When you think of monumental hikes in Europe, Luxembourg probably doesn’t come up on your check-list of destinations, but let me reassure you that hiking in Luxembourg is epic.
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You know it’s going to be a good day of hiking when your trail includes a visit to Luxembourg’s most famous castle and a jaunt into Germany. I love my two peak hiking days, but a two-country hiking day? This would be a first.
Hiking In Luxembourg
I had started my hiking trip thinking that Luxembourg would only offer easy hiking. I was wrong. While there are plenty of easy hikes, there are also more challenging multi-day hikes. And all of that up and down adds up. On some trails, you gain collectively almost 1000m of elevation gain and 30km of distance – in one day!
I enjoyed my hike in the Luxembourg Ardennes. It’s very different from hiking in the Alps – my usual terrain. But it offers its own rewards: i.e.: castles, medieval villages, and views of the idyllic countryside.
Natur Wander Park Delux Luxembourg
It’s very peaceful, but you can easily work up a sweat should you choose to. The 23 different trails in the NaturWanderPark Delux ensures there is something for everybody’s ability. That’s over400km of hiking trails. The Luxembourg Ardennes is not just of interest to hikers either. There are also plenty of mountain bike trails. There was a mountain bike enthusiast in my group who was itching to come back and try out some of the trails.
The NaturWander park Delux is a joint initiative between Luxembourg and Germany that offers borderless hiking. The trails weave back and forth between the two countries so instead of a two-peak day, you can have a two-country hiking day! Coming from Canada, this is all rather impressive!
The “delux” part of the name doesn’t come from anything to do with luxury or elegant features but because the trails take you into both Luxembourg and Germany. In German, Germany is Deutschland, hence the “de” part of the name
The Start Of My Hike In Luxembourg
My hike starts in the medieval village of Vianden. I will be hiking the Nat-Our Route 5 Vianden-Falkenstein trail for a total of 12 km and 684 meters of elevation gain. The elevation is not gained all at once as is typical of hikes in the Alps, but over the course of the hike as the route goes up and down the rolling hills.
This 12km trail comprised of tree-covered rolling hills involves lots of ups and downs but views over the Our (pronounced Ur) river valley along the way. The Ardennes are devoid of the sandstone cliffs found in the southern part of Luxembourg, but offer their own unique gems along the way.
The first part of the trail leads up a steep hill to Vianden Castle, Luxembourg’s most famous castle. I didn’t stop but returned to it later. The castle with roots back to the 10th century is also one of Europe’s largest west of the Rhine. It’s definitely worth checking out.
The Hike Gets Even Better
I continued on along a ridge with views overlooking Vianden Castle:
Then it was a gradual descent into the forested slopes and back up again where my reward was a view over the Our (pronounced Or) River:
I crossed a bridge and found myself in Germany, indicated only by a small emblem:
While I love the idea of a two-country hike, to be honest, this part of the hike, looked more or less identical to the part in Luxembourg. Still, a two-country hike sounds rather impressive, especially to this Canadian.
Without a doubt, my favorite part of the hike was walking along the ridge of Löctgesberg. This part of the hike is at the edge of the forest and you are offered views of the Our River snaking along in the valley:
I ended in Vianden where the hike had started. Viaden is a village that was known for its’ craftsmen in medieval times. The village first referenced as far back as 698 is worth exploring in its own right. Or at least grab a drink at one of the several cafes/restaurants that line the Our River.
Other Trails That I Hiked
I spent two days hiking parts of the Felsenweg 1 and Felsenweg 2 ( Rock Way), in the southern part of Luxembourg. Several hundred years ago the Dutch referred to it as the Little Switzerland of Luxembourg and the name has stuck ever since.
This part of Luxembourg is known for its craggy sandstone cliffs and out of this world rock formations. Moss covered rocks and hovering trees give it a magical appearance that reminds me of a Lord of the Rings movie set.
And just like in the movie, on the Felsenweg you never know what could jump out right in front of you. The sandstone cliffs house many caves that were used by the Romans for shelter and as hideouts during WWII. There are four Felsenwegs each between 20 -30km in length. Parts of the Felsenwegs combine to make the Mullerthal Trail, a 110km trail through sandstone cliffs, forests, farmland, and valleys.
In addition, the Luxembourg Ardennes also offers numerous thematic trails. There is the Remembrance Path which traces the different places of confrontation during the Battle of the Bulge or Geological Paths, which point out places of nature and geological interest.
There’s even a Cultural Trail in the town of Wiltz!
Know Before You Go Hiking in Luxembourg
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- There are 23 different trails available that vary so find one that suits your abilities.
- You can find further information about the trails at the Natur Wander Park Delux website
- When visiting the Vianden castle I tested an audio guide that had just been released and really enjoyed it. I would recommend purchasing one as it will make your visit to the castle more meaningful.
- I stayed/ate at Hotel-Restaurant Dimmer, in Wallendorf-Pont which is a great base when hiking in Luxembourg. The dinners were especially delicious!
- See the Luxembourg Ardennes for further info.
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The Luxembourg Ardennes would not be the first place I would think of when it comes to hiking, but I was pleasantly surprised by the number of trails, the thematic trails and the condition of the trails. It’s definitely worth exploring.
Thank you to the Luxembourg National Tourist Board for making my visit possible. As always, all opinions expressed are my own.
