Castles are among Luxembourg’s greatest hits. Estimates vary depending on definitions, but it’s safe to say that this little country is home to somewhere between 50 and 100 châteaux: a mind-blowing concentration of everyone’s favourite ancient buildings. Many look like they’ve stepped out of a fairy tale, and most are accessible by hiking trails.
For this article I have chosen five of my favourite hiking trails around castles in Luxembourg. Vianden’s a classic, of course, but I’ve excluded it here to shine the spotlight on some lesser-known – and equally beautiful – alternatives. The trails are listed roughly in order of length/difficulty.
For more information about any of these hikes just click on the title or the link at the end of each section.
J10 Bourglinster – 4km – Easy
A family-friendly stroll around one of Luxembourg’s prettiest villages. The J10 trail – starting directly at the castle – packs in a lot of sights in a mere 4km, from stunning views over the Château de Bourglinster to open farmland and serene forest. For Netflix fans, the village is also the filming location of the first series of the excellent “Capitani” crime series.
An easy trail, but leave the pushchair (stroller) at home. More info here.
Beaufort Geopfad – 5km – Intermediate
Another family-friendly classic, this trail starts at a playground before diving deep into the stunning “Hallerbach” and “Haupeschbach” valleys. As you go, you’ll discover hands-on interactive information boards (in English) telling you everything you ever wished to know about Mullerthal geology, flora and fauna. And of course, you’ll reach the twin Châteaux de Beaufort – medieval and Renaissance – nestled in their unusual valley-floor location
It’s short, but can get steep, rocky and wet in places. Appropriate footwear required. More info here.
(For a longer – and even better! – hike, try the Beaufort B1 instead; easily one of the top five hiking trails in Luxembourg.)
L2 Larochette and Meysembourg – 9km – Easy / medium
One trail, two castles. An easy and pleasant (though slightly longer) trail through the Mullerthal to discover these two very different châteaux. Larochette is the headline act – a brooding ruined fortress lording it over busy tourist-filled streets – but Meysembourg is arguably more impressive, its neo-gothic turrets bursting from its hiding place deep in the forest. This two-castle combo makes for a rewarding family-friendly tour.
Added bonus? There are plenty of eating / drinking opportunities in Larochette. More info here.
TA4 Brandenbourg – 9km – Intermediate
It’s impossible to choose our favourite hike from these five, but it’s easy to pick our favourite castle. Forget Vianden: the Château de Brandenbourg is by far the most fun stronghold to visit in Luxembourg.
Brandenbourg is something straight out of childhood fairy tales: a romantic, crumbling ruin of a fortress which which you’re free to explore however you like, with barely a barrier in sight. The TA4 trail takes you right up to the gates, through wild forest scenery and, later, up to one of the very best viewpoints in Luxembourg. Brilliant. Don’t miss it!
Long and occasionally steep climbs; good level of fitness required. More info here.
BS4 Bourscheid – 10km – Challenging
An epic hike through scenery so spectacular you’ll pinch yourself; a fabulous way of discovering Luxembourg’s largest castle.
The Château de Bourscheid looms large throughout this trail, often visible but always just out of reach until almost the very end. Perhaps surprisingly, though, it is the incredible Gringlay viewpoint that truly steals the show, spectacularly perched 200m above a textbook horseshoe bend in the Sauer river.
Getting up there isn’t easy though! Be prepared for almost 500m of altitude difference and some tired muscles the next day. But absolutely worth it.
We prefer to begin this hike at Michelau Gare to profit from the excellent parking and public transport links, but you can do a (slightly) shorter version by beginning at Bourscheid Moulin. Either way, this one is superb! Mid-hike refreshments available at the hotel / restaurant at Bourscheid Moulin. More info here.
What’s your favourite castle hike in Luxembourg? Any hidden gems I should include in a future article? Let us know in the comments – and happy hiking!
All text and photos (c) 2025 Jonathan Orr
Luxembourg Outdoors 