When I first visited the Mullerthal Nature Park on my European travels, I could have swore I was in a fairy tale. The sandstone cliffs carved out smooth by rivers, covered in moss, ferns, and vines sure feels mythical. The valleys darken as you enter narrower and narrower passages in the rocks and it sure feels like a big bad wolf could be just around the corner. I was totally enchanted by the place after spending just a few hours hiking along the Mullerthal trail. 3 years later I ended up moving to Luxembourg and I’ve been exploring the ins and outs of the region ever since. To this day, every walk in the woods in the Mullerthal Nature Park leaves me with that same feeling I got on my first visit. On this page you will find my guide to the Mullerthal Nature and Geopark, which I hope will inspire and aid you to visit this enchanting region.
Table of Contents
- Overview of the Park
- How to get there
- Getting around the Park
- Best things to see
- Other sights
- Activities
- Map
- When to visit
- Where to stay
- Eat and drink like a local
- Nearby Attractions
Overview of the Park
Covering an area of over 256 km2 in the east of Luxembourg, the Mullerthal Nature and Geopark is best known for it’s lush forested valleys, meandering streams and dramatic sandstone cliffs. Quiet villages and grassy farmland cover the regions highlands while the valleys of the Mullerthal Nature Park are covered in forests of beech, pine and spruce among other trees. Impressive rock formations found in the geologic unit known as the ‘Luxembourg Sandstone’ can be found throughout the park. The region is commonly recognized as “Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland” because of it’s jagged landscape and outstanding natural beauty. Many of the park’s natural highlights can be found along the Mullerthal Trail. Which has over 180 kilometers of outstanding segments in the park.
Beyond its stunning scenery, Mullerthal Nature Park also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with charming villages, medieval castles, and ancient Roman ruins scattered throughout the region. The park’s commitment to preserving both its natural and cultural treasures has earned it recognition as a UNESCO Global Geopark, highlighting its geological importance and sustainable development efforts. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a history buff, or simply seeking a tranquil escape in nature, Mullerthal Nature Park offers an unforgettable experience for all who venture into its breathtaking landscapes.
How to get there
By Air: The nearest airport is Luxembourg Airport (LUX). From there, you can either rent a car or take a bus to Luxembourg City, and then connect to a bus heading towards the Mullerthal region.
By Car: The most convenient way to explore the Mullerthal region is undoubtedly by car. The park boasts a well-maintained and extensive road network, making driving a breeze. Parking is generally available at trailheads and in villages, though it can get busy during peak season. Consider arriving early to secure a spot.
By Bike: The PC 2 is a direct bicycle path from Luxembourg City to Echternach (37 km) which provides an easy and quiet passage into the park.
By Public Transport: The simplest way to visit Mullerthal Nature Park with public transport is to get a direct bus from Luxembourg City. Although some buses can be caught near the city center, there are bus lines to most villages in the park from the LuxExpo Bus Station. All public transport is free in the entire country of Luxembourg, making this the cheapest option. Unfortunately, there are no trains directly to the Mullerthal region. But a train ride and then a connecting bus may be faster when heading to Larochette and nearby areas.
Tip: Do not rely on Google Maps for traffic information in Luxembourg. I have found it works on weekdays pretty well but weekends are frequently incorrect.
Timetables/Real time info: https://www.mobiliteit.lu/en/ (I’d recommend downloading the mobiliteit.lu app.)
Getting around the Park
While traveling by car is the easiest way to get around, buses connect most villages in the region and give greater flexibility while hiking. Bus stops are plentiful in this region. Generally, buses come once an hour and sometimes every 30 minutes during the week. Walking on a trail and suddenly feel like you are ready to be done? Check the mobiliteit app and it will list the transport options in addition to guiding you directly from your location on trail to the bus stop.
Route planner: https://www.mobiliteit.lu/en/plan-a-trip/
Hiking and biking trails are plentiful in the region and are the most rewarding ways to get around the park. See activities for more info.
Best things to see
The Schiessentümpel Waterfall after a couple days of rain. 
The medieval Beaufort Castle in the winter. 
A view from inside the Wollefsschlucht. 
Inside the ancient millstone quarry, Huel Lee Cave. 
The Echternach Abbey in the center of Echternach. 
Inside the enchanting cliffs of Roitzbach. 
The charming town of Larochette and it’s medieval castle.
Schiessentümpel Waterfall
About as fairy tale as real life gets. No trip to Mullerthal Nature Park is complete without a visit to the iconic three-pronged Schiessentümpel waterfall. The artistically crafted bridge above the falls was built in 1879 and has remained the symbol of the region since. Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak season, as the Schiessentümpel is a popular destination. Located on the Mullerthal Trail Route 2 and W7 hiking trails.
Beaufort Castle
Step back in time at Beaufort Castle, a captivating semi-ruined medieval fortress. Built in 4 different stages from 1050 to 1650 the castle was abandoned in the second half of the 18th century. After being used as a quarry for the local population, the castle was given some repair work and opened to the public in 1932. Next door is a Renaissance style castle which offers guided tours and makes their own black currant liquor called Cassero. The castles are open to visitors from March 15th to November 15th.
Wollefsschlucht Gorge
An epic 40 meter deep sandstone gorge perched above the Sure river valley. Learn about the geology of the region here and climb through the gorge. Steep staircases will take you to the tops of the sandstone blocks giving you epic views of the valley. The Mullerthal Trail Route 2 passes right through the gorge.
Huel Lee Cave
A cave with a unique twist. The markings on the walls of the cave are actually made during the extraction of millstones. The marks in this cave date back to the middle ages but the cave might have been in use during Roman times. Follow the Mullerthal Trail Route 2 which takes you through the main cave and surrounding smaller caves.
Echternach – Oldest town in Luxembourg
Founded in 698, Echternach boasts a rich history and a vibrant atmosphere. Explore the historic town center, admire the impressive Echternach Abbey, and wander along the banks of the Sure River. With its cobblestone streets, ancient city walls, and a variety of restaurants and cafes, Echternach offers plentiful history, culture, and relaxation. It also serves as a great base for exploring the wider Mullerthal region, with convenient access to hiking trails and other attractions.
Roitzbach Cliffs
Just a stone’s throw from Berdorf is an epic cliff named Roitzbach. This is one of the most naturally stunning places in the Mullerthal Nature Park. The cliffs themselves are epic, but you can actually climb inside them through narrow passages in the rock. The area is a maze and wonderful to take some time to explore. It is located on the Mullerthal Trail Route 2 and the local B2 hiking trail.
Larochette Village and Castle
A charming small village surrounding by sandstone cliffs in the west of the park. Larochette is best known for the large Larochette Castle perched above the town. Doors to the castle are open from March 15th to November 15th. The village is also a great place to take it slow at a cafe in the town square or go for a hike in the quiet forests nearby.
Other sights
Kallektuffquell
A spring which flows out off a large mossy rock formation into a basin. The water in the basin is a tropical blue making for a cool oasis in the woods. Found on the W7 hiking trail.
Rock tunnels – Kuelscheier
The Mullerthal Trail Route 2 weaves its way through many narrow passages in the sandstone. Some of these are pretty long and get completely dark. The Kuelscheier is the most famous of them all, at over 100 meters long. Be sure to bring a flashlight!
Lake Echternach
Just outside the city of Echternach, the lake is great place to swim and barbecue during the summer. A Roman Villa with a free museum is located on the shores and there is a paved walking path around the entire lake.
Ramborn Cider Company
The first (and best!) cider company in Luxembourg. Visit the headquarters in Born for a guided tour or a cider tasting.
Meysembourg Castle
A privately owned Neo-Renaissance Castle in pristine condition. Follow the L2 hiking trail through the forests and view the castle from the property line. No entrance permitted.
Activities
The main activities in Mullerthal Nature Park are hiking and biking. Below are the best routes for each.
Hiking
Mullerthal Trail: Best of the Best
A member of the Leading Quality Trails – Best of Europe, this trail covers most of the territory of the park. Between 3 main routes and 4 extra tours, there are over 180 km of marked trails in the ‘Mullerthal Trail’ system. There’s a lot to see and explore. But the best route for seeing the natural highlights of the region is the 38 km Mullerthal Trail Route 2. Along that trail, the section which should not be missed is from Echternach to Schiessentümpel. This entire section is about 14 kilometers but filled with the most amazing landscapes in the region. Shorten this further by starting or ending at Berdorf. Free buses throughout the region make it easy to travel the trail in sections, be flexible and take your time!
Maps of the entire Mullerthal Trail system: https://www.mullerthal-trail.lu/en/mullerthal-trail
Local Trail B2: Roitzbach – Siweschlëff
A short but intense 4.1 km hike amongst the most stunning cliffs in the park. The trail takes about an hour to walk but there are many side routes to explore in the rock formations, so budget more time for that.
Local Trail L2: Larochette Castle – Meysembourg Castle
Quiet forest stroll from Medieval castle to Neo-Renaissance Castle and back. The route is 8.5 km long and follows along easy going paths in an idyllic forest.
Local Trail W7: Schiessentumpel – Kalktuffquelle
This 11.1 km forested trail follows the Black Ernz River passing by both the Schiessentumpel waterfall and the Kalktuffquelle. The trail has moderate climbs and loops back on itself.
Biking
PC 2: Luxembourg City – Echternach (36.89 km – Easy)
Bike into park from Luxembourg City. The views from the highlands down into the Moselle River Valley are absolutely stunning.
PC 5: White Ernz (9.63 km – Easy)
A leisurely pedal in the valley of the White Ernz River. This path takes you through the quaint village of Larochette, stop into a cafe or explore the Larochette Castle.
PC 3: Along the Sure River (90.27 km – Medium)
About 40 km of this path runs through the Mullerthal Nature Park along the Sure River. This section is very gradual and scenic. The path runs right through the historic town of Echternach.
Mountain Biking
There are 5 mountain biking courses in the Mullerthal Nature Park. Find more information on each here.
Map
Eat and Drink like a local
Local products to try
Ramborn Cider – Cider made with apples from orchards in the Mullerthal Region. Stop into their headquarters in Born for a cider tasting, guided tour, and to choose from a variety of cider styles. The medium dry cider can be found in stores across the country.
Berdorfer Cheese – Kéiserei Schmalen produces local cheeses from their shop in Berdorf. Berdorfer Cheese is similar to a Gouda, but there are a few varieties to try like goat cheese and a winter cheese. Stop into their store and sample the cheeses as well as other dairy products. Berdorfer Cheese can be found in many stores around the country.
Echternacher Beer – The Echternacher Brewery is a small scale production center focused on quality beers. Try out the Hellen beer, which can be found in stores within the Mullerthal Nature Park. Visit the brewery’s restaurants at Becher Gare or Konsdreffer Millen to try more.
Cassero – A black currant liquor crafted in the Beaufort castle. The liquor can be purchased in local stores across the country. Visit the castle to learn more and try other varieties.
Restaurant Recommendations
Heringer Millen: Great place to eat local cuisine during or after a hike. Located near the Scheissentumpel Waterfall, the restaurant serves as the tourist center in the area. Plenty of parking, activities for children and free toilets.
Restaurant Aal Eechternoach: Iconic restaurant in the center of Echternach serving locally produced foods with a great ambience.
Victoria vum Berdorfer Eck: High quality food with a french-flair at reasonable prices.
Where to stay
Camping
During the warmer months camping is a great way to stay in the park and close to nature. The best 2 campground in Mullerthal Nature Park are Camping Martbusch and Camping La Pinède Consdorf. Be sure to book well in advanced during peak seasons as this region is popular with campers.
Youth Hostels
There are 3 state-run youth hostels in the park which provide incredible value.
Hotels
There are plenty of hotel options to stay in the park. The best two towns to stay in are Echternach and Berdorf because of their amenities and proximity to trailheads. You could also stay in Luxembourg City and travel to the park.
When to visit
Mullerthal Nature Park is a delight to visit year-round, each season offering a unique perspective.
Spring brings the landscape to life with plenty of flowers and budding trees, perfect for hiking in comfortable temperatures.
Summer is ideal for exploring the trails and enjoying the lush greenery, though it can be busier.
Autumn transforms the park into a breathtaking tapestry of colors, making it a photographer’s dream.
Winter can be colder, the snow-dusted forests and frozen waterfalls create a magical atmosphere, perfect for those seeking tranquility.
Ultimately, the best time to visit depends on your preferences, but be sure to check weather forecasts before you go!
How long to visit
You should dedicate at least 1 full day to visiting the park. 2 days would allow you to see more at a leisurely pace and anything more would allow a fuller experience in the regions beautiful nature.
Explore Nearby
Sud Eifel Nature Park
The Nature Park on the other side of the Sure River in Germany. Sud Eifel Nature Park is part of the larger German-Luxembourgish Cross-Border Nature Park (which includes parts of the Mullerthal Nature Park). The Sud Eifel Nature Park is Germany’s 2nd oldest nature park. Full guide coming soon.
Our Nature Park
1 of 3 Luxembourgish nature parks and also partially falling into the German-Luxembourg Cross-Border Nature Park. Explore the famous Vianden Castle, Our River Valley, and the high plateaus in the North of Luxembourg. Full guide coming soon.
Oewersauer Nature Park
1 of 3 Luxembourgish nature parks which includes the largest lake in the country. Relax by the lake, take a nice hike through the lush forests or learn about the deep WW2 history present in the park. Full guide coming soon.
Luxembourg City
Luxembourg City offers a fascinating blend of historical charm and modern sophistication. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town, with its charming streets and unique atmosphere. Wander through and along the city’s impressive old fortifications.
Trier
Located 30 minutes away from the park by car, Trier is German’s oldest city. The city was a major Roman hub and is extremely rich in artifacts. Explore the famous Porta Nigra, a massive Roman city gate, among many other Roman ruins which lay around the city. Visit the charming old town and amazing museums.
Moselle River Valley (Wine Region)
Just a short drive away, this picturesque valley is renowned for its stunning vineyards, terraced slopes, and delicious Riesling wines. Take a scenic drive along the Moselle River, stopping at charming villages and family-run wineries to sample the local vintages.
