Diekirch

Diekirch is a town in north-eastern Luxembourg, sitting along the banks of the Sauer River. It has held city status since it was granted a special shield in 1988, which shows a crowned lion on a castle, based on an old design from the 1300s.

In 1977, Diekirch became the first town in Luxembourg to create a special area just for walking, making it easier and safer for people to get around on foot.

The town is important for education, with three secondary schools, and it also has a well-known brewery that carries the town’s name. Diekirch also has a key role in the country’s safety and history, housing the national headquarters of the Luxembourgish Army and the National Museum of Military History. This museum reminds us of the Battle of the Bulge during World War II, when the Sauer River was crossed by the US 5th Infantry division on the night of January 18, 1945.

History

The town of Diekirch got its name a long time ago when Charlemagne brought people called Saxons to the area in the late 8th century. He wanted them to live there and follow his rules. To help them learn new beliefs, a church was built, and this gave the place its name: "Diet-Kirch," meaning "people's church."

Later, in the 14th century, John the Blind, who was a king and count, built strong walls around Diekirch to protect it. These walls stayed until the early 1800s when French forces took them down and planted trees instead.

Digging in the ground in the 1960s showed that a church there was built in ancient Roman times. More digging in the 1990s and 2000s found parts of a big Roman house that was used until around the year 400.

Sport

Diekirch holds the "International March of Diekirch," a walking event for distances of 20 km to 40 km. Started in 1968, it is open to everyone, including soldiers and regular people. Finishers receive a special award from the Luxembourgish Army. The event was not held in 2020 and 2021 because of the coronavirus, but in 2022, people walked the distances in different places around the world. It became a live event again in Diekirch in 2023.

The town also has an annual cross country running race called the Eurocross. It is a special race for top runners from all over the world, and famous runners like Gabriela Szabo and Irina Mikitenko have won it before.

Mascot

The town of Diekirch has a special symbol called a mascot, which is a donkey. In the middle of Diekirch, there is a fountain shaped like a donkey. Every year, the town has a fun carnival parade, and the donkey is the theme of the celebration.

Population

Diekirch is a town in Luxembourg that has grown over many years. The number of people living there has changed with time, showing how towns develop.

Notable people

• Paul Eyschen (1841–1915) was a Luxembourgish politician, statesman, lawyer, and diplomat. He served as the 8th Prime Minister of Luxembourg for 27 years, from 1888 to 1915.
• Alphonse Munchen (1850–1917) was a Luxembourgish engineer and politician. He was the Mayor of Luxembourg City from 1904 to 1915.
• Joseph Bech (1887–1975) was a Luxembourgish politician and lawyer. He served as the 15th Prime Minister of Luxembourg for 11 years, from 1926 to 1937.
• Henri Losch (1931–2021) was a Luxembourgish actor, writer, and teacher.
• Ali Kaes, born in 1955, is a Luxembourgish politician and the mayor of Tandel.
• General Gaston Reinig, born in 1956, was a Luxembourgish soldier and former Chief of Defence of the Luxembourg Army.

Sport

• Alfred Albert Joe de Re la Gardiur (1881–1941) was a professional wrestler.
• Léon Roth, born in 1926, is a Luxembourgish sprint canoer who competed in the 1952 Summer Olympics.
• Johnny Lucas (1931–1993) was a Luxembourgish sprint canoer who also competed in the 1952 Summer Olympics.
• Michael Pinto, born in 1993, is a Portuguese footballer who has played over 250 games and 31 for Luxembourg.

Twin towns — sister cities

See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Luxembourg

Diekirch has friendly connections with several cities around the world. These include:

• Arlon, Belgium
• Bitburg, Germany since 1962
• Hayange, France
• Liberty, United States
• Monthey, Switzerland