Top 5: Most picturesque rivers

The Moselle

The Moselle begins in the Vosges mountains in France and wends its way through Luxembourg for 39km before joining the Rhine in Germany. For the entire length of its journey through Luxembourg, from Schengen to Wasserbillig, the Moselle flows through a series of picturesque villages, including Bech-Kleinmacher, Ehnen, Machtum and Wormeldange, all of which are well worth exploring. Winery tours, tastings of local products, a bike ride along the river (with RentaBike miselerland) or a leisurely stroll through vineyards are all great ways to pass the time. And while you are in the area, we would recommend going to the Schengen Museum to find out more about the Schengen agreements and free movement in Europe.

Each twist or turn in the river reveals new ways of exploring this unique region – and there is something for everyone, from wine enthusiasts to nature lovers or those just looking to relax and unwind.

Several historical bridges cross the Moselle on the Route du Vin in Luxembourg, each with its own history and character. The bridge in Remich is a great example, symbolising European unity and cross-border cooperation.

Throughout its course, the Moselle is characterised by hilly landscapes, gently sloping vineyards and winegrowers' villages full of charming houses with brightly coloured flowers spilling out from the windows. Complete the Route du Vin in style with a cruise on the Moselle and a chance to sip fine Luxembourg wines as the sun slowly sets over the vineyards. 

The Black Ernz

The Black Ernz is formed by the confluence of two streams, the Kriipsebaach and the Iernsterbaach, in the Grünewald forest. The river then continues its course alone, wending its way through fields and lush meadows, green valleys and hills, before entering one of the country's most beautiful regions, the Mullerthal.

In this area known for its spectacular rock formations, dense forests and hiking trails, the Black Ernz flows merrily from meander to meander, providing a generous habitat for frogs, dragonflies and other river dwellers and flowing peacefully through enchanting scenery until it arrives at the Schiessentümpel.

Here it gathers pace, its gentle melody becoming a gurgling dance before it unleashes its full force in a sparkling waterfall. Many couples – and also families, friends and nature lovers – flock to this stunning natural spectacle to daydream and admire the power of nature.

After this frantic interruption, the river becomes calm again. Its waters slow down and glide gently between the stones, looking for new adventures with each bend and loop in their course. 

The Sûre (Sauer)

Flowing for 135km through Luxembourg, the Sûre (or Sauer) is the country's longest river. It emerges in Belgium, crosses into Luxembourg at Rombach and continues its course to Wasserbillig, where it joins the Moselle.

The Sûre passes through historical towns like Diekirch and Echternach, as well as more peaceful areas far removed from urban hustle and bustle, including Goebelsmühle, Bavigne, Insenborn and Rommwiss. In these charming hamlets known for their tranquil surroundings, local produce is never far away. Push open the door of an inn and you will be met with a veritable cornucopia of local specialities and fresh ingredients. Hearty classics immediately spring to mind, such as Gromperekichelecher, Kuddelfleck, Huesenziwwi, Bouneschlupp and Paschtéit.

But the Sûre is not just a treat for the tastebuds; it is also a feast for the eyes. Its meandering course takes it through lush green landscapes, thick forests, vast fields and flowering meadows – picture-postcard views that offer plenty of opportunities to daydream and unwind.  

Naturpark Öewersauer and Naturpark Our are perfect examples. Here, everywhere you turn there are walking trails, open-air activities and the chance to breathe in the fresh air, enjoy the natural surroundings and relax.

The highlight of any trip to this region is Esch-sur-Sûre, one of the most picturesque villages in Luxembourg, with its majestic castle perched on a hilltop, surrounded by the meanders of the Sûre. From the castle, a breathtaking view of the valley unfolds beneath your eyes, creating an unforgettable experience.

The Attert

"Un der Atert, no beim Waasser, wou di grousseg Pëpple stin, wunnt de Bauer Péitche Lauer a säi Meedchen d'Josefin..." is the beginning of a popular Luxembourgish song that tells the story of a young woman who finds love on the banks of the river Attert. One day she falls in the water and her sweetheart tries to save her. But the song does not say whether the woman drowns or survives, leaving her fate unknown.

Against the backdrop of this tragic love story, the song depicts the beauty of nature on the banks of the river Attert, where mighty poplars rise majestically. The song combines love, nature and melancholy in a peaceful setting that is perfect for nature lovers and also for anyone wanting to share a private moment, lulled by the soothing murmur of the water. The Attert flows through forests and meadows, creating a wonderfully gentle, poetic landscape.

But the banks of the river, which wends its way through villages including Oberpallen, Ell, Redange, Useldange and Bissen, are not just an idyllic natural setting: they are also strewn with historical treasures such as the mediaeval Useldange Castle, Colpach Castle and the Baroque church in Redange-sur-Attert, built in 1771. The village of Redange-sur-Attert is also home to a 19th-century wash house, a listed historical monument. This relic of the past is as precious as the unforgettable moments spent sitting on the riverbank watching the world go by. 

The Alzette

The source of the Alzette is in the French region of Lorraine, but most of its course is in Luxembourg. It wends its way peacefully from the south to the north of the country over roughly 70km, forming loops and meanders. It crosses through valleys, green fields and pretty villages. The poet Michel Lentz (1820-1893) highlighted the river's romantic nature in the first lines of Luxembourg's national anthem: "Wou d'Uelzecht duerch d'Wisen zéit" ("Where the Alzette slowly flows").

As the Alzette flows away from the plain, leaving behind fields and meadows, its course takes it towards Luxembourg City. At the foot of the Bock promontory, by the entrance to the Grund, it discreetly joins with the Pétrusse. In this historical setting, it creates a wonderfully romantic setting: surrounded by ancient ramparts, old stone houses and picturesque bridges, with ducks cheerfully quacking in the background, it offers visitors a stunning tableau worthy of a painting.

The view from the bridge over the Grund (Rue Münster) is a great example: it is simply breathtaking, with half-timbered houses, steep cliffs, the Bock promontory and the steeple of St John's Church towering over the scene. And the scenery becomes even more delightful as we make our way along the banks, under the historical walls of Neimënster Abbey, and arrive at Stierchen Bridge. The vista over this relic of the Wenzel wall, framed by trees rising from the water, is a dreamy setting, perfect for a romantic stroll or a moment of reflection.