5 incredible hikes in Luxembourg

With over 300 hiking trails, from circular walks to long distance trails, the Grand Duchy has one of the most extensive networks of walking routes in Europe.

It’s not just the quantity of walks though; tiny Luxembourg claims more than its fair share of 'Leading Quality Trails - Best of Europe’. Each Quality Trail ticks all the qualifying boxes: many points of cultural and natural interest along the way, a diversity of landscapes, good facilities and well-maintained trails and signage.

So, lace up those walking boots and hit Luxembourg’s superb hiking paths.

1. Through Luxembourg's Little Switzerland on the Mullerthal Trail

Best for: Weird-and-wonderful rock formations, canyon weaselling and Beaufort Castle
Difficulty: Moderate

With 112km of scenic hiking trails in the Mullerthal region – Luxembourg's Little Switzerland, the rambler can choose from three circular routes, all of which have the Leading Quality Trail award. Combine routes two and three to enjoy some of the trails’ highlights. Between Echternach (Luxembourg’s oldest town) and Berdorf, the hiker wanders through the atmospheric Wolves' Canyon. Squeeze through rock crevices and look out for wild boar.

Catch your breath at the village of Mullerthal and enjoy a scrumptious lunch at Brasserie Heringer Millen. Visit the mill with its Best of Wandern Testcentre, where you can hire hiking equipment for free. Continue along the banks of the Black Ernz and into the moss-covered valley of Hallerbach and find ancient man-made carvings. The other-worldly river valley emerges at Beaufort Castle, with its medieval ruins and neighbouring Renaissance castle. Reward yourself with a glass of the castle’s finest liquor - the blackcurrant Cassero.

2. Fairy-tale woodlands on the Escapardenne Trails

Best for: Ethereal forests, dizzying ridge walks and panoramic views
Difficulty: Challenging

Two Leading ‘Best of Europe’ Quality Trails stretch for 158 km across the Ardennes from Luxembourg into Belgium: the Escapardenne Lee and Eislek trails.

The 52 km-long Escapardenne Lee Trail offers some of the best walking in the Éislek region. Around Kautenbach and Hoscheid, the ridge sections feel more Alpine than Ardennes. Expect the unexpected: an isolated woodland church; the Klangwee sound trail of rustic instruments. Refuel with a hearty lunch at the Hôtel des Ardennes in Hoscheid.

The Escapardenne Eislek Trail is a more challenging 106 km of ups-and-downs, offering tranquil river valleys, historic sites and charming settlements. Detour to Clervaux with its UNESCO-listed ‘The Family of Man’ photography collection and enjoy a romantic meal in the turreted castle.

Worried about the weight of a heavy rucksack? There are 'hiking without luggage' packages in Luxembourg for the Escapardenne Trail. 

3. The Dream Loops

Best for: Deep-cut ravines, wildflower meadows and sun-bathed vineyards.
Difficulty: Moderate

What a great name for these circular routes leading through the dreamy landscapes of the Moselle region. Take your pick from three premium hiking trails.

Schengen without Borders

Starting from the European Museum, the eight-kilometre trail heads through Strombierg Nature Reserve. Pause at the observation platform, taking in the sweep of the River Moselle, before crossing into France with the fragrant vineyards of Contz-les-Bains.

Wine and Nature Path Palmberg Ahn

Hike high above the Moselle valley, taking in woodland, limestone cliffs, orchid meadows and a canyon forest of waterfalls on this nine-kilometre walk. A glass or two of the Moselle’s finest wines will help you on your way. 

Manternacher Fiels

From Am Burfeld climb through the nature reserve of Manternacher Fiels to follow a wooded ravine to the Lelliger plateau before stepping down through vineyard terraces to Manternach on this 10-kilometre walk.

4. Castles and cliffs in Naturewanderpark Delux

Best for: Ancient woodlands, bizarre rock formations, wildflower meadows and hill-top castles.
Difficulty: Easy to challenging

Delux in name and deluxe in nature: the Naturwanderpark Delux is a cross-border area of premium walks that extends from the Eifel in Germany to the Éislek region and Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland. It takes in twenty-three superb circular hiking trails that criss-cross four Nature parks.

Choose from four exciting cliff trails (the Felsenweg walks) around Echternach, Weilerbach and Dillingen in Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland. Enjoy three border walks that straddle the River Our in Germany and Luxembourg.

The trails offer glimpses of some of Luxembourg’s finest fortifications and ruins too, including Beaufort and Vianden castles. Explore local museums, mills and settlements along the way and relax with a drink or meal in one of the many excellent cafes and restaurants found on or near the trails.

Here's our pick of our favourite castles in Luxembourg

5. Rail and Trail

Best for: Historic settlements, castles and linear walks with railway connections
Difficulty: Easy to challenging

With free public transport in Luxembourg, why not enjoy one of the 43 linear station-to-station walks and take the train back to your starting point.

The 43 station-to-station routes can be found all across the country. Our favourite nine stretch from Clervaux to Goebelsmuhle, taking in 160km of magnificent trails. From Clervaux head north to Troisvierges with its wartime Remembrance Trails, or south to the historic village of Munshausen. Inspired and invigorated by the beauty of the high plateaus, woodland and river valleys? Continue all the way to Goebelsmuhle.

Alternatively, step out from Wiltz in the west, the upper town huddled around its museum castle, while the lower town clings to the river bank, then wind your way east to the picturesque village of Kautenbach.

 Feeling inspired? 

To find out more about Luxembourg and start planning your perfect trip to the Grand Duchy, head over to the Visit Luxembourg Website. 

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Main image: ORT Éislek/Dan Castiglia