Mullerthal: fascinating geology and traditions

Mullerthal, UNESCO-labelled nature and traditions

The Mullerthal is famed for the diversity of its natural and geological heritage – it is home to astonishing rock formations and an outstanding biotope. This natural heritage can be explored in the Natur- & Geopark Mëllerdall nature park, part of the UNESCO Global Geoparks network.

Echternach, the region's capital and the country's oldest town, is home to one of the most popular traditions in Luxembourg: the hopping procession or Sprangpressessioun, which is on UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The region also has a wealth of historical sites and castles – it really is the perfect place for anyone looking for fascinating culture and good food.

How to explore the Mullerthal

Exploring the natural environment

Hiking is the perfect way to dive into the region's natural treasures, especially in the Natur- & Geopark Mëllerdall:

• The Mullerthal Trail is simply breathtaking. The 112km trail is divided into three routes, each with its own unique characteristics:
  • Route 1 (36km) showcases the varied landscape: rocks, forests and meadows.
  • Route 2 (38km) leads hikers past spectacular rock formations.
  • Route 3 (38km) is characterised by rock formations, enchanting valleys and romantic castles.
• The four ExtraTours on the Mullerthal Trail are shorter, easier routes for less experienced hikers.
•  Circular walks and local trails, which are much less technically and physically demanding, are also worth exploring.
•  Geo Pads (geological trails) allow visitors to discover the park's main attraction: geology. One example is the Geo Pad Hëlt (4km), which covers one of the reserve's 22 geosites.

The Mullerthal Trail has been awarded the Leading Quality Trails – Best of Europe label by the European Hiking Federation.

You can also explore the Mullerthal by bike:

• The region offers five signposted mountain bike trails of varying levels of difficulty, as well as unmissable events such as the Mill-Man-Trail.
• If you prefer to use a racing bike, there are 16 circuits weaving through the hilly landscape, offering spectacular climbs and descents.
• On the other hand, if you're looking for a more leisurely way to travel around the region, then we recommend one of the five national cycle routes, which are often flat, wide and suitable for families.

Exploring the region's heritage

The town of Echternach has long been a cultural crossroads. It is a great place for anyone interested in ancient history and traditions. Here is a selection of our favourite activities:

• The hopping procession or Sprangpressessioun. It is held every year on Whit Tuesday in tribute to the Irish monk Willibrord (658-739), the founder of Echternach Abbey. Pilgrims line up in rows of five or six, linked together with handkerchiefs folded into triangles, and slowly move forward by hopping, accompanied by brass band music. The unique nature of this procession, which involves the entire body in worship, led to it being added to the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage in 2010.
• The Basilica. The hopping procession takes pilgrims through the winding streets of Echternach until they arrive at Willibrord's tomb in the crypt of the basilica, which has a long history. The monk Willibrord had a monastery and a small church built on the site in the year 709, and it was gradually extended over the centuries. The basilica was destroyed during the Second World War but was rebuilt and consecrated in 1953.
• The Roman villa or Réimervilla is one of the largest and grandest rural properties in the area around Trier, the former Roman city of Augusta Treverorum. Spread over more than 10 hectares, this palace had 70 rooms on the ground floor, with porticoes, inner courtyards, lakes, marble facings, mosaic pavements and underfloor heating. The mansion and a Roman garden with more than 70 medicinal and ornamental plants are open to visitors in summer.

The region also has several castles, including:

• Larochette Castle. The ruins of this imposing castle are set on a rocky outcrop overlooking Larochette, towering some 150m above the valley of the White Ernz, a tributary of the Sauer. It has been beautifully restored and consolidated and now hosts events and tours.
• Beaufort Castles. Beaufort has not one but two castles, nestled in a lush green setting: the ruins of the mediaeval castle (1050-1650), which lie near a lake, and the 17th-century Renaissance castle, with a courtyard that today hosts classical and contemporary music concerts. From April to November, guided tours are held, offering visitors an introduction to ten centuries of Luxembourg's history.
• Bourglinster Castle. The entrance is like something out of a fairytale, complete with moat, fortified gates and a pair of defensive towers dating from the 14th and 15th centuries. The castle is also home to one of Luxembourg's most acclaimed restaurants, La Distillerie, which has been awarded a green Michelin star and voted best vegetarian restaurant in the world on several occasions.