Robber knights and powder towers.

Robber knights and powder towers.

A few hundred meters from Winseler towards Doncels-Poteau, on the left bank of the Fischbach Delta, a hike uphill to Pommerloch invites you. There you can choose from a large road network of forest paths. On the ridges ASCHPELT, RËPST, KELSCHENT or the valleys HÖLZERGRONN (1 or 2), FISCHBAACH.

Of great interest is the road that leads you uphill into the HÖLZERGRONN to the idyllic fish ponds on the right side. On this path, you quickly encounter the so-called PULVERTUERME or "dynamite houses" on the left side. These are the ruins of 5 small houses where the highly explosive dynamite (nitroglycerin) was protected thanks to this narrow valley. This dynamite was used in the construction of the nearby railway (1832-1886).

The PULVERTUERME measured +/- 2x2 meters and were surrounded by a double stone wall. Further up in the HÖLZERGRUND is the so-called RAUBRITTERSCHLOSS. Upon reaching the top, you turn left onto the Rëpstweg and take the high path back to the Fischbaach. At the summit of this small plateau planted with RËPST pines, the native tales of Winseler say there was a ROBBER CASTLE in a distant past. And indeed, if you walk 30 meters into the forest (see map/photo), you will come across a small pile of stones that has become smaller over the years due to the use of the best stones for the construction of Winseler's houses.

Neither in the Urcadastre (1824) nor in the Ferraris map (around 1780) are any buildings or ruins indicated. This Rëpst plateau has been uninhabited for more than 200 years. Perhaps unknown archival documents or excavation samples could one day provide certainty about this mysterious legend of Winseler's ROBBER CASTLE.

Note for amateurs!!!