Welcome to Éislek, the untamed and scenic north of Luxembourg, where ancient castles rise from rocky cliffs and dense forests stretch as far as the eye can see. This is the Luxembourg Ardennes at its most captivating: calm, green, and full of variety. It’s a place where you can walk from a medieval castle to a breathtaking viewpoint, take a dip in a clear mountain lake, or stroll through a historic village that feels frozen in time. Along the way, you’ll come across children’s museums, peaceful walking trails, striking ruins, and inviting terraces beside the water.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the most stunning spots and top activities the Éislek region has to offer. From popular destinations like Vianden to unique suggestions and kid-friendly adventures that are not to be missed. Get ready to be charmed by the north of Luxembourg!
Where is the Eislek region located in Luxembourg?
The Éislek region is located in the north of Luxembourg, just above Ettelbruck and reaching all the way to the Belgian border. This area is part of the Ardennes and is known for its rolling hills, thick forests, winding rivers, and picturesque towns topped with castles. The landscape here is more rugged than in the south, featuring deep valleys, sweeping viewpoints, and water all around. It’s the perfect destination for anyone who enjoys peace, nature, and outdoor adventures. Towns like Vianden, Clervaux, Wiltz, and Esch-sur-Sûre form the core of the region.
Éislek offers a completely different experience from the busier south near the capital. There are fewer crowds, more untouched nature, and plenty of space for walking and cycling. From Luxembourg City, you can reach the heart of Éislek in about an hour by car. Travelling by train is just as convenient, with direct routes to places like Clervaux and Wiltz. From there, it’s easy to continue your journey by bus or on foot. And here’s a great bonus: all public transport in Luxembourg is completely free.
North-Luxembourg with children
Éislek is a wonderfully family-friendly destination, ideal for a trip with kids. One of the most surprising and enjoyable places to visit in the region is the Plomm Children’s Museum in Wiltz. Here, you can book a time slot for an interactive experience built around themes like love or storytelling. The museum is set in a beautifully designed space that encourages children to explore, imagine, and play freely. Every detail is thoughtfully crafted to spark curiosity and connect with a child’s world.
Another great spot is Robbesscheier in Munshausen, where kids can roll up their sleeves and try out traditional crafts and activities. They can bake their own bread, ride a donkey, help the blacksmith, or learn how to spin wool. If you’re not in the mood for an activity, you can simply wander through the vegetable garden and visit the farm animals. There’s also a playground where children can run around and enjoy themselves.
The area around Upper Sûre Lake offers even more family fun. You’ll find small beaches, designated swimming areas, a fun water playground, peaceful picnic spots, and even a solar-powered boat that glides quietly across the lake. The walking trails nearby are short and easy, making them perfect for little legs.
In Vianden, the chairlift was a big hit with our kids. Floating above the rooftops of the village all the way up the hillside feels almost magical. At the top, a magnificent medieval castle is waiting to be explored, which you can reach on foot through a forest path. Along the way, there are lovely viewpoints where you can pause and take in the beautiful scenery surrounding Vianden.
Éislek is calm, easy to get around, and full of small adventures. Whether you’re planning a dedicated trip to the region or combining it with other parts of Luxembourg, like the nearby Mullerthal, it’s a fantastic choice for families.
Where to Stay in Éislek
If you’re looking to explore the Éislek region, Vianden, Wiltz and Clervaux are all great places to base yourself. These towns are centrally located, easy to reach and each has its own unique charm. You’ll find plenty of hotels and other accommodation options in all three, though Vianden is the largest and offers the most facilities. We travelled through the area in our camper van and stayed at three lovely campsites, each with its own atmosphere, character and highlights.
Camping Vallée de l’Our is located in the far northeast of the region, close to the German border. If you choose this campsite, try to book a pitch right by the water—it really makes a difference. When we visited, the temperature soared above thirty degrees, and having the river just a few steps away for a refreshing dip was absolutely perfect.
Camping Bissen, set along the banks of the Sûre River, also has a beautiful setting. The pitches are spacious and right next to the water, and the sanitary blocks are well maintained with facilities especially for children. There’s a large outdoor playground and a small indoor play area too, making it a great option for families with young kids.
Our final stop was Camping Kaul, just outside Wiltz. This campsite has regular camping pitches, but also offers lovely, cosy cabins that are full of character. There’s an outdoor swimming pool, a fun playground, child-friendly bathrooms, and even a skate park. It’s an ideal choice if you want a few more comforts, while still being surrounded by nature.
Tourist Map of Eislek
The Best Attractions of Northern Luxembourg
#1 Castle of Vianden
If there’s one place you shouldn’t miss in Éislek, it’s Vianden Castle. Sitting high above the village, it looks out over the Our Valley and creates a picture-perfect scene that’s hard to beat. It’s no surprise that this castle is often ranked among the most beautiful in Europe.
Vianden Castle was built between the 11th and 14th centuries, on the site of a former Roman fort and a Carolingian palace. For many generations, it was the residence of the Counts of Vianden, who were inspired by both German and French architectural styles. Inside, the castle has everything you could hope for in a real medieval stronghold: a grand knight’s hall, a peaceful chapel, suits of armor, thick stone walls, tall towers, historical weapons, and sweeping views across the valley. In the 19th century, the castle fell into ruin and was nearly torn down. Luckily, it became state property in 1977 and has been lovingly restored ever since.
You can explore the castle on your own or take an audio tour for extra insight. Entry is free if you have the Luxembourg Pass. Although the castle is accessible by car, walking up from the village is a much more enjoyable way to experience it. If you’d rather skip the uphill walk, you can take the chairlift to the top of the hill. That ride is also included with the Pass. From there, it’s a scenic stroll down the hillside to the castle, which sits slightly lower on the slope.
#2 Old Town and Chairlift of Vianden
Vianden may be small, but it’s bursting with charm. In the heart of the old town, you can stroll through narrow cobbled streets, cross centuries-old stone bridges, and admire houses that each seem to tell their own story. The village is nestled along the banks of the Our River, with forested hills rising all around, giving it a magical, almost fairytale-like atmosphere.
One of Vianden’s most exciting attractions is the chairlift, the only one of its kind in Luxembourg. In just a few minutes, it gently carries you up to an altitude of 440 meters. As you glide through the air, you’ll see the rooftops of Vianden below, the river snaking through the valley, and the castle’s silhouette standing proudly on the hillside. At the top, you’re treated to a stunning panoramic view over the village and the lush landscape that surrounds it.
You can take the chairlift back down, and the return journey might be even more stunning than the ride up. This time, you’re facing the landscape, which means you get a full view of the river valley, the rooftops of Vianden, and the forested hills. We decided to walk back instead, taking the scenic path downhill. Along the way, we stopped to explore the castle, then continued on to the heart of the old village. The chairlift runs from April to October and is free with the Luxembourg Pass.
While you’re in Vianden, make sure to visit the Victor Hugo House and the Trinitarian Church. For lunch, Ancien Cinéma is a great choice. It’s set in a former cinema and has a quirky, creative atmosphere that makes it stand out. And if you’re in the mood for a good cup of coffee, Collette Coffee Craft is the place to go. Vianden is the kind of place where you can enjoy a peaceful walk, relax with a meal on a sunny terrace, and take in the views from above, all in one lovely day.
#3 Upper-Sûre Lake
Looking for nature, water, and a bit of peace and quiet? Then Upper-Sûre Lake, just outside Esch-sur-Sûre, is the perfect escape. Originally built in 1961 to provide drinking water, the reservoir has since become a favorite spot for walkers, swimmers, and anyone wanting to relax in a beautiful natural setting. Along the lake’s edge, you’ll find grassy patches, picnic areas, a fun water playground, and small beaches to enjoy. It’s also a great place to go stand-up paddleboarding or canoeing. The water is crystal clear, and since motorboats aren’t allowed, the only sounds around you are birdsong and the soft splash of paddles.
A real highlight is the Solarboat tour, which departs from Lultzhausen. This quiet, eco-friendly boat glides through the nature park, offering a peaceful ride and interesting stories about the landscape, the dam, and the lake’s history. The tour takes around two hours. While our kids weren’t too focused on the historical facts, they still thought the boat ride was wonderful.
There are well-marked walking trails all around the lake, including a scenic path to the Belvédère de Burfelt, a viewpoint that gives you sweeping views across the entire area. Swimming is allowed from May through September, although during our visit it was temporarily off-limits due to blue-green algae.
#4 Children’s Museum Plomm in Wiltz
Plomm Children’s Museum is a truly special experience for kids. It’s not your average indoor play area, and it’s definitely not a typical museum with glass cases and “do not touch” signs. Instead, you book a time slot and join a guided adventure that has a clear beginning and end. During our visit, there were two themed sessions to choose from: “Love” and “The Story Tree.”
We joined the “Love” experience with our two- and four-year-olds. Although most sessions are in French or German, with only occasional ones in English, our guide was fantastic at engaging with our children, even without speaking Dutch. We translated bits into English ourselves so they could follow along more easily.
The “Love” journey begins in a small entrance hall with a short introduction, followed by a gentle ride in a whimsical fantasy train. After that, you enter a large room filled with beautifully designed play areas. Every corner is thoughtfully crafted, with soft materials, interesting shapes, and lots of light and color. Children are invited to discover, feel, build, and work together in a peaceful and creative setting. At the end of the session, you arrive in a calm, dimly lit space with soft, moving lights where children can relax and take a break from all the excitement.
Afterwards, we got to explore the Story Tree, a giant play structure shaped like a tree, designed by a Dutch artist. Its roots wind beneath the ground, and up above is a cosy nest where kids can climb and play. Even without an introduction story, it was a magical place to explore.
Plomm is one of the most beautifully designed and inspiring children’s attractions we’ve ever visited. It sparks curiosity, encourages imagination, and offers something truly different. If you’re visiting northern Luxembourg with kids, this place is absolutely worth a stop.
#5 Castle of Clervaux and The Family of Man
In Clervaux, the bright white castle immediately draws your attention, standing proudly above the town. Originally built in the 12th century, it was transformed into its current appearance during the 16th century. The Clervaux castle was heavily damaged during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II, but it was completely rebuilt in the years that followed. Today, it serves as one of the most important cultural landmarks in the Éislek region.
The highlight of a visit is The Family of Man, a world-famous photography exhibition curated by Edward Steichen. Born in Luxembourg, Steichen later became a celebrated curator at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. This powerful exhibition brings together over 200 photographs from around the world, telling a shared story of human experience. Since 2003, it has held a place on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. Do keep in mind that the exhibition isn’t open every day. We visited on a Tuesday, only to find it closed, so it’s worth checking the schedule in advance.
In addition to the photography exhibition, the castle also hosts a small but poignant display about the Battle of the Ardennes, as well as a room filled with detailed scale models of castles from across Luxembourg. While the war exhibit wasn’t particularly suited to our young children, the miniature castles captured their imagination. They studied each one with care and curiosity. The castle is just a short walk from the center of Clervaux, and if you have the Luxembourg Pass, entry to the museum is free.
#6 Escapardenne Éislek Trail
If you’re up for a real hiking adventure, the Escapardenne Éislek Trail is a fantastic option. This long-distance route spans over 100 kilometers, stretching from Kautenbach in Luxembourg to La Roche-en-Ardenne in Belgium. It takes you through deep forests, peaceful valleys, and quiet little villages that feel far away from the rush of everyday life. The trail is divided into five stages, each around twenty kilometers long, and is clearly marked throughout. Along the way, you’ll come across ridgelines, scenic viewpoints, old railway bridges, and rocky plateaus. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys variety and being surrounded by nature.
As a young family, hiking this trail was a bit too much for us this time, but for many travelers, it’s the highlight of their visit to the Éislek region. It’s one of the best ways to experience the beauty of the Luxembourg Ardennes. You can walk for hours without encountering a single paved road. The route has been awarded the “Leading Quality Trail – Best of Europe” certification, which recognizes trails that offer an exceptional hiking experience with great variety, clear signage, and natural beauty.
You can choose to hike the entire route with overnight stays in small guesthouses, or simply pick one or two stages for a shorter day hike. The sections around Clervaux and Kautenbach are especially popular and make a great starting point for discovering this beautiful region.
#7 Esch-sur-Sûre
Esch-sur-Sûre is a small and peaceful village, beautifully nestled in a sharp curve of the Sûre River. As soon as you arrive, it becomes clear why this is considered one of the most picturesque spots in the Éislek region. Steep hills rise all around, creating a sheltered atmosphere, while the village’s position in the river bend makes it incredibly photogenic.
Sitting on a rocky hilltop above the village are the ruins of an old castle, which you can reach with a short walk up a steep, winding street. At the top, you’re treated to wide views over the river and the rooftops of the village below. In the village centre, there are a few cosy cafés and small shops where you can browse for local products, which adds to the relaxed and friendly feel of the place.
Around the village, several walking trails lead you along the riverside and into the surrounding hills. These paths offer peaceful views and are perfect for a quiet stroll or a gentle hike in nature. The village itself is very small, and you can see most of it in a short visit. But thanks to its unique setting and tranquil beauty, it’s well worth stopping for.
#8 Castle of Bourscheid
Bourscheid Castle is a striking fortress set high on a rocky cliff above the Sûre River. With its thick stone walls, tall towers, and wide-reaching views, it stands out as one of the most impressive castles in Luxembourg. Originally built in the 11th century, it was gradually expanded over the following centuries into the powerful stronghold you see today.
You can explore the castle on your own with the help of an audio guide, or join a guided tour if you prefer a deeper look into its history. Admission is free with the Luxembourg Pass. As you wander through the site, you’ll pass the old armory, former living quarters, traditional kitchens, and a small chapel. But the real highlight is the view. From the castle walls, you can take in the peaceful valley, the winding river below, and the rolling, forest-covered hills of the Éislek region. Then again, spotting the castle from afar, rising proudly above the treetops, might just be even more magical.
#9 Jardin de Wiltz
The Jardin de Wiltz is far more than just a garden. It’s a unique open-air art project that began in 1983 as a social initiative. What started as a workplace for people with disabilities has grown into a three-hectare park full of creativity, beauty, and community spirit. The garden is filled with peaceful ponds, vibrant flowers, winding paths, wooden bridges, and thoughtfully placed sculptures. Every part of the park has been carefully designed, built, or planted by a collaboration of artists, gardeners, and local residents.
As a family, we especially loved how accessible the garden is. Most of the paths are wheelchair-friendly, which also makes them perfect for strollers. You can wander slowly along the wide, paved walkways or take a shortcut up a few steps or along a side path. Along the way, you’ll pass blooming flowerbeds, old stone walls, trimmed hedges, and fragrant herb gardens, eventually arriving at a beautiful open meadow full of wildflowers. The garden is free to enter and is located right on the edge of Wiltz, making it easy to reach.
On your way to the Jardin de Wiltz, you’ll also pass the Pompjeesmusée, a small fire brigade museum. It’s only open on Saturdays and is free to visit. If you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth a quick stop.
#10 Nature Park Öewersauer and Belvédère de Burfelt
Nature Park Öewersauer is a peaceful paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Nestled around the reservoir near Esch-sur-Sûre, the park offers a landscape of rolling hills, deep forests, winding rivers, and narrow valleys. It’s the kind of place where you can spend hours exploring on foot, take a refreshing swim, paddle quietly across the lake, or simply pause and enjoy the stunning scenery all around you.
One of the most beautiful and popular spots in the park is the Belvédère de Burfelt, a striking viewpoint that sits 70 meters above the lake. From here, you’re treated to wide, sweeping views of the water, the surrounding woods, and the curving shoreline far below. The viewing platform itself has a clean, modern design and fits perfectly into the natural setting without taking anything away from the view. Several walking trails begin at the platform, including one that leads to the nearby village of Insenborn. You don’t need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy it, though. There’s a parking area close by, and the platform is only a short, easy walk from there.
Swimming in the lake is allowed from May to September, but the park is a great place to visit at any time of year. The surrounding woods are full of wildlife, including badgers and birds of prey. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a rare black stork among the trees.
#11 Robbesscheier in Munshausen
Robbesscheier is so much more than just a petting zoo. This nature center in Munshausen brings together traditional crafts, farm animals, and local culture on a beautiful six-hectare estate. It’s a place where visitors of all ages can roll up their sleeves and take part in hands-on activities like churning butter, woodworking, or spinning wool. Throughout the day, there are demonstrations of age-old skills such as blacksmithing, bread baking, and beekeeping. If you’re looking for something more peaceful, there are plenty of quiet corners where you can sit down, take in the scenery, or simply watch the animals grazing in the fields.
When we visited, the grounds were quite lively with school groups, so all the activities were fully booked. Instead, we wandered around and explored at our own pace. We both loved the beautifully maintained vegetable garden and the spacious, elegant greenhouse. Meanwhile, the kids had a great time in the playground, which is full of creative and engaging play structures for children of all ages. For lunch, we headed to the on-site restaurant, where the focus is on local and seasonal ingredients. We enjoyed a tasty and relaxed meal that made the perfect ending to our visit.
#12 Copper mine of Stolzembourg
If you’re in the mood for a bit of adventure, the copper mine in Stolzembourg is a great place to explore. Tucked just outside the village, this historic site offers a fascinating underground experience that gives visitors a real sense of what life was like for miners. The tour begins above ground with a walk along an educational trail, where you’ll find information boards explaining the region’s geology and rich mining history. It’s a pleasant and informative start that sets the scene before heading below.
Next, you’ll gear up with a helmet and sturdy boots and begin your descent into the old mine. The tunnels are cool and dimly lit, with a constant temperature of around eleven degrees Celsius throughout the year, so it’s wise to bring a jacket. As you walk through the underground passages, you’ll learn how copper was once extracted here and see the tools and methods miners used over the centuries.
The mine’s tunnels are narrow, damp, and full of character, making the experience feel adventurous, yet completely safe with a guide.
Children aged six and up are welcome to join, so we decided to save this outing for another time, when we’re not traveling with very young kids. The guided tour takes about two to three hours, giving you plenty of time to take in the surroundings and hear fascinating stories about the mine’s past. Booking in advance is required, so be sure to reserve a spot if you’d like to discover this lesser-known but exciting part of Éislek’s history.
#13 Reverse Graffiti Artwork on the Dam of Vianden
As we drove into Vianden, our attention was immediately drawn to a striking piece of ‘reverse graffiti’ on the dam. The artwork, titled La Mémoire, wasn’t made with paint or brushes, but with a high-pressure cleaner. German artist Klaus Dauven used the powerful stream of water to clean specific sections of the dam, revealing detailed portraits through the contrast between the cleaned areas and the weathered concrete. The result is a temporary mural that honours the local workers and villagers connected to the nearby hydroelectric power station.
This impressive work was created during the KonschTour festival in 2023. Whether you view it from the road or from one of the nearby lookout points, the faces slowly emerge from the dam wall, appearing almost lifelike. It’s a moving tribute that blends art with place and history in a subtle, yet powerful way.
Over time, nature will take the artwork back. As new layers of dirt and moss build up, the images will slowly fade, making the mural a fleeting presence on the landscape. You can see this unique artwork just outside Vianden, along the scenic Ourdall Promenade.
#14 Abbey of Clervaux
The Abbey of Clervaux rests peacefully on a hillside just beyond the town center, instantly recognizable thanks to its white façade and distinctive round tower. Built in the early 20th century in a neo-Romanesque style, the abbey remains home to a small group of Benedictine monks. Visitors are welcome to explore parts of the complex, including the crypt, the church where you can light a candle, and the peaceful monastery garden.
The abbey is just a short walk from Clervaux Castle, making it easy to combine with a visit to the famous photography exhibition The Family of Man. It’s a thoughtful and peaceful stop that adds both spiritual and cultural depth to your time in Clervaux. Entry is free, making it even more worthwhile to pause here for a moment of calm and quiet in the heart of the Luxembourg Ardennes.
#15 Explore the Mullerthal
In the northeast of Luxembourg, you’ll find another stunning region worth exploring: the Mullerthal area. While the Éislek region is known for its gently rolling hills and often referred to as the Luxembourg Ardennes, the Mullerthal has earned the nickname “Little Switzerland” – and it’s easy to see why.
This area is filled with dramatic rock formations, narrow gorges, winding hollow paths, and peaceful streams that flow through mossy forests. The best way to experience it all is on the Mullerthal Trail, a well-known hiking route made up of three large loops that together cover more than 100 kilometers. As you walk, you’ll come across impressive natural sights like the Schéissendëmpel waterfall, the rock amphitheater of Huel Lee, and incredible stone bridges carved by nature over time.
We stayed right in the middle of this fairytale landscape at Camping Martbusch, which turned out to be an excellent choice with small children. From the campsite, we could step straight onto one of the most beautiful parts of the Mullerthal Trail. The landscape here feels like something from another world – wild, rugged, and truly spectacular, unlike anything else in Luxembourg.
In our blog about best things to do in Mullerthal, we share our favorite rock formations, top sights, and useful tips for making the most of your visit. From Vianden or Clervaux, it’s about an hour’s drive, making it a perfect day trip if you’re staying longer in the north of Luxembourg.
We visited Éislek at the invitation of Visit Luxembourg.