Diekirch

Diekirch
Dikrech (Luxembourgish)
Flag of Diekirch
Coat of arms of Diekirch
Map of Luxembourg with Diekirch highlighted in orange, and the canton in dark red
Map of Luxembourg with Diekirch highlighted in orange, and the canton in dark red
Coordinates: 49°52′05″N 6°09′24″E / 49.8681°N 6.1567°E / 49.8681; 6.1567
Country Luxembourg
CantonDiekirch
Government
 • MayorCharles Weiler
Area
 • Total
12.42 km2 (4.80 sq mi)
 • Rank87th of 100
Highest elevation
396 m (1,299 ft)
 • Rank54th of 100
Lowest elevation
187 m (614 ft)
 • Rank20th of 100
Population
 (2023)
 • Total
7,295
 • Rank21st of 100
 • Density590/km2 (1,500/sq mi)
  • Rank15th of 100
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
LAU 2LU0000603
Websitediekirch.lu

Diekirch (French pronunciation: [dikiʁʃ]; German pronunciation: [ˈdiːkɪʁç]; Luxembourgish: Dikrech [ˈdikʀəɕ] or (locally) Dikrich [ˈdikʀiɕ]; from Diet-Kirch, i.e. "people's church") is a commune with town status in north-eastern Luxembourg, in the canton of Diekirch and, until its abolition in 2015, the district of Diekirch. The town is situated on the banks of the Sauer river.

The town's heraldic shield, showing a crowned lion on a castle, was granted in 1988. It is based on the town's 14th-century seal and arms.[1]

In 1977, Diekirch became the first town in Luxembourg to have a pedestrian zone.

Diekirch is home to a brewery of national importance carrying the town's name.

Three secondary schools are located in Diekirch: Lycée classique de Diekirch, Lycée technique hôtelier Alexis Heck and Nordstadlycée.[2]

The town is home to the national operational headquarters of the Luxembourgish Army at the Haerebierg Military Centre (located on the hill Herrenberg) and the National Museum of Military History, reflecting Diekirch's pivotal role in the Battle of the Bulge, a major battle of World War II. It was here that the river Sauer was crossed on the night of January 18, 1945, by the US 5th Infantry division.

The town is also the seat of one of the six regional headquarters of the Grand Ducal Police and one of Luxembourg's two judicial districts.

  1. ^ "Diekirch". ngw.nl. 9 September 2022.
  2. ^ "Nordstad-Lycée Diekirch NOSL". NOSL.