Diekirch (Luxembourgish: Dikrech) is a commune with city status in north-eastern Luxembourg, capital city of the canton Diekirch and the district of Diekirch. The city is situated on the banks of the Sauer river.
As of 2001, the town of Diekirch, which lies in the south of the commune, has a population of 6,068.
Diekirch was the first city in Luxembourg to have a pedestrian zone, in 1977.
There is a brewery with the same name. There are 2 secondary schools in Diekirch: Lycée classique de Diekirch and Lycée technique hotelier Alexis Heck.
The town is the site of one of the six regional headquarters of the Grand Ducal Police.
Mascot
The town's mascot is the donkey. There is a donkey fountain in the centre of Diekirch. The yearly cavalcade (carnival procession) is held under the sign of the donkey.
Twin towns
- Arlon, Belgium
- Liberty, Missouri, United States
- Monthey, Switzerland
Museums
The National Museum of Military History (NMMH) in Diekirch emerged from the Diekirch Historical Museum (opened in 1984), which was primarily dedicated to the « Battle of the Bulge » in Luxembourg in winter 1944/45.
The key topic of the museum remains the balanced and objective historical representation of the military operations in the Ardennes from the American, German and civilian point of view. Over 3000 square meters of exhibition space and numerous lifesize impressive dioramas enable an insight of the dramatic and tragic situations that both soldiers and civilians were caught in. Special showrooms feature extensive collections of weapons, uniforms, military equipment of all kind, wheeled- and tracked vehicles, in addition to numerous personal soldier’s belongings, photographs, documents and maps. The museum’s core piece is doubtlessly the detailed mock-up of the night-time Sauer river crossing at Diekirch on January 18, 1945 by units of the 5th U.S. Infantry division.
A second part of the NMMH museum is dedicated to the history of Luxembourg’s own armed forces since the creation of Luxembourg as a state, until present. A number of largescale striking dioramas cover key aspects and periods of the post WWII Luxembourg army. Other sections are dedicated to Luxembourgers fighting in allied armies in both WWI, WWII and during the Korean conflict. Luxembourg UN missions are also covered and special displays provide an overview of daily military life.
The following are the National Museum of Military History ‘s address and opening hours:
The National Museum of Military History is located in the complex of the Diekirch “old brewery” at:
10, Bamertal
L-9209 Diekirch
Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Tel: (352) 808908 or (352) 804719
FAX: (352) 804719
website: www.nat-military-museum.lu
email: mnhmdiek@pt.lu
The Museum is open as follows:
- from January 1 - March 31: daily 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. - from April 1 - November 1: daily 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. - from November 2 - December 31: daily 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
NB: Last ticket sold: 5:15 p.m.
Coordinates: 49°52′N 6°09′E
