Hike or bike in three awe-inspiring nature parks
Looking to wander in the wilderness? Here are three unmissable nature parks in Luxembourg.
Visitors to Luxembourg’s Natur- & Geopark Mëllerdall are first struck by its curious rock formations. According to legend, they formed when castles and ogres were magically turned to stone. In reality, it was water that carved these geological masterpieces by trickling through crevices in the sandstone.
Today, 11 communes work to protect the nature of and develop economic activities in a region that locals refer to as Little Switzerland. Choose from scores of circular walks and mountain biking trails for all levels. Experienced hikers can try the Mullerthal Trail, a three-day, 112-kilometer hike through forests, meadows and rock formations. While you’re in the area, don’t miss the many picturesque castles, such as Larochette and Beaufort!
The Upper Sûre or Öewersauer Nature Park is a big hit with water lovers. Located in the Luxembourg Éislek, bordering Belgium in the north of the country, it centers around Upper Sûre Lake, which was created by damming the Sûre River in 1961. Today the lake is a popular spot for water sports and hiking.
Because parking is limited in the summer, visitors are encouraged to explore the different beaches and hiking spots using the free shuttle bus. To appreciate the lake from above, hike to the Burfelt Belvedere, a panoramic platform offering a sweeping view of the lake and its lush greenery. Don’t forget to check out the nearby castle in Esch-sur-Sûre.
The Our Nature Reserve spans Luxembourg in the north and touches both the German and Belgian borders. Within its 420 square kilometers, the land plunges into narrow valleys carved out by the Our and Clerve rivers and rises onto remote plateaus. Hikers are spoiled for choice – we recommend any of the five Nat’Our Routen circular hikes, such as route 5, which offers great views of Vianden Castle. The reserve boasts two cycle routes and six mountain bike trails with varying degrees of difficulty. Not feeling fit? Why not tour the villages by e-bike on the church to village e-bike tours?
Protect our parks
Nature is one of Luxembourg’s greatest assets. To ensure that everyone can enjoy it, we urge hikers to keep to paths and bikers to remain on hard surfaces. Luxembourg is a pooch paradise, but remember that dogs should be kept on a leash and their mess disposed of correctly. Wild camping is not permitted in the nature parks; however, you will find plenty of peaceful campsites to choose from. Want to toast marshmallows around a fire? Then head to one of the designated barbecue sites dotted around the country. Luxembourg owes its lush vegetation to regular rain showers and it can also experience hot and cold extremes, so remember to check the weather before setting out and wear the right gear. With its exposed plateaus and deep valleys, you will likely break a sweat in these parks. Please check that your fitness level corresponds to the degree of difficulty of the routes planned.
