Summer is well and truly here, and hiking under the blazing sun can be a challenge. But not to worry: there are plenty of trails around Luxembourg that stay almost entirely in the shade. Here are five of our favourites.
(For more info on any of these trails, simply click on the “More info” or the trail title.)
1) Guttland Trail Siwe Brécke Wee
5.1km – Easy (but not suitable for pushchairs) – Near Grosbous
A little gem, the very first “Guttland Trail” stays entirely within the Reimberg forest. It’s perfect for a summer Sunday stroll with the family, with forest bridges, peaceful glades, and a memorial garden tucked among the trees. No need for factor 50 on this one.
2) Guttland Trail Fautelfiels
5.4km – Easy / medium – Near Blaschette
The newest Guttland Trail packs a surprising punch for such a short hike. Beginning near the Neolithic house in Blaschette (just 20 minutes by car from Luxembourg City), this idyllic loop takes in a mysterious chapel, a viewpoint over the Alzette valley, a series of caves, and a tranquil forest pond. The Gréngewald keeps you shaded almost the entire way. Recommended!
3) Beaufort B1
10km – Intermediate – Beaufort
Fancy something more challenging, and arguably even more beautiful? The B1 trail in Beaufort is a Mullerthal classic: dramatic rock formations, quiet woodland paths, the heart-stopping beauty of the Hallerbach river, and sublime views over the Sauer and Black Ernz valleys. From the moment you step past Beaufort’s famous medieval castle, you’ll be under the forest canopy almost the whole way.
Without any doubt, one of our favourite hikes in Luxembourg!
4) Grüne Holle
7km – Intermediate – Bollendorf (DE)
OK, so this one is technically in Germany, but only just. It’s a mere stone’s throw from the Luxembourg border (between Beaufort and Echternach) and is essentially a continuation of the Mullerthal. And, believe me, this one is worth the short hop across the Sauer!
Nominated for “Germany’s Most Beautiful Hiking Trail 2024”, this 7km loop is a hit parade of classic Mullerthal scenery, with crazy rock formations, shadowy crevices, gorges and viewpoints coming thick and fast along the trail.
A unique feature of this trail is the availability of an audio guide to help you gain insight into the fascinating geology, history and folk stories of the region. It is brilliantly made (alas, only in FR, DE and NL) and you can easily spend a lazy summer afternoon soaking it all in under the shady protection of ancient rocks and towering beeches.
5) Guttland Trail Mamerleeën
9km – Intermediate – Near Mersch
The deep, dark forests of Luxembourg’s Guttland region are an excellent place to dive into on hot summer days, so let’s round off this article with another (and arguably the best!) Guttland Trail. It’s not only the trees that will give you relief from the summer heat on this hike, but also the natural air-conditioning of the Mamerleeën caves and the supremely beautiful “Hunnebur” springs. Only a short section at the beginning and end are in the sunshine, otherwise you’ll be forest bathing for the entire tour.
Any refreshingly shady hikes that we have missed? Please do let us know in the comments and I may include them in an updated version of this post. Thanks!
(c) 2025 Jonathan Orr
Luxembourg Outdoors 