BS4 Château de Bourscheid

Hilly 10km loop trail to the gates of the famous castle.
Includes a visit to the incredible “Gringlee” viewpoint.
Adapted version of the original BS4 trail, starting at Michelau Gare.
Ample parking available; direct trains hourly from Luxembourg.

Let’s be honest: the official BS4 trail around Bourscheid Castle isn’t exactly geared towards hikers arriving by train or bus. Or even by car.

It starts at “Bourscheid Moulin” – a scenic spot, to be sure, but one with limited (public) parking and infrequent bus connections via Ettelbruck. More puzzlingly, the route initially hides the very thing most people have come to see: that famous, dramatic, ridge-top castle.

That’s why we’ve made a subtle adjustment to the route. Beginning at nearby Michelau railway station (with direct trains from Luxembourg City and ample parking), we believe that our adapted version turns this trail into a proper approach, one that builds towards the castle, rather than away from it.

The result? A slightly longer but far more satisfying adventure. Here’s our version of the BS4 trail – tweaked and tested for the best possible Château de Bourscheid hiking experience.

Fair warning, though: the Luxembourg Outdoors version of this route doesn’t ease you in gently. From Michelau’s charming village streets, the path climbs steeply – first through the streets, then across open fields with the castle looming in the distance, and finally into thick woodland where the gradient only gets fiercer.

It’s a 200 metre+ ascent in two kilometres, a decent test of the legs and lungs. But there is an enticing reward waiting for you at the end of it: quite possibly the best viewpoint in all of Luxembourg – the Gringlee (or “Gringlay“).

From this lofty natural throne, the Sûre carves a dramatic horseshoe through the valley below. Directly opposite, Bourscheid Castle rises proudly from its ridge, commanding the landscape. It’s a sweeping, cinematic view, easily among Luxembourg’s finest.

There is a picnic table at the viewpoint – just one! – which is surely among the very best places in Luxembourg to dine in natural splendour. On the right kind of day, paragliders drift silently across the sky between you and the ever-present silhouette of the castle. Honestly, it’s hard to imagine a finer lunch spot.

And if you thought that the way up was steep, wait until you see the way down!

Assuming that your knees withstand the assault, you’ll arrive in Bourscheid Moulin – the original starting point, remember? – with a flat and pleasant section to relax and enjoy for the next couple of kilometres. You’ll make your way through a campsite and along a wild path first skirting the Sûre river, then the railway line. Then it’s time to start climbing again, upwards and onwards towards the magnificent castle that has been on your visual radar all day.

Although the castle is mostly hidden from view in this section of the trail, you do get glimpses of it every now and again – tantalising, teasing reminders that you are getting closer and closer to your goal. Nevertheless, your arrival at its solid front gate still comes as something as a surprise, a welcome relief after over 400 metres of altitude gain in less than 8km of hiking.

It’s worth pausing here for a while to admire the mighty stone walls, the thick-set turrets, and the commanding presence of this fortress perched high above the Sûre valley. Not just because the Château de Bourscheid is genuinely impressive (it is!), but because this, frankly, is the last major highlight of the hike.

From here, the trail follows the CR308 for a short while, offering up one final viewpoint (admittedly one that pales into insignificance compared to the Gringlee), before heading back into the forest. The return into Michelau ends with a short stretch along the N27, although a footpath the whole way makes this as comfortable as possible. It’s not the most scenic finish, but it hardly matters. By now, the best of the hike is behind you… and it’s been a good one.