Klangwee: 6 km hike for children of all ages
2023-05-21 14:10 - 17:00 (Europe/Luxembourg)
Partially overlapping with the Lee Trail, the Klangwee, Klangwanderweg or Sentier Sonore is a unique experience in northern Luxembourg.
Up the hills and down the river, this short but beautiful loop connects seventeen checkpoints, each one offering a different hands-on sound epiphany.
Should the crew be in the right mood, we can add a few extra hundred metres and climb up and down the Molberlee, but this is not part of the current plan.
The difficulty is very moderate, yet, there are a couple of ups and downs and some rocky terrain which makes it unsuitable for prams and infants (unless you carry them on a sling or similar).
We will meet at around 3 o’clock in front of the Mairie de Hoscheid. There is a small parking space in front of the Mairie. If you come by bus, the stop Hoscheid Kräizgaass is right around the corner.
The link for the carpool will be communicated to the attendees. I should be able to take with me up to one adult and one child (I will give preference to people coming with kids as I will bring my own).

The Stuff of Legends: Genovevahöhle Revisited (22 km hike)
2023-05-27 10:50 - 16:50 (Europe/Luxembourg)
We did a variation of this on Christmas day and it was absolutely spectacular, surprising and full of interesting stuff, magic and fun. So, even though we seldom do the same thing twice, this one is worth revisiting. And, besides, it is not exactly the same thing.
Starting from the train station at Trier-Ehrang (past Trier) we will visit the impressive Cave of Genoveva along with a number of other caves such as Hochburghöhle, the Geyersley, archaeological sites and the Ramstein Castle. And I am purposely leaving the best part out. In fact, the other time we found it by sheer chance. This is one to be explored at length so we will take our time.
There is a train from Luxembourg at 9:33 and return tickets go for €14:80 at bahn.com. There may be the possibility of purchasing a weekend ticket for up to five people for twice as much. Also, muzzles may or may not be required on public transport in Germany. Check as the date approaches (truth be told, the other time most people did not give a fiddler’s fart about it).
The ups and downs. The carpool link will be communicated to the attendees.

Along the Haupeschbaach and the Halerbaach from Beaufort (18 km hike)
2023-06-03 11:15 - 16:15 (Europe/Luxembourg)
Last time we were in the area we ended up walking barefoot along the sandy banks of the Haupeschbaach. I will say no more as Beaufort is everyone’s favourite.
This one is easy enough, though, as you should know by now, with us nothing is.
There are many ways to get to Beaufort such as direct bus 222 or train to Ettelbruck plus bus. The carpool link will be communicated to the attendees.
We will meet at Beaufort Härewiss, where there is a parking and a bus stop.

Circuit of the Haute Sûre Lake (40 km hike)
2023-06-10 09:10 - 19:10 (Europe/Luxembourg)
And in anticipation of the Summer Solstice, we propose what might possibly be the finest hike in Luxembourg, but also an extremely hard one. This one requires remarkable endurance and resilience. And it is not just the distance, but the continuous ups and downs, some very steep.
A real treat and a true challenge, for the body as it is for the mind, and a beautiful one at that. Not for the weak, only the brave, if this does not kill you, nothing will.
Getting to Esch-sur-Sûre in absence of the train to Ettelbruck is not easy either. You are a bit luckier if you happen to be in the Arlon or the Ettelbruck areas. Check mobiliteit.lu for options. As we are going to be very few, most likely the carpool will do. To be announced.
We leave from Esch-sur-Sûre, An de Gäert at 9:10 (yes, that hurts too).

Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken: Weekend in the Vosges (20 + 33 or 17 km)
2023-06-17 10:00 - 2023-06-18 19:00 (Europe/Luxembourg)
Let’s farewell the Spring as she deserves by wandering the Vosges.
The link to the carpool. Most likely, I will leave on Friday evening and stay until Sunday evening, but this is yet to be decided. Please, add your car.
You can participate on both events or just one and also can decide whether to arrive the day before or on the day of the event.
We can arrange the accommodation and other details as the date approaches.
This challenge is going to be extenuating. Please, make sure you have an adequate physical condition and, more importantly, the mental endurance required.

DAY 1 – Saturday 17 June (20 km)
Warm up day. We will start around 10 AM from Oberhaslach.
Most of the difficulty is concentrated at the very beginning. We will go more slowly than usual as we do not want to burn all our energy on the first day. Apart from those first couple of kilometres or so, the difficulty is comparable to what we usually do in Luxembourg.
Some highlights include the ruins of the following castles Ringelsbourg (or Grand Ringelstein), Petit-Ringelstein, Nideck and Hohenstein, along with the Nideck waterfall and the Rocher Hirschfels.
This is a loop. The ups and downs in 2D and 3D.

DAY 2 – Sunday 18 June (33 km)
This is going to be one of the hardest things we have ever attempted from the inception of this group. We will also go more slowly than usual.
We will start around 9 AM from Col du Donon.
We will warm up by climbing the sacred mountain of Alsace, the Donon (1009m), an extraordinary Gaulish spiritual complex. Next, we will reach Tête de Mort (900m) along the a path that connects a number of bunkers from World War I. We will then continue to the Noll (991m), the Narion (998m) and the other jewel of this journey, the Rocher de Mutzig (1009m). Last time we turned around here, but, on this occasion, if we can still stand on our legs, we plan on continuing a bit further, up to the Petit Katzenberg (903m). On our way back we will climb the Petit Donon (961m), a fortified German position that, as does its bigger brother, offers a stunning 360° view of the surroundings.
This is also a loop. The ups and downs in 2D and 3D.

DAY 2 variation (17 km)
As, unlike Schrödinger’s cat or God, I can typically only be in one place at the same time, the feasibility of this alternative depends on finding someone willing to guide those who may opt for it. If you believe that could be you, please, manifest yourself. Otherwise, it will not happen.
We will start together but you will turn around right after having completed the Bunker’s trail. You will still see the two Donons but will miss the other summits. To compensate, you will also do the Kohlberg (907m), thus tracing a beautiful triskelion around the Donons.
The end point is the same, only that you would be expected to get there earlier.
The ups and downs in 2D and 3D and the GPX file.

Luxembourg: dusk, twilight and darkness (16 km promenade)
2023-06-22 20:00 - 23:30 (Europe/Luxembourg)
Admettons, le jour du quatorze-Juillet on reste dans nos lits douillets, oui, mais pas le soir du vingt-trois-Juin. Non ce jour là on va fair la fête!
Let’s celebrate Luxembourg national day with a promenade that will surprise even those who have been around for a while and, perhaps, even the natives.
Indeed, we have done a shorter version of this during the winter and we stumbled into places unbeknown to the whole lot of us.
Let us be surprised by the fireworks wherever we happen to be on that particular instant and let us have a glass of ale whenever we get thirsty!
The ups and downs (or lack thereof) in 2D and 3D.

Ringwall of Otzenhausen within the Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park (30 km hike)
2023-06-24 10:30 - 17:30 (Europe/Luxembourg)
Let’s start the summer with a very special journey that will take us both to Saarland and the Rhineland-Palatinate.
Back to the Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park we will meander around the Nonnweiler dam visiting the Celtic Ringwall of Otzenhausen prior to climbing the Dollberg (695 m), to then continue to the wetlands of Johannenbruch and the protected area of Königsbachtal bei Neuhütten. Yet a small climb will lead us up to the top of the Retzenkopf (661 m). We will next descend back to the dam to visit the old forges of Züscher Hammer. Close to the starting point, we will stop for a few minutes at the viewpoint of Ostermanns Ruh.
The ups and downs in 2D and 3D.
A carpool link will be sent to the attendees.
We can meet at the bus stop Am Hammerberg, Nonnweiler. There are three parking lots nearby: one by the bus stop Eisenbahnstr. Nonnweiler, another next to Hochwald Apotheke and yet another one next to Hallenbad Nonnweiler.

Swim and Walk Chapter I (18 km hike + dips)
2023-07-01 11:00 - 18:00 (Europe/Luxembourg)
Last summer was exceptionally hot in Luxembourg. To cope with the heat, we organised a number of swim-and-walks around the Upper Sûre lake. The idea is simple, we go for a hike under the shade of the trees around the lake and we take a dip in the lake whenever we feel like it. Of course, the dips are optional. If you cannot swim, you can get yourself a vest, a floaty or whatever floats your boat.
The lake and surroundings are beautiful, offer plenty of possibilities and it is great fun. So, probably, we will do it more than once, around different locations. We are even considering a sleepover (to be announced).
The sun and the swimming will make you hungry, so perhaps bring more snacks and water than usual.
The ups and downs in 2D and 3D.
The carpool link will be provided to the attendees in due time. You can check if there are any convenient transportations options to Liefrange.
We will meet at parking Mauer, right after the bridge to the right past Liefrange. There is another parking lot a couple of hundred meters after the suggested one, to the left. Other parking spaces around Liefrange tend to be packed.

Splash for kids of all ages (0-99): Episode III
2023-07-08 14:00 - 18:00 (Europe/Luxembourg)
After the success of the first splashes, here we go again!
Just grab your favourite floaty and join us this Saturday at Burfelt by the Upper Sûre lake. Now, you may be wondering, if the place if so amazing, how come you’ve never heard of it. Well, there is a catch. To get ourselves to the beach we will need to hike some 15 min downhill, which will be around 20 when we’ll come back uphill. People are too lazy, so they don’t bother.
Don’t come too loaded. You will need plenty of water, some fruit, sunscreen and something to cover your head. Typically there is enough shade for everyone.
I will be there with my kids from about 14:00 AM, you are welcome to bring yours if you have any. We have a boat, we have flippers, we have a ball, water guns and some other varied gear.
You are welcome even if you don’t bring any children as long as you are capable of tolerating them.
We will post the link to the car pool in due time.

Three castles: Vianden - Brandenbourg - Bourscheid (28 km hike)
2023-07-09 10:30 - 17:30 (Europe/Luxembourg)
An unexpected journey from castle to castle.
The elevation gain is probably well over a thousand meters. Check the ups and downs.
This one is not a loop.
For the outbound trip, you need to take a train to Ettelbruck and from there a bus to Vianden.
For the return trip, the replacement bus from Michelau to Ettelbruck and a train from there.
Alternatively, you can leave your car in Ettelbruck.

An open-ended road trip to Paradise
2023-07-10 06:00 - 2023-07-16 19:00 (Europe/Luxembourg)
I have about to post this journey on a car sharing platform but, before, let’s see if anyone would like to accompany on this adventure.
I am going to spend a few days in Galicia and I need a driver. Ideally, one with a valid driving permit, documents allowing her/him to travel freely across Europe and the willingness to drive at least one hour of every four.
If you help me driving you will get yourself a free trip, free accommodation, free food and an unforgettable adventure.
Galicia is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Europe, the highest cliff in the continent, the most beautiful beach (according to Lonely Planet’s readers) with its emerald waters, as well as thousands of others with the finest sand, ancient legends, history and monuments, the liveliest Celtic music, mountains where wild horses and wolves still roam… Not to mention the fact that it is a well-known gastronomic destination as it features the richest Atlantic cuisine (at very affordable prices).
I do not have a programme yet, but, there are so many things to do, that we may as well improvise.
The idea would be to leave on Monday 10th or Tuesday 11th at dawn in order reach the southwestern coast of France early enough to still enjoy the beach, and then spend the night in the area to continue on the following day. This means a nine-hour drive each of the two days. Same on the way back, also spending the night in the south of France.
We could stay anywhere between a week and two, also to be agreed upon beforehand or decided on the spot.
Please, do not register if you do not have a certain certainty that you will come.

The Consdorf Passages Reloaded (22 km hike)
2023-07-30 10:30 - 16:00 (Europe/Luxembourg)
A very easy and pleasant hike around Consdorf, one of the finest hiking areas within Luxembourg’s “Little Switzerland”.
And, yet, mindful of our best traditions, we will get into (very) dark places and, possibly, off-track once or twice. For live is short and full of crap and we are set to enjoy ourselves good and proper.
You can take bus 211 at 9:44 from Luxexpo to Consdorf Post and then walk 10 minutes to the meeting point (Consdorf, Konstrëfermillen).
A carpool link will be provided to the attendees.
The ups and downs (or lack thereof) in 2D and 3D.

Petite randonné à Grevenmacher (16 km)
2023-08-26 14:30 - 17:30 (Europe/Luxembourg)
Petite mais jolie randonné à Grevenmacher que pour nous deux. Pas besoin de s’inscrire. Je passe te chercher.
Je l’annonce seulement pour avoir touts les liens dans un même endroit au cas où on voudrais le refaire un jour…
Le dénivelé en 2D et 3D.

Anno 1900 - Steampunk Convention Luxembourg
2023-09-23 12:30 - 18:00 (Europe/Luxembourg)
Allow yourself to be immersed in a realm of fantasy and imagination. A world of science fiction as imagined by Victorian era novelists such as Jules Verne. A steam-powered (retro)future.
There is nothing sexier to do in Luxembourg than the Anno 1900 – Steampunk Convention anyway.
Some of us, kilt-wearing folk, will take the 11:20 train from Luxembourg to Pétange and, once there, the 1900 steam train to Fond-de-Gras at 12:15. The return ticket goes for €11 (cash, an ATM machine is available on premises). Bring some cash anyway as not everyone will accept plastic.
We should get to the venue in time for lunch and then will fool around to see what other artifices this year’s edition has to offer. Have a look to the program, there is some live music and several other attractions.
You can arrive/leave earlier or later, as you please. There are several ways to get to Fond-de-Gras but private cars are not allowed.
I may go back on Sunday should my progeny be in the mood. You are welcome to join us.

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.
