Freedom Luxembourg

Luxembourg Kiltwalk 2023 (42 km)
2023-09-30 09:00 - 18:00 (Europe/Luxembourg)
Time to dust off your kilts as the most eagerly awaited charity event of the year is approaching: the Lux Kiltwalk 2023.
The Kiltwalk is one of the largest charity fundraisers in the UK and has been a tradition in Luxembourg uninterruptedly since 2018. This year we will be therefore celebrating its 6th edition.
The organisers are collecting donations for Pancreatic Cancer Action.
Donate
We will gather in front of the PYG (Clausen) by 9 AM on September the 30th (Saturday) and walk of the way to the BOSS (Mersch) and back.
Roughly speaking, this wee walk covers the distance of a marathon but it is entirely flat. Click on the links to obtain the GPX file (merely illustrative, as certain segments of the cycling lane may be closed) and the elevation profile in 2D and 3D. Should you find the full distance a bit challenging, you can consider walking one half and taking the train for the other leg.
Bring comfortable shoes, plenty of water and some snacks (you should be able to eat and drink a little something at the Boss). Participants are strongly encouraged to wear kilts or some other tartan-resembling fabric.
Those who complete the challenge will be triumphantly received with bagpipes and drums and their effort rewarded with a well deserved pint and some food back at the Pyg.
A raffle with fantastic prizes will be followed by the regular quiz and karaoke.
Save the date and see you all there!

Post-Christmas around Cochem (22 km hike)
2023-12-26 11:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London)
I haven’t organised any hikes in a long while and I don’t plan to restart any time soon.
However, due to popular demand, let’s do a post-Christmas stroll to atone for our excesses.
The 2D and 3D profiles and the GPX file.
The carpool. Feel free to add your vehicle.
Let’s meet at the Castle by 11 AM.

Blumenthal - Mullerthal (17 km hike)
2024-01-06 10:50 - 15:50 (Europe/Luxembourg)
Short relaxing hike south of Mullerthal.
The ups and downs in 2D and 3D.
We meet at Blumenthal bus stop by 10.50.
Bus 222 departs from Luxexpo (platform 2B) by 10:25 and arrives to Blumenthal by 10:45.
The carpool.

Balade des Échelles (27 km hike)
2024-01-13 10:30 - 16:30 (Europe/Luxembourg)
Breathtaking hike along the meanders of the river Semois, at the heart of the Parc National de la Vallée de la Semois in the Belgian Ardennes. Including the Promenande des Échelles (walk of the ladders ), which is only a tiny part of the hike.
The ups and downs in 2D and 3D.
27 km is a long distance for a winter hike, make sure you are physically and mentally prepared for the challenge. We need to keep a minimum average pace of 4.5 km/h in order to be back to the starting point before it gets dark. This includes small pauses (but I have discounted an extra half an hour or so for a picnic).
The carpool.
There is a small parking space on Route de Alle (Rochehaut), opposite to a sightseeing spot known to Google Maps as Panorama de Frahan. We can meet there.

Manderscheid: Of castles and craters (25 km hike)
2024-01-20 10:30 - 16:30 (Europe/Luxembourg)
Along the Eifel Trail there are a number of lakes of volcanic origin, as they are actually craters. On this first expedition to the area, we will explore the Meerfelder Maar and the Windsborn Kratersee, for they are the closest to Luxembourg. We will also take advantage from this trip to visit both castles in Manderscheid.
The ups and downs in 2D and 3D.
The carpool.
We meet by the Parkplatz Niederburg (Manderscheid) by 10:30.

On the tracks of Charly (9 km hike)
2024-04-21 11:00 - 14:00 (Europe/Luxembourg)
On this hike, you will walk in the footsteps of Charly, the ancient train running between Echternach and Luxembourg.
Over the 13 stops of this educational trail, the children will play and explore. They will be on the track of forest animals, learn about children rights and discover the “washing machine of the grandmother”.
The trail is not accessible for strollers.
We will meet at Hemsteler Gare (Bech) at about 11 AM.
If you need a ride, let me know, but I only have room for one passenger.
The GPX file and the 2D and 3D profiles.

Watermill loop in the Haute-Sûre Forêt d'Anlier Natural Park (21 km hike)
2024-04-27 11:00 - 16:00 (Europe/Luxembourg)
This is a very flat and easy hike in the Belgian Ardennes inspired by this account.
Not a wilderness one, though. It is more like countryside landscapes, watermills, farms, rivulets, cows and horses.
The GPX plus the ups and downs (or lack thereof) in 2D and 3D. And the carpool.
We can meet by the Church of Saint-Hubert in Volaiville by 11 AM.

Magical places around Echternach (20 km hike)
2024-05-04 11:00 - 16:00 (Europe/Luxembourg)
This original cross-border stroll will lead us to a few of the most interesting and, for the most, lesser known spots around Echternach. Including Einsiedelei, Liboriouskapelle, Felsenweiher, Weilerbach castle, Heliar spring, and the Halsbaach pathway.
The ups and downs in 2D and 3D.
The carpool.
We will meet at 11 AM by the bridge in front of Fölkenbach (Germany), which is easily accessible from Echternarch.

The Fairies Hole and the Path of Dreams (10 km hike in the Gaume)
2024-05-05 11:00 - 15:00 (Europe/Luxembourg)
At barely 40 minutes from Luxembourg city and, yet, largely unknown to most, we find the Natural Park of the Gaume, in the Belgian Luxembourg.
Perhaps not the most spectacular woods around, the Gaume hides countless little (archaeological) secrets that will make the delight of the curious mind.
Let’s leave the archaeology for another day and do something just for the fun of it tailored for the little ones.
We have combined two attractions in a flat and short hike: The Trou des Fées (The Fairies Hole) and the Sentier des Songes (Path of Dreams).
Back in the day we even stumbled upon Excalibur, but I am not sure I will be able to locate it again…
Picnic half way by the lake.
The ups and downs in 2D and 3D.
The carpool.
We meet at 11 AM in the parking space located at the intersection between Croix Rouge and Rue du Stade (north of Virton, as indicated below).

Bunkers around Kautenbach (18 km hike)
2024-05-09 11:00 - 16:00 (Europe/Luxembourg)
On May the 9th we commemorate the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration as Europe Day as well as the end of WW2 as Victory Day.
For challenge lovers, I propose to go and see bunkers, because you never know…
This hike partially overlaps with the spectacular Lee Trail and the first ascend from Kautenbach can be a bit demanding.
Check the ups and downs in 2D and 3D.
The carpool.
A train leaving Luxembourg at 10:15 arrives to Kautenbach at 11:00. There are return trains every half an hour, so we can celebrate the occasion(s) at the local pub without fear of getting stuck in Kautenbach.
We gather at Kautenbach train station by 11 AM.

Along the Our: Dasburg - Tintesmühle (22 km hike)
2024-05-11 11:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Luxembourg)
A cross-border adventure along the shores of the Our. An enhanced version of NaturWanderPark delux Nat’Our Route 2.
Four extra kilometres packed with awe.
The ups and downs in 2D and 3D.
The carpool.
We meet by Dasburg bridge (Dosberbréck) at 11 AM.

Echternach lake and up the hill (12 km hike)
2024-05-12 11:00 - 15:00 (Europe/Luxembourg)
Tailored for children but everyone is welcome to join. We will do a tour around the lake of Echternach to then climb up the little hill south-west.
The ups and downs and 2D and 3D (merely illustrative, the actual hike will be shorter).
The carpool.
We meet in front of the Villa Romana at 11 AM.

Three countries along the river Our (20 km hike)
2024-05-20 11:10 - 16:10 (Europe/Luxembourg)
The NaturWanderPark DeLux comprises a number of short loops along the river Our. If last week we completed an enhanced version of Nat’Our Route 2, for Whit Monday we propose an equally enhanced version of Nat’Our Route 1, perhaps the most beautiful of the loops and, definitely, the flattest.
We will start from the Europe Monument, in Belgium, but at the intersection between Belgium, Germany in Luxembourg. We will head north towards the Belgian village of Ouren, where we will visit the ruins of the castle and pilgrimage to the church of Saint Peter to then head south along the German banks of the Our down to Tintesmühle, where we will picnic. We will return north along the Way of St. James, on the Luxembourgish side, passing by the watermill of Kalborn.
The ups and downs in 2D and 3D.
The carpool.
We meet by the Europe Monument at 11:10.

Natural Park High Fens — Eifel (20 km hike)
2024-05-25 11:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Luxembourg)
The Natural Park High Fens — Eifel is something from another planet. With over 6,000 hectares, we could spend weeks wandering around its quaint landscapes.
In this incursion we will explore primarily the Fagne Wallonne (Walloon fen), one of the largest, and surroundings.
Picnic half way.
Completely flat, as you can gather from the 2D and 3D profiles.
The carpool.

Two things to keep in mind:
• There is almost no shade. If sunny, bring a hat and sunscreen. If rainy, waterproof gear and an umbrella.
• Expect your feet to get wet. As it is a long trip back, you man want to bring a towel along with extra sockets, shoes and trousers.

We can go for a pint Belgian beer when done.

We meet at 11 AM at Le Signal de Botrange. Allow two good hours to get there from Luxembourg.

Natural Reserve of Aarnescht (9 km hike)
2024-06-01 11:10 - 16:10 (Europe/Luxembourg)
Tailored for kids, but everyone welcome.
We will hike along the Learning Path in the Natural Reserve of Aarnescht, known for its orchids.
Picnic up the hill.
The ups and downs in 2D and 3D.
After the hike we can play a bit at Parc de l’Europe.
The carpool.
Bus 321 serves Oberanven Gemeng. The trip from Luxexpo (10:45, platform 3D). takes 23 minutes.
We gather at Parc de L’Europe (Oberanven, Niederanven) at 11:10.

Schönecker Schweiz (20 km hike)
2024-06-02 11:00 - 16:00 (Europe/Luxembourg)
Barely one hour from Luxembourg, in the Rhineland-Palatinate (Germany), we find the natural reserve of Schönecker Schweiz (Schönecken’s Switzerland).
We are set to explore this little jewel, including its botanical learning path and along with Schönecken’s castle.
The ups and downs in 2D and 3D.
The carpool.
We gather at the Gemeindezentrum Forum Im Flecken (Schönecken) at 11 AM.

Klause Kastel and Kasteler Felsenpfad (22 km hike)
2024-06-08 11:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Luxembourg)
We already did a version of this trail a couple of years ago and it was spectacular but we had to cut it short due to the storm. Time to go back.
I have added a couple of kilometres and an extra hour because the visit to the beautiful red hermitage of Klause Kastel is not included on the track, but we intend to do it because it costs only a few Euro and it is really worthy.
After the Hermitage and other archaeological attractions around the Kastel plateau such as the Roman theatre, we will do some of the Kasteler Felsenpfad, a classic in the region to then descent all the way to the river Saar. Some consider the Felsenpfad a bit challenging.
The ups and downs in 2D and 3D.
The carpool.
Bring some cash as we will try to locate the same pub where we ended up dinning last time.
We meet at the parking in Kastel-Staadt at 11 AM.

Via Botanica: Luxembourg's daffodil forest (18 km hike)
2024-06-15 11:05 - 16:00 (Europe/Luxembourg)
We have been around numerous times but never quite there, at least, not in the right season. Well, this time we are going back just for daffodil’s sake.
I offer you the Via Botanica, well, an enhanced version, of course. I have spiced it up with a ridge or two to make it more interesting.
The ups and downs in 2D and 3D.
The carpool.
A train leaves Luxembourg at 10:15 and gets to Wilwerwiltz by 11:05.
We meet at Wilwerwiltz train station at 11:05 AM.

Widdebierg from Roodt-sur-Syre (11 km hike)
2024-06-22 11:05 - 14:05 (Europe/Luxembourg)
A very short and easy hike on the National Day because we have another one in the evening to watch the fireworks in style.
The tittle says it all: We will climb the Widdebierg from Roodt-sur-Syre, contemplate the view, perhaps have a little picnic and go home to get ready for the evening.
The ups and downs in 2D and 3D.
The carpool.
There are trains every half an hour and the trip from Luxembourg takes 22 minutes. There is also plenty of buses.
We meet at Roodt-sur-Syre train station by 11:05.

National day traditional promenade and fireworks (6 km)
2024-06-22 20:00 - 23:30 (Europe/Luxembourg)
The already traditional National Day promenade.
Only that, this year, instead of the crazy stuff we used to do, we will go only for the second half, the bit we have never done.
We will miss the Saint up Fort ParkHöhe and, most likely, the fireflies, but we will do something different, shorter and more civilised (in case you wish to dress up).
An opportunity to see Luxembourg city from many different, and largely new, perspectives.
We will watch the fireworks from the usual place (up Kosakestee) and then we can go down to Clausen for a drink.
The ups and downs in 3D.
We meet next to the Gëlle Fra by 8 PM.

Three countries along the Moselle (20 km hike)
2024-06-29 10:45 - 16:45 (Europe/Luxembourg)
A mini version of the famous M³ Trail (Moselle cubed). This reduced trail also covers three countries (Germany, France and Luxembourg) but only over ca. 20 km, instead of the original 33.
We start from Schengen to immediately cross the bridge into Perl (Germany) and enjoy the numerous sight-seeing spots along the French-German border as well as the Path of the Orchids. We continue with the descent to the town of Sierck-les-Bains (France) to then cross yet another bridge back into Luxembourg. Next we take up to the chapel of Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows and, as if seven were not enough, we keep climbing our way to the Stromberg. Finally, on our way back to Schengen, we enjoy a view of the river and its vineyards to then traverse a quite surprising relict of an ancient rainforest, south of the town.
We can have a well deserved glass of white in Schengen.
Even if shortened, this hike still features 2-3 challenging climbs. Check the ups and downs in 2D and 3D.
The carpool.
Bus 402 leaves Gare Rocade platform 6 (behind the main train station) at 9:58 and serves Schengen Ennen am Doref. Those coming from Germany can take the train from Trier to Perl.
We gather by the Berlin Wall at 10:45.

Nature Park of the Two Ourthes (26 km hike)
2024-07-06 11:00 - 18:00 (Europe/Luxembourg)
We will continue to explore the Nature Park of the Two Ourthes, in the Belgian Ardennes.
We had already been at the confluence between the two rivers and we loved it.
Also starting from the dam, this time we will head north-west along the river.
The ups and downs in 2D and 3D.
Note that the elevation gain is now computed differently: The current 1040 m would be less than 700 m with the previous system (valleys and peaks).
The carpool.
We gather at the Barrage de Nisramont by 11 AM.

Valhalla Days (Chiny, Belgium)
2024-07-07 11:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London)
A Viking feast in Belgium.
I may go with my girls.
Tickets from €10 for children and groups.
The carpool.

Calmont Klettersteig (22 km hike)
2024-07-13 11:00 - 18:00 (Europe/Luxembourg)
We give you the steepest vineyards along the Moselle, the Clamont Klettersteig. Truly breathtaking landscapes.
We will be climbing ladders and holding to rails and cables as we put our physical integrity at risk along rocky narrow paths. If you suffer from vertigo make sure you can master it.
This hike requires a good physical condition, not only in terms of hiking endurance but also of agility and balance, as the paths along the Via Ferrata (Klettersteig) can be challenging. On dry conditions no special gear should be required.
Not for the faint of heart, take a good look to the 2D and 3D profiles.
The carpool. You can also take a train to Bullay and then another train or bus to Neef (or just walk, should the 22 km not be enough for you).
We meet at the train stop in Neef by 11:00 AM.

Vulkaneifel II: Swimming in a volcano (26 km hike)
2024-07-20 11:00 - 18:00 (Europe/Luxembourg)
Second hike of a series exploring the volcanic craters within the Vulkaneifel Geopark.
Our magnificent snowy first expedition took place in the middle of the Winter and the volcanic lakes were completely frozen.
This time we will start from Gillenfeld to visit the Dürres Maar, the Holzmaar, the Strohn lava pit, the Immerather Maar, the Römerberg and the Pulvermaar.
Those wishing to do so should be able to go for a well deserved splash in the volcanic lake of Pulvermaar towards the end of the hike.
A very flat one, as you can see from the 2D and 3D elevation profiles.
The carpool.
We meet in front of Touristinformation Gillenfeld by 11 AM.

Plungin' and Ramblin' — Chapter I (11 km hike + beach)
2024-07-21 11:00 - 18:00 (Europe/Luxembourg)
We do a short loop around the lake discovering secret places where one can go for a more or less private swim. Then we go back to the cars, collect the gear and head to the beach.
Bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat.
I have an inflatable boat with room for 3 people. Also flippers, snorkels and wet suits for adults and kids. You are encouraged to bring your own gear, but keep in mind you will have to carry it for a couple of kilometres (not for the entire duration of the hike).
The carpool. Please, add your car if you can.
The meeting point will be communicated to the attendees.
Different hike and a different beach for each chapter.

Montauban in the Gaume (23 km hike)
2024-07-27 11:00 - 16:00 (Europe/Luxembourg)
One for archaeology and Belgian beer lovers.
Back to the Nature Park of the Gaume in the Belgian Ardennes but very close to Luxembourg to (re)visit a number of archaeological sites rich in history and legends, like the Carolingian the Four Sons of Aymon.
The ups and downs in 2D and 3D.
The carpool.
We meet by the lake at Saint-Léger.

Plungin’ and Ramblin’ — Chapter II (14 km hike + beach)
2024-07-28 11:00 - 18:00 (Europe/Luxembourg)

Of ruins and ridges: Bundenbach in Hunsrück (21 km hike)
2024-08-03 11:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Luxembourg)
I love ruins and I love ridges. This one has a bit of each.
Starting from the parking lot of the Traumschleife Hahnenbachtaltour, we will head to the fossil museum and the Keltensiedlung Altburg. Whether or not we will visit either or those sites we can decide on the spot. Most likely not. From there we will continue to the ruins of the Schmidtburg castle.
Our subsequent ascension along the ridge will take us to the Wehlenstein (498 m), Teufelsfels (567 m), Womrather Höhe (596 m), Blickenstein (582 m) and Katzenstein (446 m). We will then descent along the opposite side of the ridge.
The ups and downs in 2D and 3D.
The carpool.
We meet at Schinderhannes Tränke by 11 AM.

Cycling along the Sûre: Wasserbillig - Echternach (51 km ride)
2024-08-04 11:11 - 17:00 (Europe/Luxembourg)
Relaxing cycling along the Sûre river from Wasserbillig to Echternach and back. Up the German bank of the river and down the Luxembourgish side.
Entirely flat and mostly on cycling lanes, the rest being streets and roads. Any bike will do.
Here is the GPX file.
We take the 10:33 train from Luxembourg to Koblenz and step down in Wasserbillig. We meet behind the station, by the Moselle river, aiming at leaving by 11:10.
