Éislek: adventure awaits
To the north of the Grand Duchy lies the tourist region of the Éislek, also known as the Ardennes in French and Ösling in German. The region is a genuine treasure trove for outdoor adventure enthusiasts and home to two nature reserves as well as Luxembourg's largest lake. The Éislek also offers an invitation to step back in time and explore its castles and places of remembrance of the Second World War.
Éislek, adventures in nature and remembrance tourism
An outdoor haven for adventure lovers, the Éislek region invites you to embrace nature in all its beauty. Actually, two Luxembourg natural reserves are situated in this region. In the south-west lies the Naturpark Öewersauern; its landscape is marked by the river Sûre and the Upper Sûre lake. It is the perfect location for water-based sports and leisure activities. In the north, the Naturpark Our is characterised by its ever-changing landscapes, ranging from a vast plateau to narrow valleys carved out of the rock. In this reserve, adventure enthusiasts are spoilt for choice with countless hiking trails to suit all levels of fitness.
The Luxembourg Ardennes is also a location of historical remembrance. The Second World War marked one of the darkest chapters in the Grand Duchy's history. In the final months of the conflict, the Battle of the Bulge ravaged the north of the country, leaving scars that are still visible today. With its various monuments, museums and trails, the region is an exceptional point of interest for remembrance tourism.
How to explore the Éislek
Exploring nature on foot
If you love long-distance trails, Éislek is the place to be:
- The Escapardenne Éislek Trail links the Belgian-Luxembourg Ardennes over five stages of around 20km each between Kautenbach (Luxembourg) and La Roche-en-Ardenne (Belgium). The trail covers a total distance of 106km, with around 50km in Luxembourg. This route is technically challenging and recommended for experienced hikers only.
- The Escapardenne Lee Trail is a long-distance hiking trail of around 55km between Ettelbruck and Kautenbach. It can be covered in three daily stages. Moderate hiking experience is also required, as you will be faced with a 2,000m uphill ascent.
If you enjoy hiking, but prefer less demanding trails, you can also do so in the Eislek. In fact, the region has over 200 trails with clear, uniform signposts and plenty of information boards.
Discover nature with your feet in the water
If you're more of an aquatic adventurer, then head for the Lac de la Haute-Sûre. you can enjoy a wide range of activities and also relax in the authorised swimming areas.
- Kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding: you can bring your own kayak or canoe or rent equipment in Lultzhausen (at the youth hostel or water sports centre), where you can also take lessons.
- A guided tour on a solar-powered boat allows you to discover the flora and fauna and learn all about protecting drinking water.
- There are several grassy areas around the lake which are also used as beaches for swimming; these are accessible from the car parks or with the Stauséi-Navette. Please note, to access some the beaches, you have to walk for a few minutes.
Exploring local heritage: castles and culture
The Éislek region is enlightening and enriching with castles, festivals and UNESCO-labelled culture. Here is a selection of the places to visit and activities to enjoy:
- Vianden Castle is one of the largest and most beautiful feudal abodes dating back to the Roman and Gothic eras in Europe. It was built between the 11th and 14th century and has belonged to the State since 1977. It has been restored in keeping with its historic form, and its towers and ramparts are an integral part of the region's landscape. In the summer, the castle hosts the Knights Festival.
- Château de Clervaux boasts a remarkable collection of documentary art photographs: The Family of Man The collection comprises 503 photographs taken by 273 people from 68 countries and brought together by Edward Steichen for the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. After touring the world, the exhibition was installed permanently at the Clervaux Castle in 1994. Since 2003, it has been included in the UNESCO's Memory of the World Register
- Every summer, the amphitheatre at Wiltz Castle plays host to the Wiltz Festival, with international artists, Luxembourg premieres and hybrid productions combining different arts.
A look back at history: remembrance tourism
Places of remembrance help us to better understand history and how the past has shaped our modern times. There are many such examples in the Éislek region and each one highlights the importance of peace and mutual understanding. Here is a small selection:
- General Patton Memorial Museum. This museum is located in Ettelbruck and pays tribute to the American commander whose troops liberated the town on 25th December 1944. Thousands of photographs, documents and objects retrace the events of the Second World War that have influenced Luxembourg's history.
- Hiking trail Schumannseck memorial 1944-1945. Near Nothum, this trail takes you back to the decisive battles of the Battle of the Bulge. The full circuit is 2.8km long and takes around two hours to complete. Dotted along the route are human-sized silhouettes created from photos dating back from the time of the Second World War. The trail takes you past visible traces of the battle and also includes reconstructed shelters.
- "Our Common Heritage" exhibition. Located in Boulaide, this exhibition delves deeper into the memory of the Second World War to uncover the experiences of the people of this cross-border region, capturing a pivotal era from the Belle Époque to the creation of a united Europe. It features five exhibition modules and an immersive experience.
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