Hiking in Luxembourg
A relaxing stroll, curious exploring, wandering through nature, powerful marching; Luxembourg has the perfect hiking trail for every pace, every age and every difficulty level. Like a thin spider web, hiking trails and circular routes are spread throughout the Grand Duchy. Those passionate about hiking can take advantage of 5000 km of trails to gain an overview on the different regions and landscapes. They can choose between more than 200 different trails, whose length is just as different as their scenery.
Deep valleys and vast tableland are characteristic of the northern half of the country known as “Éislek”. Slate rocks and forest slopes complement this grand spectacle of nature, embellished by an idyllic landscape with castles and fortifications. Hikers can choose between an array of theme paths, such as the sound trail, created by artists so that hikers can listen to music or make their own. Another example is the sculpture trail, which is set in the breathtaking scenery of the country’s water dam; during their wanderings, pedestrians will encounter various stone sculptures. Just as the Franco-German “Nat’Our Route 3” stretches through the “Éislek” for a few kilometres, the international footpath “Escapardenne Éislek trail” links Luxembourg with Germany.
Situated in the eastern part of Luxembourg, the Müllerthal impresses with its idiosyncratic stone formations set in dense woodland. The Müllerthal trail is 112 km long and divided into three routes, leading through this enchanted area, its idyllic streams and breathtaking panoramic views. With its stunning landscape and the spectacular waterfall “Schiessentümpel, the Müllerthal is often referred to as “Luxembourg’s little Switzerland”. A sustainable transport network ensures that hikers can catch a bus back to their starting point or their accommodation.
Hiking trails along the river Mosel are the perfect destination for those who like to conquer hills. Between Schengen and Wasserbillig hikers can tackle the steep vineyards, discover picturesque wine villages and take in the scenic beauty of the riverscape from the top of the vineyards. A historical trail is dedicated to the Romans who brought viniculture to the Mosel region.
In the south of the country, the hiking trails of the “Minette” reflect the past of the region’s metallurgical industry. Ever since the facilities have been put out of service, nature has managed to take back huge parts of the “Red Earth” (because of the colour of iron ore) area. On the “miner’s trail”, hikers can get their own sense of this grand spectacle; it leads through former industrial sites, which have been declared as natural reserves. The geology path ” Giele Botter” (yellow butter) gives a detailed outline of the former iron ore stocks, the stone layers and the former surface mine.
Wenzel-trail
In terms of hiking possibilities Luxembourg City is certainly not losing out to the rural regions. For a very obvious reason the capital is often referred to as the “green lung of Europe” as parks and fields occupy more than two thirds of the capital’s surface. Bambësch is one of them, a big wood area with countless hiking trails, which make it a very popular spot for joggers and pedestrians alike. The best way to explore the more than a thousand year old history of the city’s fortress is the thematic “Wenzel-trail”. This unique route takes the pedestrians on a tour through time and space, leading past the most important historic and architectural buildings of the old city.
More information on the hiking trails, of which 24 are thematical tours and two are international hiking trails, but also longer European trails can be found on this website. The interactive aerial images provided by the country’s land registry are good advice and can be found on every hiking.
Further Useful Resources
The official website of the Luxembourg for Tourism
Luxembourg City Tourist Office
Luxembourg Tours, Tickets, Activities & Things To Do
Rent rooms and studios in Luxembourg at Vauban&Fort
Hotels in Luxembourg at Booking.com
