© Visit Éislek

long-distance hiking trails & cross-border hikes in the north of Luxembourg Long-distance hiking in Éislek

Anyone not satisfied with a short day trip but wanting to hike for several days will find a long-distance hiking trail just right. Several of them criss-cross Éislek and its unspoilt landscape.

From European long-distance trails of several thousand kilometres to regional long-distance trails of just under 200 kilometres, there is a suitable trail for every long-distance hiker. The best times to go long-distance hiking in Luxembourg are probably late spring or early autumn, when the temperatures are pleasant and nature is at its most beautiful.

You will find the following trails in this article:

European long-distance hiking trails in Luxembourg

Several European long-distance hiking trails lead through Éislek. These long-distance hiking trails connect regions and countries over hundreds, sometimes even thousands of kilometres. Due to its location in the heart of Europe, Éislek is situated along several important European hiking highlights. The trails can be walked in both directions and are marked with supra-regional markings. Such trails are particularly suitable for adventure-seekers who like to plan their tour over several days or even weeks. 

European long-distance hiking trail E2: The E2 runs for more than 5,000 kilometres from Scotland to the Mediterranean. The trail starts in Luxembourg at the border triangle in the north of the country, on the River Our. It follows this river for many kilometres to the south. It leaves Éislek south of Vianden to meander through Mullerthal and the Moselle region, where it finally reaches Schengen and the French border. 

European long-distance hiking trail E3: Covering almost 9,000 kilometres, the E3 leads from Spain to Bulgaria, from the Atlantic coast to the Black Sea. In Éislek, the trail first passes the Upper Sûre lake and Esch-sur-Sûre. It then crosses the region via Wiltz, Clervaux and Vianden before turning southwards. 

GR15: The GR15 leads from Arlon in the south of Belgium to Monschau in the west of Germany. Between Arlon and Bastogne, it repeatedly crosses the Luxembourg border to head north along small, less frequented paths. This play with the border can symbolise the European idea, as this long-distance hiking trail leads through a total of three countries.

GR57: The GR57 connects the Belgian and Luxembourgish Ardennes, known as Éislek. From Liège, the trail leads either to Libramont, where the western Ourthe has its source, or to Ourthe near Gouvy, where the source of the eastern Ourthe is located. From there, it enters Luxembourg to reach Diekirch via Troisvierges. The Luxembourg sections offer scenic highlights and mostly run along the Escapardenne Lee and Éislek Trail

A female hiker walks along the river on the Éislek Pad Kalborn, surrounded by peaceful nature.

Europäischer Fernwanderweg E2 © Nosh Picture

National hiking trails

Experience Luxembourg's diversity

Luxembourg's national hiking trails invite you to discover the country on foot. There are several routes to choose from, all of which run within the country's borders. In Éislek, they lead through dense forests, quiet valleys and green hills. They reveal the full diversity of the northern Luxembourg landscape. Depending on the route, they can be done as a day or multi-day tour, but are always aimed at hikers who enjoy covering distance. The routes can be easily combined with public transport and offer exciting cultural and scenic highlights along the way.

Sentier du Nord: The Sentier du Nord connects the villages of Weiswampach and Diekirch over 65 kilometres. It shows just how varied Éislek is. Sometimes it leads through narrow valleys, sometimes over steep hills, past several railway stations and through numerous small villages. Impressive views, tranquil nature and real insider tips await along the way. In Clervaux and Troisvierges, art gardens invite you to linger, while Diekirch impresses with its historical flair. Ideal for those who want to combine landscape, culture and photo spots. The route is marked with a yellow diamond on a blue background. 

Sentier Panorama: Wide horizons, tranquil nature and charming villages - the Sentier Panorama connects Troisvierges with Wiltz and shows the plateaus of Éislek at their most beautiful. Over 42 kilometres, the trail offers varied landscapes, impressive views and real places of rest. There are refreshment stops and overnight accommodation along the way.

Sentier de l'Our: The Sentier de l'Our is one of the most impressive long-distance hiking trails in Éislek. It runs for around 65 kilometres from Weiswampach to Gilsdorf - along the border river Our and through the nature park of the same name. The route runs away from road traffic, winds its way through authentic villages on the German border and offers a varied landscape with many differences in altitude. Spectacular viewpoints, traditional inns and cultural highlights such as the town of Vianden await along the way. Marking: yellow circle on blue background. 

Lee Trail

Bourscheid Moulin © Jochem de Jong - Thru Hiking

Sentier de la Haute-Sûre: This long-distance hiking trail is around 70 kilometres long and connects Martelange with Ettelbruck, following the course of the Upper Sûre. Highlights include the Upper Sûre lake, the medieval castles of Esch-Sûre and Bourscheid as well as sweeping views of the unspoilt landscape. As is typical in the region, there are many metres of ascent to overcome - around 2600 m in total - which makes the trail exciting even for experienced hikers. Refreshment stops and overnight accommodation along the route allow for flexible stage planning. Marking: Yellow rectangle on a blue background.

Sentier de la Wiltz: The 17-kilometre Sentier de la Wiltz starts in the small town of Wiltz - also known as the capital of the Ardennes - and leads through the valley of the same name to Goebelsmuhle. Hikers can enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding hills, especially of the picturesque village of Nocher. It is worth taking a break in Kautenbach, about halfway along the route - the village is an important hub in Luxembourg's network of hiking trails. You can easily return to the starting point by train. Marking: yellow St Andrew's cross on a blue background. 

Sentier de l'Éislek: This 25-kilometre national hiking trail connects Kautenbach with Goebelsmuhle and offers pure nature experiences far away from roads and the hustle and bustle. The route constantly alternates between hills and valleys, passing impressive viewpoints. Challenging ascents and descents provide sporting variety, while the solitude of the trail invites you to switch off. Thanks to the direct train connection, the return journey to the starting point can be organised conveniently and free of charge by train. Marking: yellow circle on blue background.

Wiltz

Wiltz © @Visit Éislek

Sentier Ardennes-Eifel: From Martelange on the Belgian border to Echternach on the German border: the approximately 143 km long Sentier Ardennes-Eifel leads right through Luxembourg and therefore right through the centre of Éislek. The route reveals the full diversity of the Grand Duchy's landscape: deeply carved valleys, striking slate formations, wide plateaus and tranquil rivers characterise the landscape. The route also has a lot to offer culturally from castles and museums to typical villages with a lot of history. If you want to hike the entire route, you should be in good physical condition: There are numerous metres in altitude to conquer. Thanks to the many places to stop for refreshments and overnight accommodation such as campings along the way, the stages can be planned individually. Marking: Green triangle on a white background. 

Sentier Charles Mathieu: This 46-kilometre hiking trail links some of the most famous places in the Éislek: Vianden, Esch-sur-Sûre and Wiltz. Named after the former MP and mayor of Wiltz, Charles Mathieu, the route leads through varied landscapes and past cultural highlights. A special experience is the Molberlee near Hoscheid. With its rugged rocks and sweeping views, it is almost a bit alpine. Ideal for anyone who wants to combine nature and history on a multi-day hike. The trail is marked with a yellow cross on a blue background.

Sentier Victor Hugo: This 26.6 km hiking trail follows in the footsteps of Victor Hugo in Éislek. From Ettelbruck via the imposing ruins of Brandenbourg Castle to medieval Vianden, the route combines nature experiences with literary heritage. The French writer was inspired by these surroundings in 1871 to create numerous drawings, many of which were made during his stay in what is now the Victor Hugo House. The route, which is challenging in parts, is ideal for anyone looking for an intensive day tour with an exciting history. Marking: yellow triangle on a blue background. 

Vianden Victor Hugo museum

Vianden © Pancake! Photographie-LFT

Regional, cross-border long-distance hiking trails

The length of these long-distance hiking trails makes them ideal for anyone looking for a multi-day hiking experience without wanting to tackle a long European long-distance trail. They offer a variety of landscapes and often lead off the beaten track. These trails can be completed in a multi-day tour or in individual stages over several days. 

Escapardenne Lee & Éislek Trail: The Escapardenne connects the Luxembourg and Belgian Ardennes. It runs in 8 stages over almost 160 kilometres and consists of the Lee Trail and the cross-border Éislek Trail, which leads to La Roche-en-Ardenne in Belgium. Both trails have been recognised as “Leading Quality Trails” by the European Hiking Federation. The trail consists mainly of narrow paths that lead over natural surfaces and past natural sights. 

Sentier Rhin-Meuse, also known as ‘From the Eifel to the Ardennes’: This trail connects Gerolstein or Prüm in Germany with Saint-Hubert in Belgium. Over a distance of around 200 kilometres, the trail also leads through the north of Luxembourg - first through the Our Valley to Clervaux, then along small paths to Winseler and across the Belgian border towards Bastogne. 

Leetrail

Lee Trail © Jochem de Jong

Pilgrimage routes & memorial trails

These routes are designed for hikers who want to experience not only the landscape but also history and meaning along the way. Both are part of larger networks, but lead specifically through places with thematic significance. The stages are freely selectable and can be easily combined with regional routes. 

Liberation Road Europe: The Liberation Road Europe connects memorials to the Second World War throughout Europe. In Éislek, it leads to the sites of the Battle of the Bulge, such as the Schumannseck, Wiltz, Clervaux and Ettelbruck. 

Way of St James: The Way of St James crosses Éislek on its route from Germany to France. It mainly follows the Luxembourg-German border to leave Éislek towards the south and Mullerthal. 


Jakobsweg - Heinerscheid

Planning a stage hike in Luxembourg

Anyone planning a stage hike in the north of Luxembourg will benefit from ideal conditions: The network of trails is excellently signposted, the region is easily accessible and public transport is free throughout the country. Thanks to the good connections to the European rail network, the hiking experience often begins with a stress-free journey. All trails available as GPX for online viewing and download on the national Geoportal.lu.

There are numerous places to stop for refreshments and overnight accommodation along the way. Those who prefer comfort can use the MoveWeCarry luggage transport service: The rucksack travels, you hike carefree.

Detailed hiking maps are available in the Visit Éislek webshop to help you find your way. They not only show the routes, but also highlights along the way.

By the way: Luxembourg is a multilingual country - many people speak Luxembourgish, German, French and often English. The hospitality of the locals makes hiking here particularly enjoyable.

Two men are hiking on a path in Bourscheid during the summer. In the background, there is a fir forest. The men are dressed in summer attire, wearing shorts and black shirts.
© LFT-Pancake Photographie

Luggage Transport - Move we carry


  • Luggage-free hiking
  • Carefree cycling and hiking
  • Rest easy
Dein Augenblick
© LFT

Order hiking maps & guides

Looking for printed hiking maps, brochures or guides for your tour in Éislek? You can easily order the right information material online here. Standard payment methods and delivery direct to your home.

To the shop

Other topics from the region

Good to know for trail enthusiasts!
Thanks to their varied terrain, natural paths and peacefulness, many of the routes mentioned here are also ideal for trail running. Whether you're looking for a sporting challenge or a workout in the great outdoors, Éislek offers ideal conditions for trailrunning: over several kilometres, with a difference in altitude and away from the hustle and bustle.

Or discover one of the many other activities and themes in Éislek. Browse through the most popular categories and be inspired.

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