has a slightly eerie, damp atmosphere, giving the impression of having stepped back in time. By the time visitors reach the final staircase, they are fully immersed in the underground setting.
Fort Lambert cannot be explored without a flashlight, as electricity is limited and best avoided. According to Romain Schaus, head guide of the association, the electrical wiring still in place dates back to 1938.
During air raid alerts in the Second World War, residents of Luxembourg City would descend into the casemates. Each district had its designated area. Those from the other side of the Moselle were taken to a gas-tight section in the casemates beneath the Plateau du Saint-Esprit.
The many corridors of Fort Lambert are enough to make visitors lose their bearings, and they are also the source of numerous rumours, such as stories dating back to when RTL was based in Villa Louvigny.
With around 4.5 kilometres of tunnels, it is easy to get lost, says Romain Schaus. Although no skeletons have ever been found, tales are still told of the grand celebrations that once took place in the casemates.
The French military architect Vauban later perfected the fortress walls originally built by the Spanish, reinforcing them to better withstand external attacks.
According to Hubert Glesener, one of the guides involved in the project, the fortress was almost demolished in the 1980s to make way for a car park. Ultimately, a compromise was reached and the car park was built around the fort instead.
The first underground guided tour will take place on 14 June, with visits continuing until September.
Further details are available on the Frënn vun der Festungsgeschicht website.
