Metal Fishing
Operating a metal detector in Luxembourg, known locally as "metal fishing," is only permitted if you have completed a dedicated training course and obtained official authorisation from the Ministry of Culture. The National Institute for Archaeological Research (INRA) is reminding people that anyone caught breaking these rules risks substantial fines.
INRA director David Weis notes a notable increase in treasure hunting, with many people searching for items to keep or add to personal collections. The regulation exists to prevent dangers such as unearthing unexploded war munitions, and to protect cultural heritage from theft and loss of documentation.
Some detector users are not even aware they are breaking the law. Many are tourists, particularly from the Netherlands, where metal detecting is a common beachside hobby.
The legal framework was established in 2022, inspired by a Council of Europe convention. Luxembourg's rules are less strict than in some neighbouring countries. In France, the activity is almost entirely banned. Nevertheless, private individuals must obtain authorisation before using a metal detector in any context or location, and this permission can only be requested after completing mandatory training.
The training is offered yearly in November over two Friday afternoons, free of charge. Participants learn about the legal situation, the dangers of unexploded ordnance in certain regions, and receive an introduction to archaeology: what to do when you find an object, the main archaeological periods, and how to report discoveries to INRA. Each year, around 30 to 40 people attend.
A hobby that sounds harmless, regulated because the ground holds more than coins.