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.

The gorges of the Ehrbach (20 km hike)
2024-08-10 11:15 - 16:15 (Europe/Luxembourg)
Let’s go to the Ehrbach valley and do an enhanced version of the Traumschleife Ehrbachklamm.
This German classic offers is a bit of everything: idyllic landscapes, breathtaking gorges, small waterfalls and castle ruins.
Some sections of the trail may be a little be rough.
The ups and downs in 2D and 3D.
The carpool.
We meet in the parking lot south of Oppenhausen by 11 AM.

Altschlossfelsen in the Palatinate Forest-North Vosges (20 km hike)
2024-08-17 11:00 - 16:00 (Europe/Luxembourg)
The Palatinate Forest-North Vosges Biosphere Reserve was designated as a cross-border protected area by the UNESCO back in 1998.
In this first incursion in the region we will discover the characteristic red rocks of Altschlossfelsen, a classic in Germany.
Starting from the French village of Roppeviller, we will head to the Rocher de Diane (a relief in homage to the goddess carved by a Roman road), to follow the Altschlossfelsen path, already in Germany. We will then continue to the marshlands of Schöneichelsmoor. Next, we will head to Eppenbrunn and back to the starting point in France via the Teufelstisch.
The ups and downs in 2D and 3D.
The carpool.
We meet by the church at Roppeviller at 11 AM.

Three castles: Vianden - Brandenbourg - Bourscheid (24 km hike)
2024-09-07 10:30 - 16:30 (Europe/Luxembourg)
This journey from castle to castle is an entirely new take on a hike we did last year.
Three things to consider:
* This one is not a loop, we will rely on public transport.
* Not our typical forest hike: it combines forests and rural landscapes. Some short asphalt road segments are unavoidable (kept to a minimum as compared to last year).
* One challenging climb towards the end.
Check the ups and downs in 2D and 3D.

Public transport:
* Luxembourg – Vianden. Take the train to Ettelbruck at 9:16 and bus 180 from there at 9:50. Get off in Vianden Place Engelman. From there it is a short climb to the castle.
* Bourscheid – Luxembourg. Bus 135 to Ettelbruck departs from the castle hourly (for instance 17:39). From there we take the train back to Luxembourg.

We meet by the entry gate of Vianden castle at 10:30 AM.

Natur Pur Plus (20 km hike)
2024-09-14 11:20 - 16:20 (Europe/Luxembourg)
An expanded version of the Natur Pur educational trail that follows the river Sûre along the “Bruch – Pont-Misère” nature reserve. We have spiced it up with a brief incursion into Belgian territory and a thorough exploration of the meanders.
The ups and downs in 2D and 3D.
The carpool.
Bus 903 circulates between Stäreplaz/Étoile (platform 3) and Misärshaff every hour and takes about one hour. You can take the 10:15 bus and return in the 16:46 bus. There are also indirect options that can shorten your waiting time for the return.
We meet at Parking Misärshaff by 11:20 AM.

Geierlay suspension bridge revisited: the pious way (21 km hike)
2024-09-21 11:00 - 18:00 (Europe/Luxembourg)
Last time we did the Geierlay suspension bridge, we headed south-east to pay a visit to the witches of Hexentürmchen.
This time we will try to atone for our transgressions by taking the opposite way and pilgrimaging from and to the cloister of Maria Engelport, north-west of the bridge.
Anyway, we know all too well how easily nuns can turn into witches and vice-versa, for such is human nature. So expect anything from this expedition.
I have tried to make this kind of flattish, considering, buy have a look to the ups and down in 2D and 3D.
The carpool.
On the way back we can stop in one of the nearby picturesque towns along the Moselle for a well deserved glass of white. We have recently been to Cochem and it was nice. This is Germany, bring enough cash as plastic and digital currency is not welcome here.
We meet by the convent at 11 AM. It takes a good couple of hours to get there.

Anno 1900 Steampunk Convention (11 + 4 km hike)
2024-09-28 10:45 - 18:00 (Europe/Luxembourg)
The Anno 1900 Steampunk Convention is already a tradition for Hiking & Mountaineering Luxembourg. It is cool, it is fun and it is sexy.
Typically, we take the 1900 steam train from Petange, but, this year, those wishing to do so should be able to actually hike.
I propose taking the 10:02 train from Luxembourg to Belvaux-Soleuvre and hiking from there all the way to Fond-de-Gras (11 km).
We can have lunch and stay at the Convention for as long as you’d wish.
For the return journey, I will walk to Petange (4 km) and take the train to Luxembourg.
But there are many other options, including taking the steam train instead.

This one is not a loop. The ups and downs in 2D and 3D.
We meet at the train station Belvaux-Soleuvre by 10:45.

Anno 1900 — kids trail (5 + 5 km hike)
2024-09-29 11:00 - 16:30 (Europe/Luxembourg)
The Anno 1900 Steampunk Convention is already a tradition for Hiking & Mountaineering Luxembourg.
On Saturday 28th we will have the regular version of this event and on Sunday 29th the kids version. This one.
It is a very easy hike starting from Pétange train station and ending at Niederkorn train station. In principle, if you stick to the plan, not a loop (but you can easily make it one, see below).
You can stay at the convention for as long as you’d wish. Instead of hiking, on your way back you can take the 1900 steam train to Pétange or the shuttle bus.
Check the ups and downs in 2D and 3D.
Preference will be given to those bringing children (add them as guests) but childless hikers are also welcome.
We meet by 10:55 at Pétange train station.

Saarburg - Oberbillig (26 km hike)
2024-10-06 10:55 - 17:55 (Europe/Luxembourg)
A pilgrimage from the picturesque town of Saarburg to Oberbillig.
Harder than average, make sure you check the 2D and 3D elevation profiles.
This one is not a loop.
To get to Saarburg on a Saturday you can take a train from Luxembourg (via Trier). Check the attached screenshot. The sooner your book, the cheaper.
To go back to Luxembourg we will either take the ferry from Oberbillig to Wasserbillig and then the train or, if there is no ferry, the bus to Grevenmacher and then another bus.
The ferry costs €1, make sure to bring the exact amount.
As usual, in Germany cash is king.
Join our Telegram group.
We meet at Saarburg train station by 10:55.

From castle to castle: Bourscheid — Esch-sur-Sûre (22 km hike)
2024-10-13 10:30 - 16:45 (Europe/Luxembourg)
We have recently done Vianden – Brandenbourg – Bourscheid and it was quite the adventure.
Let’s take it where we left it with another absolutely original journey from castle to castle: Bourscheid — Esch-sur-Sûre.
Shorter but a bit harder, check the ups and downs in 2D and 3D.
This one is not a loop.
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PUBLIC TRANSPORT
* Luxembourg — Ettelbruck — Bourscheid castle. Take the 9:16 train from Luxembourg to Ettelbruck and bus 135 from there to Bourscheid castle (Bourscheid, Beim Schlass). We will have 15 minutes for a quick coffee at the castle’s terrace.
* Esch-sur-Sûre — Ettelbruck — Luxembourg. On the way back, we can have a beer in Esch-sur-Sûre while waiting for the bus back to Ettelbruck (for instance, bus 131 at 16:45 from Esch-sur-Sûre, An de Gäert) and then take the train back to Luxembourg from there.
Should you come by car, you can alternatively leave it at Ettelbruck’s train station.
We start from Bourscheid castle at 10:30.

Inhabited castles (24 km hike)
2024-10-20 11:10 - 16:10 (Europe/Luxembourg)
We will follow the steps that the new Grand Duke could take should he fancy a scenic stroll from his current residence at Fischbach castle to his future residence at Colmar/Berg castle.
On the way we will pass by Meysembourg castle, Drachelay, Kauzelee, Hexelee, and, already in our way to Schieren train station, Birtrange castle.
All four castles share the state of being private residences and therefore, if possible at all, we will have to content ourselves with contemplating them from a distance.
This one is not a loop but it is quite easy with all the climbs concentrated on the first half.
Check the ups and downs in 2D and 3D.
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OUTBOUND
You can take the 10:16 train to Mersch and, from there, bus 234 at 11:00 up to Fischbach, Beim Schlass. You can have breakfast in Mersch while waiting for the bus.
INBOUND
We take the train back to Luxembourg from Schieren.
We meet at Fischbach, Beim Schlass at 11:10.

Fall in the Belgian Ardennes (22 km hike)
2024-10-27 10:30 - 17:30 (Europe/Luxembourg)
NOTE: This hike has been downgraded from the original 27 to 22-23 km in order to avoid a hunt in the area.
Back to the Belgian Ardennes, back to La Semois, for a colourful hike around Herbeumont.
In our previous adventures we have always come upon breathtaking views of the river.
We will first visit the ruins of the castle to then meander northwards along the river up to Mortehan and Cugnon and finally head back south to Herbeumont across de viaduct of Conques.
The ups and downs in 2D and 3D. As daylight time will be already rather short, we will need to start on time and keep a reasonable pace.
Remember to adjust your alarm clock on Saturday evening (one hour less).
The carpool.
Join our Telegram group.
We start from the Chateau Herbeumont by 10:30.

Halloween nocturnal procession (6 km)
2024-10-31 18:30 - 21:30 (Europe/Luxembourg)
The Samhain/Halloween tradition were I am from involves bonfires, roasting chestnuts, grilling sausages, wine or cider, pumpkins and mischief.
As we don’t want to get ourselves arrested, we’ll just go for a wee walk around Luxembourg city.
Smooth and easy but, as it is our signature, you shouldn’t be shocked if there happens to be a certain degree of adventure and improvisation. I expect a very moderate degree this time but, on a night like this, you never know…
Do not forget your headlight if you have one or just make sure your phone has enough battery to be used as a torch. This is a nocturnal promenade and we will go through dark places with a terrain that at night might prove treacherous.
Someone, please, remind me to bring my lighter and a wine cork. This is an extremely important part of the tradition if, God forbid, we happen to return home after midnight.
If you are adventurous and good humoured and buy me a drink I will tell you all there is to know about the Samhain or Magusto so that you won’t need to read the freaking Wikipedia. Now, if you look like the fellows on the picture, it’s me who will buy you a drink.
Join our group in Telegram.
This hike is not a loop, we start at Pescatore and end at Clausen (so that we can go for a drink). It’s actually yet another variation to what we do to see the fireworks.
The ups and downs in 2D and 3D.
We meet in front of Fondation Pescatore (benches overlooking the valley) at 18:30.

Echternach Dream Loop II (20 km hike)
2024-11-03 10:55 - 16:55 (Europe/Luxembourg)
We will replace the hike along the Clerve (postponed due to train disruptions) with this one along the Lauterburerbaach.
Your typical Mullerthal stuff, only that we will take south from Scheidgen to then climb the hill south of Echternach lake.
We will finish with a stroll around the lake.
Easy and relaxing loop to compensate for all the chastising from the previous adventure.
Just a steep, short, climb at the very beginning. Check the 2D and 3D profiles.
Join our group in Telegram.
Bus 201 leaves Luxexpo Station (platform 4) by 10:20.
If you come by car, you can park by the lake.
We meet at the bus stop Echternach, Nonnenmillen/Lac by 10:55.
