Winter hikes: experiences to warm body and soul

The Luxembourg Ardennes - An emotional bath in the forest

Luxembourg's first forest bathing path was opened in Ettelbruck. In a total of six stations, the trail offers a shinrin yoku experience, a popular Japanese practice of bathing in the forest with all five senses.

The path starts at the campsite in Ettelbruck and then climbs up to the edge of the Wëllerbësch, where you will find the first signpost. Once in the forest, switch off your mobile phone, soak up the smell of the trees, observe the colourful leaves in detail... It's surely a nice way of unwinding after a long year filled with work requirements.

Idea to end the walk: a warm drink in Esch-sur-Sûre while admiring the ruined manor and the steep cliffs rising out of the river.

In the Moselle region... walks and raising your glass to the new year

With its relatively mild climate, the Luxembourg Moselle is also a region that also flourishes in winter. The three Boucles de rêve (dream loops) spell pleasure and quality for hikers: these three certified Premium Trails cover rock formations, vineyards, historical mills and forests. So tie up the laces of your hiking shoes and let's go!

You can end your trail with a tour of cellars of Luxembourgish sparkling wine producers and raise your glass to the new year!

A walk amidst sculptures in the Guttland

If you visit the French Gardens of the Ansembourg Castle in the winter, you can not only discover the large fountains and the collection of sculptures adorning the park, but also the Eisch valley's natural environment. If you contact the Regional Tourist Office Centre/West, you can enjoy a guided tour to discover the gardens that were laid out as early as 1750.

If you prefer to immerse yourself in the forest, the Rindschleiden meditation hiking trail is what you need. It is an easy 1.5km trail to disconnect and collect your thoughts.

Would you like to round off a visit to the gardens or the walk in the forest with a taste of Guttland? This gourmet cycle tour with regional products is a must! 

Rock formations, legends and frozen waterfalls in the Mullerthal

Featuring narrow rocky passages and grottos, the Natur- & Geopark Mëllerdall is an invitation to experience geology. Most of the park's trails can be used in the winter, but what makes this season stand out is that you can observe the spectacular rock formations really well as there is no foliage in sight!

The Wollesfsschlucht, meaning the 'wolf's gorge', is probably the most imposing natural monuments of the park: the rock walls rise up to 50 metres. Legend has it that a treasure is hidden in the gorge, guarded by a dog with sparkling eyes... who is actually a haunted Count! To discover it, take route 2 of the Mullerthal Trail. A diversion is in currently in place on this trail, but there are signs to help you find your way and enjoy your hike. Do not forget sturdy shoes, the trail is demanding in some sections!

If it's a very cold day, tempt fate by visiting the Kalktuffquelle. These two sets of waterfalls are often covered in ice when the temperatures fall under the freezing point. To get there, take route 3 of the Mullerthal Trail. As with Route 2, several diversions are currently in place in the area, but they do not prevent the visit of the Kalkuffquelle.

Natur- & Geopark Mëllerdall: UNESCO Global Geopark

Did you know that more than 200 million years ago there was a sea in the Natur- & Geopark Mëllerdall region? The sandstones that formed the seabed at that time still show many traces that give a unique insight into the history of the region! Today, the orography of the park plays a key role in the supply of drinking water, the presence of certain animal and plant species and the use of the land.

With this remarkable history, the Natur- & Geopark Mëllerdall officially became part of the UNESCO Global Geopark network in April 2022. A UNESCO Global Geopark is an area with a geological heritage of international importance. Many of the geoparks in the UNESCO network help to raise awareness of geological hazards such as volcanic risks, earthquakes and tsunamis, and as part of this, develop hazard mitigation strategies within local communities. UNESCO Global Geoparks keep records of climate change in recent years. They act as educators for the changes that are taking place and help to adopt good environmental practices by promoting the use of renewable energy and green tourism.

Would you like to go on long winter walks to discover all the secrets of the region? With a network of 112km of well-marked trails, the Mullerthal Trail is not to be missed!

The Land of the Red Rocks for experienced mountain biking lovers

Visiting the Ellergronn nature reserve - Natura 2000 that is in the vicinity of Esch-sur-Alzette is a highlight for both beginners and advanced hikers, and does not become too difficult in winter months. Covering a distance of 12km, it's an educational trail divided into three theme-based loops that can easily be combined. A real gem to explore as part of a hike!

You're an experienced mountain bike lover in need of a physical challenge after the season's hearty meals? The RedRock MTB Trail Haard-black or Haard-red await you. Unique experience guaranteed - but the routes are tough.