Weekend in Luxembourg: Hiking and Castle Sightseeing

Every year, my girlfriend Lotte and I try to get away together for a few days. After Berlin and Brussels, Luxembourg was up next on the agenda. Why? Close by, no airport crowds, and just plain curiosity. After a three-hour drive through rolling landscapes, we arrive in Echternach, also known as little Switzerland.

DAY 1: Hiking in the Mullerthal

This oldest city in Luxembourg is the starting point of our hike through the Mullerthal. The Mullerthal trail is a 112-kilometer-long hiking route through fairytale-like green forests, unique rock formations, and impressive waterfalls. We choose hiking route E1, which is fourteen kilometers long and labeled with the highest difficulty level.
 
After a panini at a local bakery in the center of Echternach, we start at the basilica following the brown signposts. The sun has broken through, and the temperature is starting to rise, just like the trail. We hike steeply uphill to the viewpoint Trooskneppchen. After a short break, we continue the route. "Wow, how beautiful," I hear other hikers say. After we turn the corner ourselves, I also let out a "wow." We're standing face to face with the rock formation Wollefsschlucht. In hindsight, this was the most beautiful rock formation of the route. This mighty gorge reminds me of a tropical rainforest and is deserving of multiple photos.

 
After descending dozens of steps, we feel can feel that our legs will have sore muscles the next day. But it's more than worth it. We walk across bridges over babbling streams and make our way through all the rocks we encounter. In the labyrinth, the passages become so narrow that we walk through them sideways. At Perekop, we realize that we are only halfway there. Due to the difference in altitude, it feels like we've been hiking for longer. But we push on, towards the second half. Although this half is flatter and therefore easier, it's also duller. Satisfied, we return to the parking lot and get in the car to drive to Luxembourg City. We've earned a hamburger on a terrace.

DAY 2: Strolling through Luxembourg City

A new day in Luxembourg. Although we both wake up with sore muscles and it's drizzling outside, we're excited to dive into the city with our LuxembourgCard. For just €13 per person, we can visit all sorts of museums. And that's just perfect when it's raining. The National Museum of History and Art is our first destination. On the way there, we catch a glimpse of the pastel-colored houses. It immediately becomes clear that the city is built against, on, and around the mountains. Because of these differences in altitude, the tourist attractions seem a bit apart from each other. But thanks to the hike from the previous day, we're used to it, and this is a piece of cake. In the museum, various taxidermied animals welcome us: from ostriches to lions, and even snakes. The downside of the museum is that all the information is available in German and French, but not in English.

 
Since it's Sunday, it's challenging to find a spot for lunch. We settle down at Kitchenleb, a Lebanese restaurant where we let the chef surprise us. Newly energized, we walk to the other side of the city, where the Mudam is located. This art museum is a work of art in itself from the outside alone. Not to mention the pieces inside the museum.

DAY 3: Castle tour

Before returning to the Netherlands, we stop at two castles. Once again, we make use of the LuxembourgCard. We arrive at Beaufort Castle, where we are the only visitors taking a stroll through the remains of the castle. This castle was built at the beginning of the eleventh century and is recognizable by two architectural styles: Romanesque and Gothic. We descend to the torture chamber and take a look at the dungeon.

 
The second castle we visit is in Vianden. This picturesque town is located in the north of Luxembourg. The castle is a real eye-catcher, towering over the rest of the town. A fun fact is that the castle and town were owned by the House of Nassau from 1417 to 1820. Compared to Beaufort Castle, this castle is still in excellent condition. You can see what the castle kitchen looked like in the past, as well as the bedroom and the armory. After this visit, we return home. Will I go to Luxembourg again? Definitely, for another part of the Mullerthal Trail.

Interested in more Luxembourg adventures? Take a look at our collection page and allow yourself to be inspired!