Five hikes, four different countries.
Living in Luxembourg, it’s easy to forget just how unusual it is to step from one nation to the next, sometimes without even realising. These five loop trails all start on home ground but soon wander into a neighbour’s backyard.
Hiking boots essential. Passport unnecessary.
(For more info of any of these trails simply click on the title, the photo or the link at the end.)
Nat’Our Route 4 Vianden- 13km – Challenging – LU/DE
I could fill this entire article with fabulous hikes along the Luxembourg / German border, but this rocky beauty is arguably the best of them all! Brace yourself for a trail of epic climbs, grand vistas, heart-stopping moments and spectacular castles including, of course, the Château de Vianden.
One of the top ten trails in Luxembourg, no question, and a worthy way to kick off this list. More info here.
Traumschleife Schengen – 9km – Intermediate – LU/FR
I’m a huge fan of Luxembourg’s three “Traumschleife” trails. This thoughtfully-planned tour begins in Schengen with a steep climb through the Stromberg Nature Reserve. Once over the ridge and into France, it turns into a gentle amble through shrub forest and vineyards, with wide Moselle valley views. More info here.
(For a longer version of this tour – adding in Germany as well! – check out the “Moselle 3” trail).
Auto-Pédestre Steinfort – 10km – Easy / Medium – LU/BE
This loop explores the old iron-ore smelting district straddling the Eisch River. You head downstream on the Luxembourg side and return via Belgium, passing atmospheric ruins and “lost places” along the way. Visit in early spring for snow-flecked carpets of wood anemones stretching through the forest as far as the eye can see. More info here.
Nat’Our Route 1 – 13km – Easy / Medium – LU/BE/DE
Three countries, one river… but this is very much a trail of two halves. The Luxembourg side of the trail is wilder and prettier as it hugs the River Our, whereas the German side is a simpler, soul-soothing hike through peaceful woods. The apex of the trail comes at the Europa Denkmal monument celebrating peace between Belgium, Germany and Luxembourg. Worth the journey up to the north-east corner! More info here.
Auto-Pedestre Hoffelt – 9km – Easy / Medium – LU/BE
I’m cheating ever-so-slightly here, because this hiking trail in Luxembourg’s north west doesn’t actually cross the Belgian / Luxembourg border… but it is directly on it. For approximately 2km, you will have your left foot in Belgium and your right in Luxembourg, which is a pretty cool thing to do. And it’s a fascinating hike, too, taking you along the ruins of the ambitious-but-abandoned Meuse-Moselle canal and up to the mysterious Helzer Klaus chapel. More info here (very old article; please excuse variation from style).
Oddly, the Minett region doesn’t feature here. The Minett Trail does dip briefly into France at Lasauvage, but so fleetingly you’d hardly notice. If you know of better cross-border options in the south, I’d love to hear them in the comments.
Enjoy!
All photos and text (c) Jonathan Orr
Luxembourg Outdoors 