Europe's Dark Horse - Luxembourg: Majestic, Cosmopolitan & Loyal
Updated: Sep 4
Overview
The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is a small landlocked country in Western Europe. It borders Belgium to the west and north, Germany to the east, and France to the south.
Luxembourg was inhabited by Celts during the Iron Age, from approximately 600 BC until 100 AD. It was occupied by the Gaulish tribe of the Treveri who constructed fortified settlements near the Moselle Valley, in what today comprises southern Luxembourg, western Germany and eastern France.
After this period, the country underwent a tumultuous period. It was conquered by a number of countries, namely the Netherlands, France and Germany. It later emerged as the powerful House of Luxembourg, but came under Burgundian rule soon after, for a brief period. It was then occupied by the Habsburgs in 1477.
Another eventful period of occupation followed until 1945, when the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg came into its own. It became a founding member of the United Nations and its neutral status under the constitution ended in 1948. In 1949, it became a founding member of NATO and in the 1950’s became one of the founding members of the then European Communities (European Union today).
Together with Brussels (Belgium), and Strasbourg (France), the duchy is part of the three official seats of the European institutions. In Luxembourg, most of the EU institutions are located in the business district known as the Kirchberg Plateau (also known as the European Quarter). What a feat for a country who suffered so many misfortunes!
However, like they say, dynamite comes in small packages, and Luxembourg is evidence to that. Its small size didn’t deter it from becoming internationally known as a banking and knowledge hub, as well as being a major member in the European Union as we know it today.
Luxembourg offers the visitor a unique history and culture influenced by its ancient Celtic roots, Roman history and occupations by different dynasties and countries.
The vibrant main city (Luxembourg City) alone will introduce you to a dynamic and multicultural environment that will astound you.
You’ll be surprised to hear a variety of languages being spoken by the people you come across in the city, including those from neighboring countries whose citizens cross the border daily to get to work in Luxembourg.
Consider this: 46% of inhabitants are non-Luxembourgish – what are your chances of an encounter with someone from your own country when you visit?
This marvelous “dark horse” of Europe has everything packed into one small, but powerful “fist” … majestic, cosmopolitan and loyal.
Luxembourg dares you to “jump all in” to experience its diversity; unless you’re waiting for Godot. And we all know what happened with that scenario, don’t we?
The Duchy of Luxembourg is made up of 5 regions, namely, Mullerthal in the north-east, Éislek in the north, the Moselle Valley in the east, Minett in the south and the Guttland in the south and central parts. Luxembourg City, the duchy’s capital is located in the Guttland region. The Guttland is characterized by lush countryside, the Valley of the Seven Castles and is also home to the country’s main city, Luxembourg City.
In this issue we start our journey in the region of Éislek, where you will learn more about the horrors of war.
Éislek
Éislek lies in the north of Luxembourg’s Ardennes and is characterized by steep valleys, impressive plateaus and lush forests.
Amid the captivating, rugged, natural beauty of the terrain are rustic, ancient villages and stunning towns with a wealth of historical finds dating back to the Roman period.
On hilltops overlooking these villages and towns are iconic castles dating back to the Medieval period.
The world-class hiking trails of the Escarpardennes Éislek and Lee leads to the country’s most storied places and a horrendous past punctuated by the fierce “Battle of the Ardennes” which took place here.
Wiltz
When you visit the town of Wiltz located in the Éislek region, you will go on a journey that will take you back to the scene of the “ Battle of the Bulge”, another episode in the terrible war of WWII that affected so many countries, and still haunts those countries today.
The town serves as a reminder of the devastation of war and what those involved in such an event suffer through. No destination on earth can bring this reality home like the towns of Wiltz, Ettelbruck and the Haute-Sûre lake in Luxembourg.
The Remembrance Trail at Schumannseck
Take a walk in the footsteps of those who experienced the horrors of war first-hand when you visit this area. You will be greeted by a route enriched with human-sized silhouette figures that were taken from photographs dating to the “Battle of the Ardennes”, which will send cold shivers down your spine.
The trail introduces you to the period when Germany encircled the area at a time when everybody believed the war was over. Not in Luxembourg, it wasn’t.
Schumannseck became the scene of brutal fighting as General Patton’s 3rd American Army attacked the German forces who took everybody by surprise and encircled certain areas in this region.
You will experience what happened during your walk up to the time when the town of Wiltz was finally liberated by the American soldiers.
Today the town is surrounded by poignant reminders paying tribute to the bravery of the people and soldiers embroiled in some of WWII’s cruelest and fiercest battles.
Your visit to this historic town will remain etched in your memory forever as you immerse yourself in the detailed events throughout your walk. It will bring you up and close to the realization that it takes just one person’s evil ambition to prove a country’s superiority over a peaceful nation; and how that ambition can escalate into a world war that can affect millions of innocent lives.
Totally amazing, is that both world wars (WWI and WWII) were started by just one person, isn’t it? Food for thought!
Wiltz Castle (Chateau de Wiltz)
Your next stop should be at the graceful castle of Wiltz, where you can experience various stages of the town’s cultural and historic heritage.
The castle of Wiltz was erected in the 13th century by the Lords of Wiltz, which led to the development of the upper town of Wiltz.
The castle was attacked several times, causing much damage to the original castle. The castle was reconstructed and completed by 1720 in the current Renaissance style but parts of it, like the chapel and the castle gardens were completed in 1722 and 1727 respectively. The round Witches Tower to the east of the palace gardens is the oldest part of the castle.
The castle was acquired by the State of Luxembourg in 1951 and since 1953 it became the venue of an international music festival.
Located at the castle are three interesting museums, namely, the Museum of the Battle of the Ardennes, the National Museum of Brewing Art and the Tannery Museum. Also located at the castle is an educational micro-brewery and the Jhang Primus Coffee Café.
The museums are open from 1 July to 31 August, Monday to Sunday, and visiting hours are from 09:00 to 18:00.
It is recommended that you travel in a group so that you can combine your visit to all areas of the castle in one go.
Battle of the Ardennes Museum
In the Battle of the Ardennes Museum you will again “re-live” the events of the horrific battle (if you participated in the guided tour of the Remembrance trail at Schumannseck).
The museum consists of three floors representing the legendary battle and highlights the fact that the “Battle of the Ardennes” was the last German offensive campaign of WWII, when they caught the Allies off-guard with a surprise attack in the region.
The terrifying events include moving testimonies of soldiers and civilians in Wiltz and its neighboring villages during this time.
On the ground floor, you will see a representation of the daily life of the American soldiers and the people of the area.
On the first floor, these events are represented:
* The “American St. Nicolas” – on Thanksgiving the American soldiers of the 28th Division who were not supposed to actively fight in the war, decided to give the children a treat. A soldier dressed up as “St. Nicholas” and two little girls depicting “ St. Nicholas’ angel’s” accompanied him on a parade through the town.
You must remember that the kids in the area couldn’t celebrate St. Nicholas day for five years during the war, so this was a very special event to them and an extremely thoughtful activity organized by the 28th Division’s soldiers.
The sad part was that the event could only be attended by the women and children, with the 28th division present in case of a battle eventuality.
Needless to say, the children must have been overcome by joy as they watched the procession and were rewarded with treats by the GI’s and hot chocolate made from the soldiers’ melted chocolate bars.
* The Musicians of the 28th Division – what is most striking about this band is that they weren’t supposed to fight at all during a war. But they were forced to defend the town of Wiltz as the fighting men of the 28th Division traveled north to set up a defensive against the Germans.
The band, made up of about 60 members had to lay down their musical instruments and bear rifles to defend the town, during which three of them died. The rest were either severely wounded or taken as prisoners of war by the Germans. At the conclusion of the war, only about twenty of them had survived.
* The depiction of the promise of the priest-dean of Niederwiltz and the citizens - this scene is meant to evoke the pain and misery of the inhabitants due to the loss of human life and material, inevitable in the quest for freedom in any war.
On the second floor, the "Battle of the Bulge" - the deadly and bloodiest battle of the war at Schumann is represented with photos, uniforms, documents, other war memorabilia and on-screen videos that will lead you through the events to give you better insight into the “Battle of the Ardennes”.
National Brewing Museum
The town of Wiltz has a rich brewing culture and history dating back to the 17th century when the castle had a brewery. From the 17th century, five private breweries were established in the town, of which two continued to operate until 1969, when the Gruber Brewery ceased operations.
A private brewery, the Simon Brewery was founded in 1824 by a tanner from the town which still exists today.
The museum was established in 1999 and is located in the former stables of the castle. The museum exhibits the 6,000-year history of beer production and the art of brewing in Luxembourg. The most important steps in the beer-production process is presented on the ground floor.
The Micro-Brewery
This part of the Brewery Museum was established in 2000 in conjunction with the Simon Brewery. The main purpose of the micro-brewery is educational and will give you an overview of the different production cycles in the brewing process.
What’s exciting is that you can attend a seminar to learn the art of brewing, as well as get an opportunity to display your innovative side by brewing your own tipple.
At the end of the seminar, you can sit back, relax, beer in hand in the cheerful surroundings of the Jhang Primus Coffee Café. The café’s interior is elegant, and is decorated with objects from various regional cafés that have closed down.
The Tannery Museum (Musée de la Tannerie)
The town’s leatherworks history dates back to 1644 which developed into 28 tanneries by 1887. The museum, also located at the castle, showcases the importance of the tanning industry of the town. It also focuses on the most important leather factory in Western Europe which closed its doors in 1961.
You can contact the Wiltz Castle by email at: visit@wiltz.lu.
Don’t forget to book a combined guided tour for a group so you can explore each of the above-mentioned places at the same time, as well as immerse yourself in the art of making your own unique tipple!
Wrapping Up
It’s recommended that you spend at least one day in Wilts, especially if you’re interested in walking the remembrance trail. At a comfortable walking pace, the 1.2 km trail should take you around one hour, and the 2.8 km trail about 2 hours.
For more info visit this website: https://www.visitwiltz.lu/en/
The website also provide lots of other useful information for accommodation, eateries, other useful info, as well as offer various guided tour packages.
For accommodation and dining options near Castle Wiltz, there are three options, all within 5 to 10 minutes from the castle:
For more information, visit the following websites:
Accommodation: * Aux Tanneries de Wiltz: https://auxtanneriesdewiltz.com/en/
* Hotel-Restaurant Beim Schlass: https://www.beimschlass.lu/en/home/
* Camping Kaul Wiltz: https://www.kaul.lu/en
Mullerthal
The region’s dense forests are characterized by streams, sandstone formations, rocky ravines, caves and gorges, as well as a plethora of plant species. The Mëllerdall Nature and Geopark is a UNESCO Global Geopark which is evidence of the region’s well-preserved natural heritage. There are plenty of award-winning and breath-taking hiking trails if you want to explore the stunning area on foot.
The Mullerthal region is well-known among cyclists across the world as they offer a variety of great cycling packages for all enthusiasts - whether you are a novice of a professional cyclist. Check out the list at the end of the article and contact them if you want to participate in any of the tours.
The region is known as the historical and cultural center of Luxembourg and is the perfect starting-point for you to explore the duchy’s ancient Roman history, as well as learn about one of the world’s most unique festivals that are only celebrated in this one region of Luxembourg. The festival is so unusual it was actually awarded with UNESCO World Cultural Heritage status in 2010. Now how about that!
And for those who just want to enjoy a leisurely vacation amid stunning surroundings, Mullerthal is the perfect choice to explore at your own pace.
Echternach
Echternach is the ideal village to explore leisurely. The town is the economic centre of Mullerthal, has the label of being the oldest town and is known as the cultural and historic center of the region.
This is another town where it is recommended that you stay overnight, so you can discover the numerous archaeological treasures that are well-documented in the town’s 5 museums.
As you explore, you will find the remains of a Roman villa, discover the Basilica and come across the town wall with 8 towers, the Iconic Baroque Benedictine abbey with its museum, the market square with a Gothic-style town hall and the municipal park with Rococo pavilion.
The town was founded by the Irish monk Willibrord in 698, and is well-known for a festival that is unique, in that it’s the only town in Luxembourg where it is celebrated. And for good reason too, as you’ll learn when you visit the town.
St. Willibrord’s Basilica
The visitor center introduces you to a survey of the construction history of the Basilica and the famous mystical Dancing Procession. There is a memorial tablet that records the Procession’s listing on UNESCO’s Immaterial World Heritage on 16 November 2010. Of note is a large painting of the procession that was created for the Paris International Exhibition of 1937 by Lucien Simon.
The Documentation Center displays paintings, texts, maps, photos and films about the history and organization of the unique Hopping Procession (Dancing Procession).
You will learn everything there is to know about the impressive legacy of St. Willibrord and the church. The Basilica’s heritage takes you on a mesmerizing journey of discovering who the monk was, from his birth up to his death. It also recounts the history of the church for several decades. The eventful history of the Basilica’s Devotional objects are showcased together with a statue and a relic representing St. Willibrord. You can also view remnants of funerary monuments from the abbey dating from the 11th to the 18th century on your walk through the basilica.
The Abbey Museum
The museum exposes you to the magnificent and elaborately decorated manuscripts produced by the Echternach Abbey monks. The museum is housed in the vaulted cellars of the abbey palace, which was erected in 1727.
The museum display feature facsimiles of manuscripts and gives you further insight into the life and work of St. Willibrord. The crypt of the abbey containing the remains of St. Willibrord is bewitching and will stay forever etched in your memory.
It also features scenes of the Hopping Procession so that you can learn more about this extraordinary event.
An audio guide in German, French, Dutch and English is available to help you immerse yourself in the museum’s historical wealth.
The Prehistory Museum (Currently Closed)
Your next stop should be at the Prehistory Museum located in the 15th century Hihof building in the centre of town. Previously, in the 19th century, the building housed the grammar school. The museum as it is now was inaugurated in 1984. However, it should be noted that the museum is currently closed and we will update you about further developments if and when necessary. But it won’t hurt if still closed when you visit the town to go have a look at the pretty building.
The museum’s storied collections of prehistoric artefacts from Luxembourg, Northern Europe and France is truly an enlightening experience as it denotes the history of mankind for more than a million years.
The artefacts showcase items that include chopping tools, arrow tips, axes, daggers and grinding stones dating to the Stone Age. Some of the tools are from a variety of countries including North America, Africa and Papua New Guinea.
You will find the illustrations with prehistoric skulls and reconstructions of old machines for sawing, weaving and threshing particularly interesting. Explanations and video presentations of how the tools were used will give you vivid insight of the periods represented in the museum.
You will find the old-world Gothic building next to the church of Peter and Paul on the corner of the Rue du Pont.
Historic “Denzelt” Court House (Currently Closed)
Yet another historic monument that is closed, with an interesting external view, located in Echternach’s market square. Since you will obviously stroll around the market square, you can view the outside of the building and take some pictures of the area, while thinking about the significance of the building during certain eras.
In 1444, the Denzelt was destroyed by fire and rebuilt. The inner vault of the building survived the fire, and in 1520 the building was reconstructed in the late Gothic/Renaissance style. After another fire in 1705, Baroque elements were added to the building. During 1895 to 1896, further changes were made to the façade.
Statues were attached to the façade which represent the four cardinal virtues of prudence (Prudentia), bravery (Fortitude), moderation (Temperantia) and justice (Justitia). The Mother of God, King Solomon and Abbot Robert of Montreal is the only historical figures represented here.
The building was the “Dingstuhl” (meaning the seat where deliberations were held) or the seat of the former jury which was held in the open hall. The building also served as a prison and had a torture chamber at the time.
The registry office, the city archive and an exhibition room is housed in the building. The outside of the building features a bronze plaque with the seal of Countess Ermesinde II and text in Latin commemorating her granting of town rights in 1236.
There were several reconstructions and changes made to the building over the years, and all of these changes are attributed to architects of note. This means that the building is worth viewing until such time that it is re-opened.
Didactic Museum on the Life of the Romans
Your next stop should be at the amazing Didactic Museum located in the Gallo-Roman Villa of Echternach. The museum is near the shimmering Echternach lake where the holiday resort of Echternach is located. You simply have to explore this stunning lake area, so make a note to do lunch here.
The villa is one of the most important archaeological finds from the Roman era north of the Alps. The villa during the Roman period was opulent, providing its occupants with a high level of comfort.
The museum offers you life-size figures so you can get an insight of what daily life in the villa was like. A documentary film gives you a peek into Roman culture and a reconstructed Roman garden with over 70 plants.
The Tudor Museum
If you have an interest in the workings of electricity, you cannot give this museum a miss.
Henri Tudor was one of the pioneers of his time in the field of electrical energy storage. His invention of perfected lead-acid battery made electric street lighting possible across Europe. But the man was a busy person with a wide interest in other fields, such as devoting himself to the modernization of agriculture and means of transport which led to his accumulator playing a major role in giving extra impetus to the development of today’s technology.
You will immerse yourself in extraordinary interactive stations which will make your fingers itch to experiment yourself as you explore the museum. You will have a unique opportunity to learn about Henri Tudor’s daily work-life from the 19th century and be able to create a vivid picture in your mind of him at work. You can also explore the museum using an audio guide which you can download here:
https://izi.travel/nl/4ae7-tudor-museum/en
The museum’s opening hours are Wednesday to Sunday from 14:00 to 17:00. There are also some exciting guided tours for adults for a maximum of 15 people.
The Matchbox Museum
This is a private museum, and you have to make an appointment with the owners before your visit. The museum showcases delightful miniature cars that have been collected by Jean Birsens since 1980, and his wife Meg’s collections from 1995.
The museum displays a massive collection of around 7,500 mainly British models cars you most probably don’t know about, unless you’re a collector yourself. The collection is from 1947 to 1986, and features brands like Early Lesney, Regular Wheels, Models of Yesteryear, Major Packs, King Accessory Pack and a host of others. Unique to the collection are the ancient tin cars, mopeds and motorcycles.
Meg has collected almost 1,600 tin cans and other tin objects from the years 1886 to 1950. They include a British collection of “Figural Biscuit Tins” from Huntley & Palmers, Peak Frean, William Crawford and Olibet. There is also a collection of coffee tins of Santos, Jacobs, Stollwerck and Banania and, wait for it, antique Barbie dolls!
The Natur-& Geopark Mëllerdall Exhibition
If you’re spending more than a day in the area, you should spend some time at the nature park for a unique experience of this legendary exhibition. The exhibition entails the genesis and development of the region’s landscape and its cultural and natural heritage.
ou will be taken on an invaluable journey of learning that will evoke memories of your days in a science lab.
Are you up to the challenge of learning more about the environment than what you already know? Here’s what you will learn:
* the formation of the geological subsoil as the seabed;
* the formation of the landscape after the seabed became solid land;
* the use of natural resources from the Stone Age to the modern age, and
* the development of the cultural landscape with its multitude of ecological niches.
Now how about that! I’m sure if you thought that the concern about the environment is just hype, this visit will make you realize humankind’s adverse contribution to its current state.
Touristcenter Heringer Millen Museum
If science is not your thing and you’d rather skip the experience at the Natur-& Geopark, don’t despair.
You can pay a visit to the Heringer Millen where you can attend a baking workshop.
The mill is located in a restored 17th century mill and has a museum and stone oven. The museum also has a Testcenter where you can rent hiking materials, an events center and a spacious outdoor area that you can use to relax with or without catering services from the mill.
But first, more about the mill.
The mill was created by “Johann the Heringer Miller”, after which it was passed from generation to generation. The mill was first occupied by German soldiers and then by American soldiers during the Battle of the Ardennes during 1944 to 1945. Much of the mill’s documents were destroyed during these occupations, leaving it with just scraps of history about the mill. After the war and the death of the last miller Wilhem Berg, the mill fell into ruins.
The municipality of Waldbillig bought the mill in 1988, and in 2007 renovation of the mill began.
Today, the mill itself is still in working order, and you can view various machines relating to the baking industry, as well as the water wheel which is still in working order. While some of the machines are from the original mill, others were sourced from a former mill in the small village of Bockholtz.
If you didn’t participate in the baking workshop, but just visited the museum, learning about the mill, flour and everything else used to bake bread, you sure will have worked up a good appetite by now.
So on to sustenance to reinvigorate you body’s vitals.
Pop into the Touristcentr at Heringer Millen to not only order freshly baked mill bread, but also a picnic basket with the most delicious treats.
You have a variety of choices, for example, a traditional picnic basket for short trips or the picnic backpacks for hikers. Further package choices include gourmet, veggie or deluxe and can be packed for 2 – 4 people.
Regional products of the Mëllerdaller Produzenten are used and include some of the following products relating to the particular package: freshly baked bread from the mill, sparkling apple wine, Casseroi liqueur, goat’s cheese, honey, jam, Berdorfer cheese, sheep sausage, apple juice, schnapps and Rieslingspaschtéit (a unique Luxembourish pie).
Once you’ve received your order which you’ve obviously reserved days before your trip and confirmed your order the minute you set foot in Echternach, Then you’re all set for a picnic at that you can enjoy at the town's breathtaking Echternach lake.
Contac them at: info@mullerthal-millen.lu to order your picnic basket. When arrive in Echternach, you can confirm your order at: +352 878 988.
Yummy!
Lake Echternach
The artificially landscaped lake is perfectly designed for walking, cycling, in-line skating and exploring the lake on a paddle-boat. Grab a seat on one of the benches, or set yourself down on the manicured lawns and enjoy your picnic lunch.
After taking a break to give the food time to digest, you can either take a walk to explore the area or glide over the lake's shimmering waters on a paddle-boat. For those who want to cycle around the lake, you can rent a bike at the Youth Hostel which is located at the lake.
To rent a paddle-boat at the Kiosk & SUP Station, contact them at: info@degrengeschapp.com or call them once in the area.
They are open from 10:00 to 17:00 and you can call them at 621 52 6241. Opening hours are different based upon the particular month you’re in the area, so confirm with them once you've decided on the particular month you'll be traveling to the area.
They also have a kitchen that sells some homemade snacks in case you forgot to order your picnic basket in advance.
Cycling Enthusiasts
Before we wrap up, there is a host of interesting cycling guided tours and cycling races to discover the region by bike as mentioned before.
The cycling races are organised by Mullerthal racing, and also cater to beginners. They have the following races available, which are reminiscent of the "Tour de France" as theirs are called the "Tour de Luxembourg" :
L1 - Einsteiger Tour (30 km) - the race is suitable for beginners;
L2 Panorama Tour (47 km) - this race has one strenuous slope but is also suitable for beginners;
I would say the following tours are for intermediate and experienced cyclists:
L3 - Mullerthal Light (54 km) - this race runs from Echternahc to Berdorf;
L4 - Grenszland Border Tour (56 km) - this race runs from Echternach along the German border and the Moselle Valley to Ossweiler and back to Echternach;
L5 - Entdecker - DiscoveryTour (59 km) - this race includes riding through several villages along the Moselle and Syre valleys;
M1 - Schlösser Tour - Castle Tour (65 km) - this race is along a scenic and cultural route. It starts in the center of Beaufort, goes through several villages where you can stop to rest, and back to Beaufort;
M2 - Up and Down (67 km) - as the name suggests, this race consist of several ascents and descents. It starts in Medernach up to Reisdorf, and back to Medernach;
M3 - Through the Valley of the Black Ernz (72 km) - the race starts at the Youth Hostel in Echternach, leads through the valley of the Black Ernz and ends in Echternach after passing through several villages in Mertert.
M4 - Through Fields, Woods & Meadows (72 km) - the race starts in Eppeldorf, goes throug forested area and the Black Ernz, passes behind Echternach and back to Eppeldorf;
M5 - Elsen Tour - On the Rocks (72 km) - the race starts in Echternach and takes you a ride through areas with outstanding rock formations, small villages, notable towns and back to Echternach;
S1 Highlight Tour (74 km) - the race starts in Scheidgen and leads through a forest, areas with rock formations, the valley of the White Ernz, a couple of notable towns and back to Scheiden;
S2 - Mullerthal Classics (80 km) - starting in Echternach the race introduces you to diverse landscapes up to Berforf and back to Echternach;
S3 - Sauertal Tour - The Valley of the Sûre (100 km) - the race starts in Echternach and pass through several major towns and villages up to Mertert and back to Echternach;
S4 - Mullerthal Extreme (100 km) - starting in Echternach, there are numerous up-and-downhill circuits and this race is recommended for well-experienced cyclists;
S5 - Charly Gaul B (105 km) - the race starts behind Echternach and although and leads back to Echternach after some long and short climbs;
S6 - Charly Gaul A (162 km) - starting and ending in Echternach, this race is much more demanding than the Charly Gaul B race;
To participate in any of the above races you can visit the following website (copy/paste the link into your browser - not into the search box):
The page offers some information about the races and a download of the "Mullerthal Roadbook" containing extensive information about the races.
For guided tours in Echternach mentioned below, you can email them at: guidedtours@mullerthal.lu: to learn more.
Here are some of them:
* Guided Circular Hike Echterbach – Berdorf: you can start the tour in Echternach or Berdorf. The circuit is 11,7 km long and will last for approximately 6 hours.
* Vélotour Kultur Guided Bike Tour: The circuit is a 27 km nature and cultural tour along the German-Luxembourg border. It starts in Echternach up to Bollendorf. You can rest along the way and a maximum of 12 people are required for the tour.
* Vélotour Gourmand Guided Bike Tour With Regional Products: You can combine this tour with tasting of regional specialties. It starts in Echternach and alternates between Luxembourg and Germany. The tour circuit is 32 km long.
* Guided Mountain Bike Tour: The tour starts at the Youth Hostel at Echternach lake and consist of two levels of difficulty.
Wine & Chocolate Connoisseurs
You can never visit any foreign destination without tasting their premium wines and heavenly chocolates. I’m a chocoholic and would die if I have to skip out on a choccie adventure.
And after you've satisfied your sugar deficiency with all the chocolates Luxembourg has to offer, get yourself on the scenic route to the Moselle Valley.
Luxembourg City
Stop off in Luxembourg city on your way to the Moselle wine route so you can take a break with a well-deserved and delicious mug of the choicest hot chocolate at the Chocolate House Nathalie Bonn.
The establishment is located opposite the Grand Ducal Palace in Luxembourg City, in a medieval building dating to the 15th century. You will be treated with delectable chocolate creations in all forms while watching the passers-by in a chocolate-dream world all of your own.
And after munching and drinking your way through this chocolate heaven, you can consider which chocolate gifts will suit loved ones best. If you have kids, they’ll love you forever, no matter how strict you are about house rules. So go ahead, win their hearts with a gift straight from chocolate heaven!
You can contact them at: info@chocolate-house-bonn.lu
Moselle Wine Route: Ahn
To restore your chocolate-induced system back to its normal health levels, the scenic drive to Ahn will take off some of the sugar-overload. To completely get your system's vitals back in gear, a refreshing glass or two of premium Luxembourish wine will do a fine job. And there is no other place than this serene village in the Moselle to help you with that.
Ahn is one of the smallest villages in the region and also one of the most beautiful in the Moselle Valley of Luxembourg. Most of the privately-owned wineries are located in this stunning village and there are several wine taverns as well. Nature lovers will definitely appreciate the Wine and Culture Path Palmberg Ahn, leading through the middle of the vineyards.
Some of the wineries that you can visit include:
* Domaine Madame Aly Duhr – the wine estate was founded in 1872 by Mathias Duhr, and is still owned by the family. To visit the estate and taste their wines, you can contact them at : info@alyduhr.lu
* Jeff Konsbrück Winery – the vines are organically-treated, and you can enjoy wine-tastings in the winery’s tavern, as well as take an adventure hike for groups of 4 to 12 people. The hike is approximately 4 km and lasts for around 2 hours with 2 glasses of wine after the hike. Wine-tastings include:
* 5 Glasses with salty snacks;
* 7 Glasses with salty snacks;
* 5 Glasses including cellar tour plus salty snacks;
* 7 Glasses including cellar tour plus salty snacks.
Opening hours are: March to August – Friday to Saturday 15:00 to 20:00 – Sunday 14:00 to 20:00; September to November – Sunday 14:00 to 20:00.
Contact them at: jeff@winery-jk.lu
Let's not forget: public transport in Luxembourg is free, whether on a bus, train or tram. You might wonder what is the catch? No catch, just the country's way of encouraging citizens and visitors alike to avoid using the the roads, as Lu9xembourg has a terrible congestion problem. It might serve you well to make use of the train services which also offer very interesting tours within Luxembourg and across Europe. This is an excellent way for young people who are on a budget to explore Luxembourg without having to worry about the cost of transport.
Visit this link to learn more about this service: https://www.cfl.lu/en-gb/vakanz/category/naturellement-en-train
Happy travels and ... Carpe Diem!
Why Travel With Us?
Luxembourg is not included in our Germany 14-day vacation package. Most of the places mentioned in this article are included in our 18-day package, but you'll experience much more than mentioned here. When you join us on our 18-day Germany package, the two days spent in the only Grand Duchy in the world. will take you on a journey of discovery that will make you yearn to see more of this intriguing destination. So join us for an outstanding and memorable vacation of a lifetime!
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