Nestled in the rugged Ardennes of Northern Luxembourg, Naturpark Our covers some of the most beautiful terrain in the country. The rugged plateaus of the far north are carved into deep winding river valleys. Rolling hills give way to rocky outcrops perched high above the valleys. Dense forests of beech and oak cover much of the 420 square kilometer park. Scattered marshlands and peat bogs unique to the region provide habitat to species found nowhere else in Luxembourg.
The park also has a wonderful cultural richness to it as well. A visit to the Naturpark Our is incomplete without a visit to Vianden Castle, the most famous and well-maintained in Luxembourg. 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
- 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
Naturpark Our is located in the far north of Luxembourg in the Éislek region. Éislek, or Ösling in German, refers to the section of the Ardennes that extends into Luxembourg and nearby Germany. The region contains Luxembourg’s tallest hills including the highest point in Luxembourg, Kneiff, at 560 m. The towering hills are frequently cut by meandering rivers making for some stunning terrain. The park has two main river valleys, the Clerve River Valley and the Our River Valley. Both valleys offer rugged terrain, quiet forests, plentiful trails, and great lookout points.
The calming nature of these areas are contrasted with the land above the valleys, much of which is farmland. Local products, namely, beer, dairy, mustard and other farmed goods can be found in shops around the park. But the nature here is undeniably spectacular and luckily Luxembourg has created a rich network of high quality hiking and biking paths to suit the region.
Naturpark Our also stands out as a cultural hub within the region. Amongst the forested valleys are countless opportunities to explore the past. One of the most famous castles in Europe, Vianden castle, can be found in the Our River Valley and it’s as picturesque as castles get. Aside from the many other castles in the park, there are also many opportunities to learn about the more recent past. The Éislek region was one of the main thrusts of the Germans during the Battle of the Bulge in WW2. The region experienced extreme trauma and much of it lay in ruin after the Germans were eventually pushed out.
The park is also host to some of Luxembourg’s most charming small villages, like the flower-famous Lellingen. Overall, some of the most beautiful landscapes, most quiet forest trails, and best cultural attractions in the country can be found in Naturpark Our.
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 train heading north to the Éislek region.
By Car: Travel North from Luxembourg City on the A7 which goes until Ettelbruck, then continue onto the E421 highway which bisects the park shortly after. On either side of the E421 highway are stunning river valleys with plenty of hiking/biking trails.
By Bike: From Luxembourg City you can bike up the PC 15 bike path which follows the Alzette river to Ettelbruck. North of Ettelbruck the roads are pretty quiet if you avoid the E421 highway. To get to the Clerve Valley you can ride on the 27 road to get to Goebelsmuhle and then take the service road for the train line to get to Kautenbach. To get to the Our Valley, stay on the PC 15 until Reisdorf then switch onto the PC 3 bike path which will take you up the Our valley and to Vianden Castle.
From the North the park can be accessed by the Vennbahn biking trail which runs from Aachen in Germany to Troisverges in Luxembourg.
By Public Transport: Free throughout the entire country, public transport in Luxembourg is an absolute breeze. From Luxembourg City, take the IC or RE (not RB) train north into the park.
To get to the Our valley, get off at Ettelbruck and connect by bus. The 180 and 181 buses go to Vianden Castle.
The train line beyond Ettelbruck follows the Clerve river valley through the park with stops at Kautenbach, Wilwerwiltz, Drauffelt, Clervaux, and Troisverges. These stops have wonderful sights and activities to do!
Check the mobiliteit app to get the most accurate information on the trip you are taking.
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 Our is with a car. The steep valleys of the region provide some of the most scenic drives in the this part of Europe. Many bikers and car enthusiasts travel to this region to cruise around the winding yet stunning roads. Free parking is generally available at trailheads and in villages.
The train line in the North of Luxembourg follows the Clerve river valley through the park with stops at Kautenbach, Wilwerwiltz, Drauffelt, Clervaux, and Troisverges. Buses connect the train stations with the surrounding towns. However, there are many great hiking trails that go from train station to train station, keeping things simple.
In fact, 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
Our River Valley
The Our River Valley is a serene landscape that stretches along the winding course of the Our River, a 78-kilometer waterway starting in the High Fens of southeastern Belgium. In Luxembourg, the Our River flows for about 38 kilometers and forms the eastern border with Germany. The deep river valley with it’s rolling hills, dense forests, and quaint villages creates a tranquil escape from urban life. The area has many wonderful hiking trails offering spectacular views from above or pleasant flat walks along the river. See our suggested hiking trails in the area.
Vianden Castle
Located on a high perch above the Our River Valley on the southern end of the park is Vianden Castle. Perhaps the most stunning castle in all of Luxembourg, Vianden Castle is certainly the best castle to visit in the country because of its meticulous restoration and rich historical records. The castle is, of course, beautiful on both the inside and out.
Traces of its origins go back to the 4th century when a Roman outpost was first established on the site. However, the castle as we know it began to take shape in the 11th century, constructed in the Romanesque style, with significant expansions in Gothic and Renaissance styles occurring between the 12th and 17th centuries. It served as the seat of the influential Counts of Vianden until the early 15th century, reflecting their power and prestige through its grand halls and intricate design. A visit to Luxembourg is incomplete without a visit to Vianden Castle.
Clerve River Valley
The Clerve River, known as “Klierf” in Luxembourgish, winds its way through this rugged landscape, carving a deep, narrow valley flanked by lush forests and rolling hills. Originating near Huldange as the Woltz, it transforms into the Clerve at Clervaux before merging with the Wiltz River at Kautenbach. The valley’s dramatic topography, with its steep slopes and verdant plateaus, makes it a paradise for hikers and cyclists. The quaint villages in the valley floor give a proper taste of Northern Luxembourg rural life – peaceful, beautiful and lively. See our suggested hiking and biking routes in the area.
Clervaux
Clervaux is a wonderful place to visit some of the region’s cultural highlights. A 12th-century white painted castle ruled by the Counts of Clervaux is located in the center of town. Today, it houses three museums, one dedicated to the Battle of the Bulge, another to the Castles of Luxembourg and the famous “Family of Man” photography exhibit by Edward Steichen.
Above the town, you can find the Abbey of St. Maurice and St. Maurus which host monks as part of the Solesmes Congregation, known for reviving Gregorian chant in the 19th century. Walk around the exterior of the Abbey and visit the gift shop, where they sell homemade apple juices amongst other products. Clervaux is a great place to visit for a day and can function as a nice base for exploring the wider region.
Brandenbourg Castle
A captivating medieval ruin perched on a rocky promontory about 70 meters above the valley of the Blees River. The Brandenbourg castle was first built as a wooden fort in the 9th and 10th century and by the 13th century construction in stone had been carried out. The castle continued to be built up as a royal residence and stronghold of the region until in 1687. French forces invaded from the south and destroyed the castle’s defensive walls. The castle was abandoned and only recently has begun archeological and restorative work. The castle is owned by the du Fays-van Delft family but maintained by the state through a long-term lease. Visit the castle from April to October.
Lellingen
Lellingen is a charming, well-preserved village located in the Clerve valley at the base of some of Luxembourg’s most beautiful forested hills. The village is recognized by Luxembourg’s national monuments authority as an exemplary model of traditional architecture and character.
For a few weeks in March/April every year, the place blooms into life with wild daffodils found all over the hills behind the town. Many people visit during the bloom to hike the Via Botanica trail which tours the hills covered in wildflowers. Regardless of the time of visit, it is a lovely spot if you’re into hiking, biking or just a quiet escape.
Other sights
Kneiff
At 560m, Kneiff is the highest point in the entire country of Luxembourg. Climb to the top and look down upon views of the country below. In 1997, while the first topographical database was prepared for the entire territory of Luxembourg it was discovered that the previously thought high point, Buurgplaatz, was actually 1 meter lower than Kneiff.
Europe Monument Tripoint Ouren
The borders between Luxembourg, Germany and Belgium all meet at one point along the Our River. There is an informative monument to the founding of the EU here and you can be in 3 countries at once or go for a 3 country hike. The hiking trails in this part of the valley are also quiet and very beautiful. So this is a great place to start and/or end a hike.
Schüttburg Castle
The Castle can be first traced back to 1406 and is perched above the Clerve River Valley. Today the castle has a stunning renaissance appearance and has been restored recently. However, it is a private residence and is closed to the public.
Fledermaustunnel
A tunnel on the old Aachen to Luxembourg railroad has found itself new residents, bats. While you cannot go inside the tunnel, in order to protect the bats, you can walk along the old railway line which is beautifully overgrown with mosses and ferns. The walk alone is worth it and if you are lucky you might even get to see some bats.
Activities
The main activities in Naturpark Our are hiking and biking. Below are the best routes for each.
Hiking
Éislek Escapardenne Trail
The Escapardenne Éislek Trail is a stunning long-distance hiking route that stretches 106 kilometers (about 66 miles) through the Ardennes, connecting the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and southern Belgium. Just over 50 kilometers or about half of the trail lies within the Naturpark Our.
The trail starts in Kautenbach and follows the Clerve River Valley north passing many highlights of the region. After the path reaches the bustling town of Troisvierges it turns sharply towards the Belgian border. Much of the trail follows steep river valleys allowing for amazing views but also steep climbs and descents. Despite the difficult terrain, the Escapardenne Éislek Trail is a member of the Leading Quality Trails – Best of Europe and so provides wonderful trail infrastructure including extensive trail markers and a well maintained path.
If you are into long distance trails you can tackle the entire route in about 4 – 7 days. However, if you are just looking for a nice day hike in the region, the Escapardenne Éislek Trail provides some of the best views and walking in the region. The southern part of the trail is particularly well suited for days hikes as you can walk from train station to train station with trains coming every 30 minutes in either direction.
Éislek Pied Trail System
The Éislek Pied trail system is a selection of the 18 best trails in the Éislek region. 9 of these trails fall within Naturpark Our. 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 9 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
Nat’Our Trails
The Nat’Our trails are part of the NatureWanderPark Delux trail system which is a collaborative effort by the Luxembourgish and German governments to open up the border region to outdoor activities. The Nat’Our routes are circular trails which are found along the Our River Valley. Each trail goes into both countries, so you can experience the difference in forest management between the 2 sides.
All of these trails offer wonderful hiking with beautiful views throughout. The 2 routes in the north of the country are much more quiet and serene but the hikes near Vianden offer a chance to see castles and experience expansive views of the river valley. The map has them ranked based on subjective desirability, but each one is worth your time.
More information on the individual Nat’Our trails can be found here: https://www.visit-eislek.lu/reise-tipps/5-beautiful-hikes-in-the-our-valley
Other Trails
With hundreds of trails in the region there are a few more unique trails to mention. Click the title for a map of each.
Klangwee (5.6 km):
A loop trail in Hoscheid that features different sound sculptures that can be played. Great for families, the short loop drops into a incredibly beautiful valley and is very interactive. At the Café Annette not far from the starting point you can borrow a “sound backpack” for free which contains utensils to better help you create sounds.
Ourdall Promenade (8.9 km):
An easy alternative to the traditional hiking trails in Vianden. The Ourdall promenade is a mostly flat trail that follows the course of the Our River from Vianden north. This is a great place to walk or run without worrying about the steep climbs that are common in Luxembourg. There is a road that follows along the river as well so it’s not a perfect escape into nature like many of the other trails.
Via Botanica (7.6 km):
If you happen to be in the area during the blooming weeks of April, then this is a must-do trail. The route starts in Lellingen and takes you up into the hills behind the town. During the bloom, wild daffodils can be found all along the trail. Even without the flowers the area is stunningly beautiful to walk in.
Biking
PC 21: Cycle Path du Nord (10 km – Easy)
Bike along the spectacular Clerve river from Kautenbach to Wilwerwiltz. This is an easy path with train stations at both the start and finish. Perfect for families and those looking for a scenic but chill route.
Panorama Tour (25 km – Easy)
A great tour of the high plateau region of the park. Look out over the entire country of Luxembourg as you reach some of the highest points in the country. This loop tour starts and ends in Troisverges, which has a train station.
PC 22: Ardennes Cycle Path (25 km – Medium)
Starts in the charming village of Lellingen and then climbs through one of the most pristine valleys in Luxembourg. Once up the climb you will be greeted with great long distance views of the Clerve and Our river valleys. This tour climbs quite a bit but the views are totally worth it. The official path ends in Fouhren but you can easily drop down into the town of Vianden to see the best castle in Luxembourg.
Gënzentour (65 km – Medium)
A longer, but relatively easy path that takes you across the high plains of Luxembourg. There are not so many trees in this part of the park so you can see wide open spaces. The tour starts and ends in Troisverges, which has a train station.
Vennbahn Cycle Path (128 km – Medium)
The most famous bike path in the region, the Vennbahn crosses through 3 countries. The route follows the old Aachen to Luxembourg railroad which began in Troisverges. The railroad is no longer used and has been converted to this path. The route features abundant forests and goes through the high bogs of Belgium.
Mountain Biking
There are 6 mountain biking courses in the Naturpark Our. Find more information on each here.
Map
Eat and Drink like a local
Local products to try
Ourdaller: The Ourdaller brand is a collective of local farmers that produce local goods with ingredients from Naturpark Our. The brand is famous for its mustard which can be seen in a bright yellow bloom on the hills of the region. Other products to try are their buckwheat pastas, cooking oils, and honeys.
Ourdaller Beer: A special mention has to be made about Ourdaller’s brewery, which is run by the Luxembourgish Simon Brewery. The range of beers is 100% local and are specifically made with products grown in the Naturpark Our. In addition, the brewery is the only in the country to use high fermentation. Unfiltered and full of flavor, these are some of the best beers to try in Luxembourg. Their range includes a wheat beer (5.5%), rye/barley malt beer (5.0%), buckwheat amber (6.0%), and hemp beer(4.8%).
Schanck Haff: Eislek Cheese While this farm produces a variety of products like meat, grains, and vegetables, they are most known for their Éislek Cheese. Sold under the cooperative brand BioG and locally named Éisleker Kéis, the cheese is a snack from Naturpark Our that is sure to satisfy you. The varieties of Éislek cheese produced here are “Haarden”, “Natur”, “Deelentramt”, “Paprika”, “Knuewelek”, “Peffer” and “Moschter”.
Hinkelsbaacher: A family-run small batch brewer based in the Naturpark Our. The line up of beers includes a lager (4.9%), wheat beer (4.9%), dark beer (6.9%), strong stout (9.0%) and an IPA (4.3%). You can find the beer in some shops in the region. Visit the brewery garden and restaurant, which is open the first weekend of every month. See more details on their website.
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. Below are some suggestions within Naturpark Our.
Auberge Aal Veinen Beim Hunn: The best place to eat in Vianden with a particular focus on grilled meats. However, the menu includes regional dishes all made with a focus on quality.
Beim Bertchen: A great place to eat locally sourced meat dishes in a small village environment. This restaurant has a bit more of a traditional vibe to it and you can even order a horse steak.
Hôtel Cornelyshaff: The best place to try locally sourced regional specialties. In addition, this hotel restaurant is home to the Ourdaller brewery which crafts beers using ingredients found in Naturpark Our.
Where to stay
Camping
During the warmer months camping is a great way to stay in the park and close to nature. There are so many options for camping and it is well-known that the Dutch come by the droves in the summer. Be sure to book in advanced during peak seasons. Below are the best campgrounds in Naturpark Our.
Camping Kautenbach: Camping place in the quiet Clerve River Valley surrounded by steep forested hills. There are plenty of options for hiking in biking here through the parks most stunning terrain.
Vianden Castle Camp and RV Park: Camping place just below the beautiful Vianden Castle. It is a great base camp for exploring the southern part of the park.
Camping Tintesmühle: This small camping place is off the beaten path right on the Our river. A very peaceful setting for getting away from the hustle and bustle.
Camping Clervaux: Situated in a strategic location in the center of the park, this camping place is in the town of Clervaux. The site is a great base camp for exploring the whole nature park and the town has many amenities.
Youth Hostel
There is 1 state-run youth hostel in Naturpark Our at Vianden which provides incredible value and the potential to meet fellow travelers.
Hotels
There are plenty of hotel options to stay in Naturpark Our. 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.
Urspelt Castle: This is the fanciest hotel in the park if not the country. If you are looking to spoil someone or escape the grind this is the place for you. The castle’s earliest remains come from the 11th century when it was a stronghold of the region. Nowadays, you can enjoy a pampered stay in the castle that is fitted with a relaxing spa and a refined modern french restaurant.
Hôtel-Restaurant Lamy: A great budget option to stay in Troisvierges, in the north of the park. The hotel has wonderful views and a nice restaurant.
Logis Hotel-Restaurant Petry: The go-to place to stay in Vianden with a nice castle view. The place has an old traditional feel to it. Enjoy the swimming pool and nice restaurant with a pleasant garden outside.
Restaurant-Hôtel Reiff: High-quality hotel with vast views of the valley below. This place has a great restaurant (with a view!) and is situated above the two main river valleys so access to either is simple.
When to visit
Naturpark Our is best to visit in the spring, summer, and autumn.
Spring brings the landscape to life with plenty of flowers and budding trees, perfect for hiking in comfortable temperatures. Be sure to check out the Via Botanica trail in Lellingen for a great viewing area of wild daffodils.
Summer is ideal for exploring the trails and enjoying the lush greenery. This is the best time for camping in the park.
Autumn is wonderful with the trees in the valleys turning colors. 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 along the valleys. Many museums and attractions are 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.
Südeifel Nature Park
The Nature Park on the other side of the Sure River in Germany. Südeifel Nature Park is part of the larger German-Luxembourgish Cross-Border Nature Park (which includes parts of the Naturpark Our). The Südeifel Nature Park is Germany’s 2nd oldest nature park. Full guide coming soon.
Öewersauer Nature Park
A nature park in the center of Luxembourg which includes the largest lake in the country, Upper Sure Lake. Relax by the lake, take a nice hike through the lush forests or learn about the deep WW2 history present in the park. Check out our full guide on the park.
Two Ourthes Nature Park
One of Belgium’s most naturally beautiful parks is just across the border from Naturpark Our. Two meandering rivers cross through the heavily forested park. The Escapardenne Eislek Trail traverses and connects the Our and Two Ourthes nature parks. 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.
Volcanic Eifel Nature and Geopark
Just a short drive away, on the German side of the border, you can find Germany’s active volcano region. The last volcanic eruption was 13,000 years ago but signs of activity can be found throughout the park at geysers and lakes which bubble with gasses from the magma chambers below the surface. The region is dotted in maars, which are volcanic craters which have filled with water. 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.
