Given the peace and prosperity of Luxembourg today, it can be easy to forget that this little country was scene to some fierce fighting and dramatic events during the Second World War. These five trails offer – first and foremost – fabulous hiking experiences, but they are also places where the memory and spirit of WWII quietly live on.
Schumannseck Memorial Trail – 3km – Easy
Without any doubt the most striking WWII memorial site in Luxembourg, this brilliantly constructed trail near Wiltz takes you on a journey through a Battle of the Bulge battlefield, now an eerily beautiful forest. Here, life-sized photographs of the soldiers create a ghostly reminder of the thin line between past and present, wartime and peacetime. It’s only 3km long and can be easily managed by the whole family.
More details here.
Promenade du Souvenir – 12km or 17km – Intermediate
Another Battle of the Bulge battlefield, but this trail near Reisdorf stretches over a much wider area and both sides of the Luxembourg / German border. Whilst Schumannseck is slick and well-maintained, this trail is much more subtle: bullet holes here, a bunker there, a memorial just around the corner. Take your time (and a map – the signage is inconsistent): this trail is a slowly satisfying and poignant way of walking in the footsteps of history.
More details here.
Eislék Pad Boulaide – 13km – Challenging
There’s WWII heritage all over this wonderful trail in the Eislék. Right at the start, a high-tech multimedia exhibition takes you on a journey through eras of change in the Eislék region, with a strong focus on both World Wars. Later, the highlight of the trail is a visit to the magnificent Houfels (“High Rock”) where the views over the rolling valleys and the Sûre river will wow you almost as much as the WWII artillery on display. A challenging trail, and one for history buffs and hiking fans alike.
More details here.
Bunker Trail Schlindermanderscheid – 13km – Challenging
So, it turns out that there is only one bunker on this “Bunker Trail” – but it’s a good one!
Tucked away deep in the Eislék, the Fridbësch bunker is a great example of the flame of WWII being kept alive. At least seventeen young men took shelter here, with their supplies brought to them by law-defying locals from Fridbësch at enormous personal risk. Unlike several other bunkers in Luxembourg, this isn’t the original structure, but a lovingly restored and maintained replica, recreated some 20 years ago. The serenity of the surroundings and simplicity of this shared living space is a powerful combination: you can almost hear the frightened whispers of its occupants of eighty years ago and feel their courage through oppression in the crisp, clear air. In short, it is well worth the challenge that 13km in the high Eislék brings.
More details here.
B7 Beaufort – 11km – Intermediate
Whilst not primarily a Second World War-themed hike, this peaceful loop near Beaufort takes you to a secret little piece of WWII history: a lovingly-maintained chapel near a natural cave that served as a bunker for local Luxembourgish resistance fighters. There are plenty of information boards, too, explaining the site’s history (alas, only in Luxembourgish…). It’s a wonderfully off the beaten track find (literally no other hiking trails in Luxembourg visit this site) and the trail also includes the better-known sights of Beaufort Castles and the utterly beautiful Haupeschbaach and Hallerbaach valleys. One for a lazy Sunday in the woods with the family.
More details here.
From aircraft wreckages to sombre war cemeteries, tanks to museums, there are literally dozens of other WWII memorial sites to explore in Luxembourg. Leave your favourite in the comments so I can discover them and include in a sequel article in the future.
Luxembourg Outdoors 