Tucked away amongst the rugged Ardennes Forest of Northerwestern Luxembourg, Naturpark Öewersauer, also known as the Upper Sûre Nature Park, spans over 230 square kilometers of beautiful landscapes and is host to the country’s largest lake. Upper Sûre Lake, as it is known in English, is the centerpiece of the park. It functions as the largest water reservoir in the country, providing water to around 70% of the country. During the summer the lake provides an oasis for swimming, picnicking, and practicing water sports. The nature park is also home to beautiful forested hills with pristine hiking and biking trails. Follow the magnificent routes around the lake or venture deeper into the rough landscapes of the Ardennes. During the Battle of the Bulge, this area received heavy fighting and throughout the park you will find reminders of these events. Whether you are looking escape into nature or a glimpse into this region’s past, this guide will help you explore the best of the park and provide you with the information needed to have the best trip possible. Enjoy!
Table of Contents
Overview of the Park
Often referred to as Luxembourg’s Lake District, Naturpark Öewersauer is centered around it’s water. All throughout the hills of the park, water springs can be found. The water flows through quiet forest creeks and streams until is eventually makes it’s way into Upper Sûre Lake. Here the water is held back by a dam, creating an oasis in the Ardennes. Deep blue water amongst the lush forests create a calming effect. The surrounding area is a haven for hikers, with over 500 kilometers of trails weaving through the park. The lake’s valley is a designated Ramsar site (a wetland of international importance) and it’s home to birds like black storks, ospreys, and hazel grouse. Given the park’s uneven terrain, viewpoints and grand vistas can be frequently found while walking about.
Charming historic towns such as Esch-sur-Sûre and Wiltz can also be found in the park. Their histories going back well over a thousand years ago. Visit the castles in these towns for a deep dive into the past. But for a more modern taste of history, head to Schumannseck and visit the Battle of the Bulge Memorial Trail. Some of the most brutal fighting in WW2 took place in this now peaceful environment. The trail takes you through the scarred forests and features life-sized cutouts of actual photos taken during the battle. Scattered throughout Naturpark Öewersauer are memorials, WW2 weapons, and old bunkers left for people to remember. The park is rich in history and natural beauty so it makes a great place to escape, reflect, and enjoy the outdoors.
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 with public transport heading north to the Éislek region.
By Car: Travel North from Luxembourg City on the A7 which goes until Ettelbruck, then turn onto the N15 which heads directly into the park. There are plenty of roads throughout Naturpark Öewersauer, so most attractions are accessible by car.
By Public Transport: Public transport is free through the entire country and it is very easy to use. Almost every village in Naturpark Öewersauer is accessible with buses every 30 minutes to an hour. Below are the most common routes into the park.
- To get to Upper Sure Lake from Luxembourg City, take the IC (fastest) or RB train north to Ettelbruck. Then change onto bus 133 for Esch-sur-Sure or bus 131 for further along the lake, like Lultzhausen.
- To get to Wiltz, take the RE or IC train north to Kautenbach here you switch onto an old RE train that will take you to Wiltz. Sometimes a bus connection is faster be sure to check your route at https://www.mobiliteit.lu/en/
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
The most convenient way to explore Naturpark Öewersauer is with a car. The rugged hills provide very scenic drives. Free parking is generally available along the lake, at trailheads and in villages, although the popular beaches have paid parking.
Buses connect most villages in the region and give great 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
Upper Sûre Lake
At the center of the park, Upper Sûre Lake is the largest body of water in Luxembourg. It’s a popular spot for outdoor activities like swimming, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, and diving—though motorboats are banned to preserve water quality and the natural environment. There is also a solar-powered boat that offers tours for 10 euros, for a chance to explore the lake while learning about its ecosystem. Surrounding the lake are hundreds of kilometers of beautiful hiking trails.
The lake is truly an oasis on hot summer days when the cold water is appreciated most. There are plenty of swimming areas along the shore. But the most popular spots are Insenborn and Lultzhausen. Insenborn offers more parking and large grassy picnic spots along the shore. Lultzhausen has water sports rentals, a floating bridge across the lake, and a grassy area to lounge on the shore. More on water sports in the activities section.
Esch-sur-Sûre
A picturesque town nestled amongst the beautiful forested hills of the Ardennes, located just downstream from Upper Sûre Lake. Perched above the town are ruins of a medieval castle which can be freely explored. Hike up to the castle and enjoy stunning views over the village’s narrow streets many of which have changed little since the Middle Ages. The town itself is tiny, with a population of just over 400 as of recent years, preserving a peaceful, almost timeless feel. Take a slow day here and enjoy the castle and cafes or use it as a starting point for a nice hike.
Wiltz
The cultural and historical hub and largest town in Naturpark Öewersauer (population 5848). Wiltz is beautiful a town surrounded by hills and forests. The town is spread out along the incline of a hill with the upper town being 100 meters higher than the lower town.
Historically, Wiltz traces its origins back to Celtic times, with its name derived from a Celtic term meaning “on the creek.” It was first documented in 764 AD in connection with the Lorsch Monastery, though it became more prominent in the Middle Ages as the seat of the Counts of Wiltz, Luxembourg’s oldest noble family. The town received its town rights in 1240, and its most iconic landmark, Wiltz Castle, began taking shape over centuries.
Today, the castle hosts two museums—the National Museum of the Art of Brewing and the Battle of the Bulge Museum—as well as a tourist information center. The town played a significant role in WW2, being proclaimed a “martyr town” as it suffered greatly under German occupation. Wiltz is connected to some great hiking and biking trails making it a great place to stay in the park.
Battle of the Bulge Memorial Trail
Located just outside of Wiltz, is the Schumannseck Memorial Trail. This national memorial site preserves the scars of the brutal fighting that unfolded from December 27, 1944, to January 21, 1945, during the Battle of the Bulge. American forces took on the advancing German troops during Hitler’s last major offensive on the Western Front. The fighting here was relentless, costing thousands of lives on both sides amid freezing winter conditions, with temperatures dropping as low as -25°C. The dense forest and rugged terrain amplified the chaos, leaving behind physical scars like foxholes, trenches, and bomb craters that remain visible today.
The 1.1 km and 2.8 km trails weave their way through the scarred landscape and present 65 life-size silhouettes, crafted from original photographs taken at Schumannseck or nearby during the battle. Trilingual panels (English, French, German) and QR codes provide additional context, linking to audiovisual testimonies, archive photos, and videos for a deeper dive into the history.
Viewing platform Burfelt/forest discovery center
Located on a horseshoe bend, the Burfelt viewing platform offers the most beautiful panorama over Upper Sûre Lake and the surrounding hills. At a height of 70 meters above the lake, it can be reached by a 0.3 km trail from the road. The surrounding area is great for hiking and there is a quiet beach just below the platform (Burfelt plage). Also located beneath the platform, is the Forest Discovery Center, giving information on the flora and fauna of the forest and offering a nice picnic area with neat wooden carvings.
Other sights
Houfels
A great viewing point of the Sure River just upstream of the Lake. Back in 1934, the Hames family from Boulaide constructed a pavilion here, transforming it into a lively gathering spot complete with afternoon dances, a bar, and tasty meals. Nowadays, the site invites you to savor a picnic while taking in the stunning valley vista. There are a couple of WW2 weapons laying about here as a reminder of the past.
Lultzhausen
A great place on Upper Sure Lake to partake in water sports, swim, or grill. The youth hostel here rents out kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards during the warmer months. There is a beach on location with a large grassy area for picnicking and several permanently installed grills for public use. This is the best place to cross the lake on foot as there is a floating bridge here that connects the two sides.
Woltz River Valley
Although it is only partially in the park, this stretch of land between Wiltz and Kautenbach is extremely beautiful and calm. The views from above the valley are vast and incredible. In the valley, the forests and wetlands are quite peaceful. Hike the Sentier de la Wiltz or cycle along the PC 20 – Wiltz Cycle Path.
Lookout Point Runtschelt (+bunker)
This is another great viewpoint of Upper Sure Lake from above. The viewpoint is located across the lake from Lultzhausen, near the town of Kaundorf. Nearby is the An der Runtschelt Bunker, a bunker used by resistance fighters in World War 2 that you can freely explore. The hiking trails in this area are spectacular and offer plenty of good views!
Activities
The main activities in Naturpark Öewersauer are hiking, biking and water sports. Below are the best of each.
Hiking
Upper Sûre Lake Trail
This 42 km long-distance trail encircles the Upper Sûre Lake, Luxembourg’s largest body of water. The trail is divided into two sections, east and west. The trail follows the lake but often climbs to beautiful view points along the way. Therefore the trail has a lot of elevation gain but also stunning scenery. The trail is part of the National Hiking Trail System and is therefore very well-marked and maintained. There is no need to hike the whole thing, but a section hike on this trail will not disappoint!
Éislek Pied Trail System
The Éislek Pied trail system is a selection of the 18 best trails in the Éislek region. 5 of these trails fall within Naturpark Öewersauer. These are great day hike routes that usually take a few hours and each is extensively signposted and well-maintained. While all of these trails are great, in the map below the trails are ordered in a subjective manner with 1 being the most desirable trail and 5 being least. Pick your favorite and head out to the stunning nature of the park.
More information on the individual Éislek Pied trails can be found here: https://www.visit-eislek.lu/explore-nature/eislek-pied
Other Trails
With hundreds of trails in Naturpark Öewersauer there are a few more unique trails to mention.
Wiltz Path (Sentier de la Wiltz)
Starting from Kautenbach, this trail takes you up and above the Woltz Valley and offers stunning views of rugged landscapes. The trail is well marked and maintained as part of the National Hiking Trail System. The path passes through the small town of Nocher, which has stunningly beautiful views but was completely destroyed during the Battle of the Bulge. Learn about the history along the way at the Remember US Signs.
Auto-Pédestre Wiltz
A beautiful rugged path starting and ending in Wiltz. The trail climbs up and down the steep Woltz River Valley with incredible views throughout. Be prepared for challenge with this one!
Pont Misère Loop
This trail features a great mix of beautiful scenery, WW2 history, and calm that is hard to beat. The area is one of the quieter parts of the park but also one of the most beautiful. The trail can be pretty brutal when muddy so be sure to be prepared for that as needed.
Biking
Due to the rugged landscape of Naturpark Öewersauer, there are not many dedicated biking paths.
PC 20: Wiltz Cycle Path (24 km – Medium)
The best biking path in Naturpark Öewersauer. This path takes you from Kautenbach to the Belgian border through the beautiful Woltz River Valley. You can extend the ride into Belgium or turn back and take the train from Wiltz.
Road Biking
While there are not many dedicated cycle paths in the park, the road biking in this region is some of the best in the country. The roads in this region are less trafficked and can be quite stunning. Below are two road bike tours that cover beautiful terrain within the park.
Mountain Biking
There are 5 excellent, well-marked mountain biking courses in the Naturpark Öewersauer. View each one here!
Water Sports
Canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddleboards can be rented out at the Lultzhausen Youth Hostel for a decent price. This area, Lultzhausen, is a great place to launch your own boats as well. The lake is popular for scuba diving and a compressor station for filling oxygen cylinders can be found at the Youth Hostel. The rental shop is only open on certain days from the end of May to mid-September. More information on rentals can be found on the youth hostel website: https://youthhostels.lu/en/activities/water-sports
Map
Eat and Drink like a local
Local products to try
vum Séi Label: The region uses the designation “vum Séi,” meaning from the lake, to highlight products that are using locally made and produced ingredients. These products are exclusively produced in Naturpark Öewersauer. Some examples of the products produced here are…
- Téi vum Séi: Tea, medicinal and aromatic herbs
- Bléi vum Séi: Soaps, cosmetics, sweets
- Käre vum Séi: Bread cereals
- Gebäck vum Séi: Bread and pastries
- Duch vum Séi: Fabric from the former cloth factory
- Véi vum Séi: Meat products and butcher’s shop (mainly cattle)
Many of these products can be found in the stores in the nature park, but the Nature Park Center and Buttik vum Séi will have the best variety of local products.
Den Heischter Beer: Locally produced beer from a small brewer located in the park. The name comes from the village of Heiderscheid and its inhabitants: “Heisht.” Try the Original lager (5.2%) or the sweet and dark Mockelchen (5.8%).
Restaurant Recommendations
Luxembourg restaurants are usually a strange mixture of the cuisines from the surrounding 3 countries with a local specialty thrown in here and there. But one thing to note is that the prices for eating out in Luxembourg are significantly higher than its neighbors across the border. Naturpark Öewersauer has just a few restaurants in its boundaries. Below are some recommendations.
Bungerefer Millen: Traditional Luxembourgish restaurant in the countryside. The mill serves up delicious regional food using seasonal ingredients in a warm environment. On pleasant days you can sit on the terrace overlooking the mill waterfalls. It is located near the Belgian border up-stream of the lake.
Restaurant Hôtel Bissen: A hotel/restaurant just downstream of Upper Sûre Lake with a nice terrace serving up cuisine typical of the greater region as well as pizza. The food is the best in this part of the park but be sure to make a reservation in the high season.
FLUX Hierheck: This local burger joint is located just south of the lake. Loved by locals, Flux has become a Luxembourg institution using locally produced ingredients and striving for high-quality. The restaurant is located in a gas station with tables and chairs but it is oriented to be a quick meal.
Where to stay
Camping
During the warmer months camping is a great way to stay in the park and close to nature. There are many options for camping but be sure to book in advanced during peak seasons. Cabins and pods can be rented in many of these camping areas. Below are the best campgrounds in Naturpark Öewersauer.
Camping Fuussekaul: Located south of the lake in the surrounding hills, Camping Fuussekaul is by far the most popular camping place in the park and for a reason. This place has all the amenities and more like mini-golf, bakery delivery, sauna and swimming pool. It’s hard to beat the great offers at Fuussekaul, but the location is not as immersed in nature as many of the other options.
Camping Bissen: This camping is located close to the lake just downstream of the dam. It offers a nice pitch in a quiet, beautiful river valley. Surrounded by forests, this place is a great place to hike and bike around. There is a small stretch of bike paths that connect to the lake and Esch-sur-Sûre from here.
Camping Léifreg: Found on the north side of the lake, this camping is for those looking for a quieter vibe. The place is not very big but offers a great location near the shores of Upper Sûre Lake.
Camping Kaul: Located in Wiltz, Camping Kaul, is a modern and clean campsite offering a good amount of amenities. The location is great to explore Wiltz and the north of the park.
Youth Hostel
There is one state-run youth hostel in Naturpark Öewersauer located on the lake which provides incredible value and the potential to meet fellow travelers. The hostel has a nice beach, floating bridge, and rents out water sports equipment like kayaks and canoes.
Hotels
There are plenty of hotel options to stay in Naturpark Öewersauer. Whether you are on a budget or looking for luxury, you should be able find something for your needs. You could also stay in Luxembourg City and travel to the park. Below are some of the best hotels in the park.
Hôtel Restaurant Beim Schlass: The best hotel in Wiltz and located right next door to the castle. The rooms are modern and clean. The restaurant serves very high quality regional food, although at a high price.
Hôtel Pommerloch: Located near the Battle of the Bulge Memorial Trail, this hotel offers a peaceful stay in the park. Next door to this hotel is a shopping center with many stores. The restaurant here serves great food.
Logis Gourmet & Relax Hôtel de la Sure: A classy hotel located in historic Esch-sur-Sûre, just beneath the castle ruins. This 4-star hotel offers a pleasant stay in the center of the park.
When to visit
Naturpark Öewersauer is best to visit in the summer and early autumn.
Spring brings the landscape to life with plenty of flowers and budding trees, perfect for hiking in comfortable temperatures. However, it isn’t until late May that temperatures will allow for comfortable swimming and water sports.
Summer is ideal for swimming at the lake, water sports, exploring the trails, and biking. This is the best time for camping and picnicking in the park.
Autumn is wonderful with the trees turning colors and the temperatures pleasant. The weather is generally pretty nice until the 2nd week of November.
Winter can be cold and wet, making outdoor activities more difficult. Nonetheless, the bare trees allow for better views as you hike though the hills. Some museums and attractions may be closed during the winter.
Ultimately, the best time to visit depends on your preferences, but be sure to check weather forecasts before you go!
Explore Nearby
Mullerthal Nature and Geopark
Explore the epic sandstone cliffs, lush valleys, and stunning castles of the Mullerthal Nature Park. The rock formations in this park are especially astounding. Known as the “Little Switzerland” of Luxembourg, this park is a must for any visit to the country. Check out our full guide on the park.
Our Nature Park
A nature park in the North of Luxembourg encompassing the two beautiful valleys of the Our and Clerve rivers. The park is most known for Vianden Castle. Built in a Romanesque style in the middle ages, the restored castle is perched high above the stunning Our River Valley. The park is also a great place for hiking and biking. Check out our full guide on the park.
Südeifel Nature Park
A nature park further downstream along the Sure River in Germany. Südeifel Nature Park is part of the larger German-Luxembourgish Cross-Border Nature Park which is characterized by lively forests and beautiful river valleys. The Südeifel Nature Park is Germany’s 2nd oldest nature park. Full guide coming soon.
Two Ourthes Nature Park
One of Belgium’s most naturally beautiful parks is just across the border from Naturpark Öewersauer. Two meandering rivers cross through the heavily forested park in the heart of the Ardennes. Visit the Hérou for an epic view of a jaw-dropping river valley or La Roche-en-Ardenne for a castle and town day. 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.
Bastogne
Bastogne is a charming town just on the other side of the Belgian border that offers a deep dive into WWII history. The town was a key battleground in the Battle of the Bulge and so there are many sights to reflect on these events. Check out the Bastogne War Museum, Bastogne Barracks, and the Mardasson Memorial.
