Water activities in Luxembourg: cool off in lakes, rivers and swimming pools

Be it a tranquil swim in nature or the thrill of a waterslide – water lovers of all ages are sure to find what they’re looking for in Luxembourg. The Grand Duchy boasts a wide variety of lakes and open-air pools for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing.

There are four idyllic natural swimming spots where you can cool off in nature: In the far north of the country, the lakes of Weiswampach offer a family-friendly atmosphere and a variety of nearby hiking trails, making them a great place for an excursion. In the Mullerthal region, the area around Echternach Lake offers not just swimming, but a whole host of other leisure activities – from a bike park and climbing hall to a Roman villa. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Upper Sûre reservoir lake, nestled in the picturesque landscape of the Upper Sûre Nature Park, is the perfect retreat. In addition to a wide range of water sports, many outdoor activities invite you to relax and unwind. And the best part: a free shuttle service takes you to the most beautiful spots—without the hassle of parking. In the south, the Remerschen lakes, known as "Baggerweieren", welcome visitors with spacious sunbathing areas, barbecue zones and sports facilities. And four-legged friends are equally well looked after: a dedicated dog beach provides the perfect place for them to play and cool off by the water. 

Those who prefer the facilities of a traditional outdoor pool will be spoilt for choice in Luxembourg. The Grevenmacher open-air pool offers magnificent views of the Moselle river. In Vianden, you can swim while taking in the picturesque views of the castle and surrounding valley. And in the south, the modern Aquasud leisure complex in Differdange boasts a wide variety of water and sports facilities across an area of 10,000 square metres. You can find a full list of all indoor and outdoor pools here.

SUP, wakeboarding and water skiing

Time to hit the board! One water sport that has surged in popularity in recent years is stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Whether you prefer a relaxing glide across the surface or a more demanding workout to test your balance and fitness, SUP is a versatile summer activity that can now be enjoyed at more and more locations across Luxembourg. If you don't have your own board, SUP equipment can be rented at the lakes in Echternach and Remerschen and at the Upper Sûre reservoir lake in Lultzhausen, with introductory sessions available to help you get started. Boards can also be hired on the River Sûre – in Dillingen, Wallendorf-Pont and Rosport.

For those craving a bit more action, wakeboarding and water skiing are just the ticket. Whether beginner or experienced, the Moselle promises plenty of fun for thrill-seekers – all in a mild climate and set against a stunning backdrop of rolling vineyards. In Grevenmacher and Ehnen, you can book not only conventional wakeboarding and water skiing sessions, but also try out wakesurfing, barefoot water skiing and monoskiing.

Hold on tight! As a splashy and fun alternative for all ages, hop on a banana boat – a bright yellow, banana-shaped inflatable pulled along by a speedboat. You can try this exhilarating water ride in Rosport.

Canoeing and kayaking

To see Luxembourg from a whole new perspective this summer, take to the water in a canoe or kayak. The River Sûre is the perfect setting for a relaxed paddling tour. With its gentle current and the picturesque backdrop of Natura 2000 conservation areas, it is ideal for nature lovers and explorers alike. Several entry points and rental stations are located between Wallendorf-Pont, Dillingen and Rosport. A tour on the river combines exercise, tranquillity and nature, far away from the hustle and bustle – whether you’re paddling solo, as a pair or in a group.

Paddling fans will also find plenty of options at the Upper Sûre reservoir lake. The youth hostel in Lultzhausen offers canoeing and kayaking activities for both children and adults. Whether alone or on a guided tour, this is a wonderful place to immerse yourself in nature. One particular highlight is the Early Bird Kayak Tour, on which you can watch the sunrise from the water.

Craving more adrenaline? In Diekirch, experienced kayakers can put their skills to the test on a whitewater course with fast currents. You will need to book in advance and bring your own equipment.

Boat trips

All aboard! On a scenic cruise aboard the M.S. Marie-Astrid, the Roude Léiw or the RiverDiva, guests can take in the stunning Moselle landscape while enjoying a glass or two of the local wine. If you feel the need for speed, powerboats offer a thrilling way to explore the region from the water. You will need a boating licence and your own boat for this, as there are no rental boats available on the Moselle.

In the north of the country, the Upper Sûre reservoir lake offers visitors a truly special experience: a solar-powered boat that lets you explore Luxembourg’s largest drinking water reservoir and its surrounding nature in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way.

If you prefer to take things at a more leisurely pace and power the boat yourself, pedal boats are available to rent in many parts of the Grand Duchy. Pedalos can be hired at the lakes in Echternach, Weiswampach and Remerschen, among other places.

Fishing

Luxembourg’s waters are teeming with species such as trout, pike, zander, eel and carp, making it a great destination for a successful fishing trip. You can fish not only at various lakes and ponds, but also along most of the country’s rivers. Anyone wanting to cast their rod will need a valid permit: the inland fishing licence, as well as the border fishing licence for fishing in waters bordering Germany, can be applied for easily online.  

Diving

Diving in Luxembourg? Absolutely! The Grand Duchy might not seem like your typical diving destination, but it offers some surprisingly exciting options. At the Upper Sûre reservoir lake, divers can reach depths of up to 32 metres, where native fish, old walls, bridges and even a replica of the Gëlle Fra await – deliberately placed underwater along with other sculptures and figures for divers to explore. With depths of 4 to 5 metres, the public lake in Remerschen is perfect for training dives and beginners.

Numerous diving clubs across the country regularly offer trial dives, weekly training sessions and internationally recognised certification courses.