Narrow rock passages where you have to turn sideways to squeeze through, wooden staircases leading deep into the forest, and viewpoints looking out over lush green valleys: the Mullerthal Trail is anything but your average hiking route. This 112-kilometre trail winds its way through the beautiful Müllerthal region, often called Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland because of its dramatic landscapes and unusual rock formations. Along the way, the scenery keeps changing. Dense forests give way to gently flowing streams, huge sandstone rocks rise up beside the path, and small villages appear between the trees. At times, it feels as though you are walking through a natural maze of narrow passages and towering rock walls, only to step out a few minutes later into an open viewpoint or a peaceful village.
One of the best things about the Mullerthal Trail is that you do not need to hike all 112 kilometres to enjoy its most beautiful sections. The route is divided into different stages, and thanks to Luxembourg’s free public transport and convenient bus connections, it is easy to travel between many of the main starting and finishing points. This makes the trail just as suitable for a single day hike as it is for a long weekend filled with several different walks. You can simply choose the sections that appeal to you most and explore the region at your own pace, without having to commit to the entire trail.
I (Sebastiaan) visited the Müllerthal in July together with our toddler, who spent most of the hikes travelling comfortably in a child carrier on my back. Before the trip, I was curious to see how well such an adventurous hiking destination would work with a small child, but it turned out to be a great combination. The carrier made it possible to tackle the rocky paths and forest trails without too much trouble, while there were still plenty of places to stop, take a break and enjoy the surroundings. In the end, it became the perfect little father-and-son adventure, with beautiful nature, plenty of time outdoors and more than enough impressive scenery along the way.
In this article, we share our favourite stages and stops along the Mullerthal Trail, the most beautiful sights and rock formations to look out for, and practical tips for hiking in the region with children. We also explain how to get around using public transport, which sections of the trail are especially worth choosing if you only have limited time, and what is useful to know before setting off. Whether you are planning one scenic day hike, a family weekend in Luxembourg or several days exploring Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland, you will find everything you need here to prepare your trip and make the most of your time on the Mullerthal Trail.
What is the Mullerthal Trail?
If you think you need to head to the Alps for dramatic hiking scenery, the Müllerthal might surprise you. This beautiful region in eastern Luxembourg is known as Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland, and it is easy to see why. The landscape is filled with unusual rock formations, narrow gorges, winding streams and thick forests, creating a hiking area that feels far more adventurous than you might expect from such a small country. We have now visited the Müllerthal twice: first with the whole family, and again this summer, when Sebastiaan hiked a large part of the Mullerthal Trail together with our three-year-old son.
Discover the 10 most beautiful places in the Müllerthal →
The complete Mullerthal Trail is 112 kilometres long and consists of three main loops. You can walk all three one after another as part of a multi-day hiking trip, but each loop can also be explored separately. That makes the trail surprisingly flexible. It works well for experienced hikers who want to spend several days on the route, but it is just as suitable for families, beginners and travellers who only have one or two days to explore the area. We did not walk the entire trail ourselves either. Instead, we selected several sections that looked the most interesting to us and combined them into a trip that suited our pace and the time we had available.
What makes the Mullerthal Trail especially enjoyable is how often the scenery changes. One moment you are walking beside a small stream beneath the trees, surrounded by the quiet of the forest. A little later, the path leads between huge sandstone walls, through narrow gaps in the rocks or up a series of steps carved into the landscape. Then, almost without warning, you might find yourself back in a small village where you can stop for a drink or something to eat. In other parts of the region, hiking can even be combined with a visit to impressive medieval castles, adding yet another completely different experience to the day.
For us, this constant variety is exactly what makes the Mullerthal Trail, and the Müllerthal region as a whole, so much fun to explore. You never feel as though you are walking through the same landscape for hours. Around every corner, there seems to be another rock formation, forest path, viewpoint or small village waiting to be discovered. It keeps the walks interesting and gives even shorter routes a real sense of adventure.
Another thing we love about the Müllerthal is that you do not need to be a serious long-distance hiker to experience its most impressive places. You can choose a shorter section of the trail and still walk through dramatic rock passages, peaceful forests and beautiful valleys in just a few hours. That makes the region a great choice for families, casual hikers and anyone who wants to enjoy spectacular nature without committing to a demanding multi-day trek. Whether you come for a single hike or spend several days exploring, the Mullerthal Trail offers plenty of memorable places to discover.
Mullerthal Trail Map
Hiking the Mullerthal Trail with children
When we told people that Sebastiaan was going to hike the Mullerthal Trail with our three-year-old son, we were asked more than once whether a trip like that was really suitable for such a young child. Our answer is a very definite yes. Of course, walking the full 112 kilometres with a toddler is probably not the most realistic plan, but that is exactly where the Mullerthal Trail works so well for families. Because the route is divided into three separate loops, you can simply choose the most beautiful sections and adapt each day to your own pace. In our experience, that flexibility makes the trail a surprisingly good choice for a family holiday.
Our son spent most of the hikes in a child carrier backpack. We should add that we did not invest in an expensive hiking carrier for this trip. We simply found a second-hand one at a charity shop, and it did the job perfectly well. A pushchair, however, is something we would definitely not recommend here. Many of the trails are unpaved, and along the way you regularly come across steep steps, exposed tree roots, uneven forest paths and narrow gaps between the rocks. Even a sturdy all-terrain buggy would be difficult to use on many parts of the Mullerthal Trail.
With the child carrier, we could continue along almost every section of the trail without much trouble. That does not mean our son spent the whole day on our back, though. There were plenty of places where he wanted to get out and walk by himself, especially on the more adventurous parts of Route 2. Those were the sections where he could climb, scramble over rocks and explore the trail at his own pace. In some of the narrow passages, his knees would have bumped against the rock walls if he had stayed in the carrier, so we simply took him out and let him walk for a while. That was not always ideal when he had just started to fall asleep, but it was never a major problem.
In fact, the adventurous sections were often the perfect moments to let him walk on his own. He loved climbing between the rocks, squeezing through narrow gaps and carefully making his way down the many steps. Around Berdorf, and especially on several parts of Route 2, the landscape sometimes felt more like a huge natural playground than a hiking trail. There was always something new for him to explore: another rock passage, a staircase disappearing between the cliffs or a small path winding through the forest. It made the walk much more fun for him and gave us a good reason to slow down and enjoy the surroundings too.
Another thing that makes hiking the Mullerthal Trail with children much easier is Luxembourg’s free public transport. The bus network gives you a lot of freedom when planning your route because you do not always have to walk back to where you parked your car. Instead, you can start in one village, finish in another and simply take the bus back afterwards. This also makes it easy to adjust the length of the hike depending on how everyone is feeling that day. If the children are tired, the weather changes or you simply decide you have walked enough, you can head to the nearest bus stop and call it a day.
There are also plenty of villages along the route where you can stop for a drink, something to eat or a longer break. We found that especially helpful with a toddler, as it meant the day never had to revolve around one long, uninterrupted hike. Many of the villages also have surprisingly large and well-designed playgrounds, which gave our son something extra to look forward to. It made the whole day feel much more relaxed, because we did not have to rush or worry about covering a certain distance before reaching the end of the route.
You will also come across a surprising number of adventure playgrounds in and around the Müllerthal. The adventure playground at Martbusch in Berdorf is a great stop if you are hiking Route 2, while we loved the large playground beside the lake in Echternach as a way to finish a walking day. The playground near Heringer Millen in Waldbillig is another excellent option. Our toddler especially enjoyed the water-play area there, which was a real treat during the warm summer days.
We also loved the Kugelbahnen, or wooden marble runs, which you can find in both Berdorf and Waldbillig. You place a wooden ball at the top and follow it as it rolls through a course of bends, funnels and small obstacles. It is such a simple idea, but our son had an incredible amount of fun with it. These kinds of stops may seem like a small detail when planning a hiking trip, but with a young child they can really make the difference. They break up the day, give little legs a change of pace and often end up becoming some of the moments children remember most.
So, would we recommend the Mullerthal Trail to families with young children? Absolutely. Instead of trying to complete the entire trail, choose a few beautiful sections that suit your family, bring a child carrier and plan plenty of time for breaks along the way. Combine the hiking with playgrounds, villages, picnic stops and relaxed moments whenever you need them. You will quickly discover that the Mullerthal Trail is not only a destination for experienced long-distance hikers. It is also a wonderful place for families who want to spend an adventurous day outdoors together, enjoy impressive scenery and explore one of Luxembourg’s most beautiful regions at a comfortable pace.
The three routes of the Mullerthal Trail
The Mullerthal Trail is divided into three main loops: Route 1, Route 2 and Route 3. Together, these three routes make up the full 112-kilometre trail, but you can just as easily hike each loop on its own. That flexibility is one of the things we really like about the Mullerthal Trail. Whether you only have a single day, a long weekend or almost a full week to explore the area, there is always a route or section that can fit comfortably into your plans.
We did not hike every stage of the trail ourselves, but we explored a large part of all three loops. That gave us a good sense of how much the character of the landscape changes from one route to another. Some sections take you through quiet forests and peaceful valleys, following small streams and gently winding paths. Others feel much more adventurous, with dramatic rock formations, narrow gorges, steep steps and passages squeezed between huge sandstone walls. Even though the three routes are part of the same trail, each one offers a slightly different experience.
All three loops are worth exploring, but for us there was one clear favourite: Route 2. This is the route that brings together many of the things we enjoyed most about hiking in the Müllerthal. You will find some of the region’s most impressive rock formations here, along with several of its best-known sights and some of the most exciting sections of the trail. There are narrow passages to squeeze through, unusual rock formations around almost every corner and plenty of places where the path feels more adventurous than a typical forest walk.
If you only have limited time in the Müllerthal and want to experience the scenery that makes the region so special, Route 2 would be our first choice. That said, Route 1 and Route 3 each have their own highlights and are definitely worth considering too, especially if you have several days to spend in the area. Below, we take you through all three routes one by one, explain what makes each of them different and share what you can expect along the way. That should make it easier to decide which route, or combination of routes, fits your own trip best.
Route 1: forests and peaceful stream valleys
At around 38 kilometres, Route 1 is the longest of the three loops on the Mullerthal Trail. It runs between Echternach and Rosport and takes you almost entirely through woodland, along small streams and across quiet green valleys. You will not see as many dramatic rock formations here as you do on Route 2, but that is exactly what gives this loop its own character. Route 1 is less about adventure and more about peaceful scenery, gentle forest paths and the simple pleasure of spending a few hours surrounded by nature.
We hiked the section from Herborn to Echternach, and for us it was a perfect example of how easy it is to break the Mullerthal Trail into shorter day hikes. Thanks to Luxembourg’s free public transport, you do not have to walk back to where you started, which gives you a lot of freedom when planning your route. You can simply choose the distance that suits you, take the bus to your starting point and finish somewhere else. For this walk, we left from our hotel in Echternach, took the bus to Herborn and then made our way back on foot.
What we noticed most was how peaceful this part of the trail felt. For almost the entire walk, you are on quiet forest paths, with very little traffic or noise around you. You rarely walk beside roads, and for long stretches it really feels as though you are completely tucked away in the countryside. The paths are generally easy to follow and never become particularly technical or difficult, which makes Route 1 a good option for less experienced hikers, families or anyone who simply wants a relaxed walk without too much climbing or scrambling.
Because the trail is so quiet, it is also a lovely place to slow down and notice the small details along the way. There are streams running beside the path, patches of moss covering the forest floor and plenty of places where the trees open up just enough to let the light through. We were even lucky enough to see a deer cross the path right in front of us, which was one of those simple moments that made the walk feel extra special. One of the highlights of this section came near the end, at a viewpoint just before reaching Echternach. From here, you can look out over the lake and the historic town below, which makes for a beautiful final stop after several hours in the forest. It is also a lovely place to sit down for a while, have a small picnic and enjoy the view before continuing towards town.
Finishing the hike in Echternach was another reason we enjoyed this section so much. After spending most of the day on quiet woodland paths, you suddenly arrive back in a lively and charming town with cafés, restaurants and plenty of places to relax. That contrast works really well. You get the peaceful atmosphere of the forest during the walk, followed by an easy and enjoyable finish in the historic centre. For us, that made the route from Herborn to Echternach one of the most pleasant and relaxed sections of the Mullerthal Trail.
Route 2: rocks, narrow passages and adventure
If you only have time to hike one of the three main routes on the Mullerthal Trail, Route 2 would be our top choice. For us, this is easily the most spectacular and adventurous section of the entire trail. The route takes you past enormous rock formations, through narrow gaps in the sandstone and down wooden staircases that seem to disappear deeper and deeper into the forest. It is this constant change of scenery, together with the dramatic rocks and unusual paths, that makes Route 2 such a memorable hike.
We explored Route 2 in two separate sections and even returned to Berdorf for an extra day so we could spend more time in the area and hike the B2 route as well. That probably says enough about how much we enjoyed this part of the Müllerthal. Around Berdorf in particular, the landscape sometimes feels like one huge natural adventure park. Everywhere you look, there are narrow passages between the rocks, dark corridors in the sandstone, steep staircases and winding forest paths disappearing around the next corner.
This was also by far our toddler’s favourite part of the Mullerthal Trail. There was simply so much for him to see and explore. Instead of walking along one long, predictable forest path, every few minutes brought something different: a narrow gap to squeeze through, a staircase to climb, a huge rock wall to look up at or another twisting path through the trees. For a young child, it felt much more like an outdoor adventure than a normal hike, and that made it especially fun to experience together.
One of the best-known sights on the Mullerthal Trail is also found where Route 2 and Route 3 meet: Schiessentümpel. This small waterfall, with its charming stone bridge crossing above it, has become one of the most recognisable images of the entire Müllerthal region. It is easy to understand why it is so popular, as the setting is very picturesque and feels almost like a scene from a storybook. It is definitely worth including in your hike, although you should expect it to be quite busy during the summer months, especially around the middle of the day.
Despite the adventurous feel of Route 2 and the many changes in elevation, we never found the trail especially difficult. You regularly climb or descend staircases, and some of the passages between the rocks are surprisingly narrow, but there are no really technical sections. You do not need climbing experience or special equipment, and most of the route should be manageable for hikers with a reasonable level of fitness.
We would, however, recommend bringing a small torch or making sure your phone has a working flashlight. Some of the rock passages, tunnels and narrow gorges can become very dark, even in the middle of the day. In a few places, you suddenly step from bright forest light into a cool, shadowy passage between the rocks, and being able to see where you are putting your feet makes the walk much more comfortable.
We also found Route 2 perfectly manageable with a child carrier backpack, although carrying a toddler does make some of the longer staircases noticeably harder. A long climb can quickly turn into a bit of a workout when you have extra weight on your back. On a few of the narrowest sections, I took our son out of the carrier and let him walk by himself because his knees would otherwise have bumped against the rock walls. Luckily, he loved those moments and was more than happy to climb and scramble through the passages on his own.
What we enjoyed most about Route 2 was that it never felt repetitive. You are rarely walking along a simple forest path for very long before the scenery changes again. One moment you are between towering sandstone walls, the next you are descending wooden steps, passing beneath an overhanging rock or squeezing through a narrow opening. A few minutes later, you may find yourself back in a quiet forest surrounded by trees and moss. That constant variety gives the hike a real sense of adventure without making it feel too demanding.
If you only have one day to experience the Mullerthal Trail, we would choose Route 2 without hesitation. It brings together many of the features that make this region so special: impressive rock formations, adventurous paths, deep forests and some of the best-known sights in the Müllerthal. It gives you a very good idea of why this trail has become so popular and why the region is often compared to a much more mountainous destination.
You do not have to complete the full loop to enjoy the best of Route 2 either. If an entire route feels like too much for one day, we especially recommend the section from Altrier to Echternach via Waldbillig, which offers a beautiful mix of forest, rock formations and varied scenery. Another excellent option is the B2 route around Berdorf, where you can experience some of the most adventurous and impressive rock passages in a relatively compact area. Both are great choices if you want to see the highlights of Route 2 without committing to the full distance.
Route 3: castles, forests and quiet villages
Route 3 combines peaceful forest walks with some of the most interesting cultural sights along the Mullerthal Trail, giving this loop a very different atmosphere from Route 2. Instead of focusing mainly on dramatic rock formations and narrow passages, this route offers a mix of woodland paths, small streams, green valleys and charming villages. It also takes you through the area around Beaufort, one of the most appealing villages in the region and best known for its two historic castles.
The scenery along Route 3 often feels a little more open than on other parts of the Mullerthal Trail. You still spend plenty of time walking through the forest, but the route regularly opens up into wider valleys, farmland and small villages. That variety gives the walk a more relaxed feel and makes it especially enjoyable if you like combining nature with a little bit of culture and history along the way.
During our previous trip to Luxembourg, two years ago, we also spent a full day in Beaufort. While Maartje explored the castles together with our toddler daughter, Sebastiaan headed into the surrounding forests for a walk with our baby son. It turned out to be a lovely way to divide the day, with everyone able to enjoy the area in a way that suited them. Afterwards, we met up again in Beaufort, where there are several cafés, terraces and restaurants that make it easy to stop for lunch, a drink or a well-earned break.
We also spent part of the afternoon cooling off at the outdoor pool at Aqua Park Beaufort. On a warm summer day, it was a very welcome way to relax after walking and sightseeing. For families in particular, this combination works really well: you can spend part of the day hiking through the forest, visit the castles and then finish with a swim. It makes Beaufort an easy place to turn into a full and varied day out.
The two castles of Beaufort are without a doubt the biggest highlights of this route. You can visit both the impressive ruins of the medieval castle and the neighbouring Renaissance castle, and the contrast between the two makes the visit especially interesting. The medieval ruins feel dramatic and atmospheric, while the Renaissance castle gives you a completely different glimpse into the history of the area.
If you have some extra time, we would definitely recommend combining a visit to the castles with a walk along Route 3. That way, you experience more than just the beautiful forests and valleys of the Müllerthal. You also get a sense of the region’s history and see how nature, villages and historic sights all come together in this part of Luxembourg.
For us, that mix is exactly what makes Route 3 worth adding to your itinerary. It may not have the same adventurous rock passages as Route 2, but it offers something different: peaceful scenery, quiet trails, small villages and a strong cultural element. If you enjoy hikes that combine beautiful nature with interesting places to stop along the way, Route 3 is a very rewarding part of the Mullerthal Trail to explore.
Extra routes
The Mullerthal Trail offers more than just its three main loops. Throughout the region, you will also find a number of Extra Tours: shorter, well-marked hiking routes that are usually between 4 and 10 kilometres long. These walks are ideal if you only have half a day to spare, want to fit a shorter hike around other plans or simply feel like adding one more walk to your time in the Müllerthal without committing to a full stage of the main trail.
We did not hike any of the Extra Tours ourselves, as we decided to spend the time we had exploring the main Mullerthal Trail instead. Still, they can be a great addition if you are staying in the region for a little longer, prefer shorter and more relaxed walks or have already seen the best-known parts of the three main routes. They also work well on days when you want to take things a little easier while still enjoying the landscapes that make the Müllerthal so special.
Depending on the route you choose, an Extra Tour can still give you a lovely mix of forest paths, rock formations, quiet countryside and small villages. That makes them a good option if you want to keep hiking but do not necessarily feel like spending most of the day on the trail. They are also useful if the weather is uncertain or if you are travelling with children and would rather keep the distance more manageable.
You can find a complete overview of all the Extra Tours on the official Mullerthal Trail website, together with their distances, starting points and other practical details. This makes it easy to compare the different options and choose a walk that suits the amount of time you have, your preferred distance and the part of the Müllerthal you would most like to explore.
How many days do you need?
How much time you need for the Mullerthal Trail really depends on what you want to see and how much walking you would like to do each day. Experienced hikers can complete the full 112-kilometre trail in around five to six days, covering all three main loops along the way. If you have less time, though, that is absolutely fine. One of the biggest advantages of the Mullerthal Trail is that it is divided into separate loops and sections, so you can easily plan one or several day hikes without having to commit to the entire route.
We spent several days in the Müllerthal and chose to combine different parts of the trail instead of trying to walk every kilometre. That worked really well for us and gave us a much more relaxed way to explore the region. It also meant that each day felt a little different. One hike might take us through dramatic rock formations and narrow passages, while the next could be much quieter, with forest paths, streams, green valleys and small villages along the way.
Luxembourg’s free public transport makes this kind of flexible planning especially easy. You do not have to keep walking back to where you started, so you can begin your hike in one village and finish somewhere completely different. That gives you much more freedom to choose the sections you are most interested in and to adjust the distance to suit your plans for the day. It also makes it easier to change things as you go. If the weather turns, everyone is getting tired or you simply decide that you have walked enough, you can often take a bus back instead of forcing yourself to finish a long circular route. We found that especially useful while travelling with a young child, but it is just as convenient for anyone who prefers a more relaxed hiking trip.
Even if you only have a long weekend, you can still get a very good impression of the Mullerthal Trail. By choosing a few different sections, you can experience several sides of the region without feeling rushed or spending every day covering long distances. With three or four days, for example, you could combine the adventurous rock landscapes around Berdorf with a quieter forest hike and still leave time to explore places such as Echternach or Beaufort.
If you have five or six days and enjoy long-distance hiking, completing the full Mullerthal Trail is of course a great option. But you definitely do not need that much time to enjoy the region. Even a couple of carefully chosen day hikes can give you a wonderful taste of the forests, rock formations, villages and scenery that make the Müllerthal such a special place to explore.
Our tip: make extra time for Berdorf
If there is one place in the Müllerthal that we would happily return to again and again, it is Berdorf. We enjoyed it so much that, after hiking part of Route 2 here, we decided to come back for another half day just to explore the area in more detail. We had already spent quite a bit of time in Berdorf during our previous trip two years earlier, and once again, we were very glad that we made room for it in our itinerary.
What makes Berdorf so special is that there is much more to explore than just the official Mullerthal Trail. The surrounding area is full of narrow rock passages, dark corridors, towering sandstone walls and wooden staircases that disappear deep into the forest. In some places, the paths twist and turn between the rocks so much that it almost feels as though you are walking through a natural maze. There is always another passage to discover, another staircase to follow or another impressive rock formation waiting around the corner.
During our visit two years ago, we simply wandered around and explored the area on our own. This time, however, we followed the well-known and very photogenic B2 hiking route, a 4.2-kilometre loop that takes you through some of the most dramatic scenery around Berdorf. Although the route is relatively short, it feels surprisingly adventurous because there is so much variety packed into such a small area.
Along the way, you squeeze through narrow gaps between the rocks, walk beneath huge sandstone walls and follow winding forest paths that sometimes feel completely hidden from the outside world. Wooden steps lead you up and down between the formations, while darker passages add an extra sense of adventure. It is the kind of hike where you are constantly curious about what is coming next, which makes the distance almost feel secondary.
Berdorf is also a fantastic place to explore with children. Our toddler loved climbing over the rocks and steps, walking through the narrow passages by himself and treating the whole area as one huge outdoor playground. Because there was always something interesting to see or climb, he stayed excited about the walk for much longer than he would have on a simple forest path.
And even after all that exploring, there was still another highlight waiting for him: the large adventure playground near Camping Martbusch. It was a perfect place to let him run around and play after the hike, and it made Berdorf feel even more family-friendly. If you have an extra half day after exploring the main sections of the Mullerthal Trail, we would spend it in Berdorf without hesitation. The combination of dramatic rock formations, adventurous short hikes, narrow passages and family-friendly stops makes it one of our favourite places in the entire Müllerthal region. Even if you have already walked part of Route 2, it is well worth coming back to explore Berdorf at a slower pace.
The most beautiful sights along the Mullerthal Trail
The Mullerthal Trail takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Luxembourg, and one of the best things about the route is how often something special appears along the way. One moment, you are walking between impressive rock formations, and the next you find yourself beside a stream, at a historic landmark or looking out over a wide green valley. That constant change in scenery is a big part of what makes the trail so enjoyable.
Some places are well known and easy to recognise, while others feel like little surprises hidden along the route. Together, they give the Mullerthal Trail much more variety than a simple forest walk and make every section feel different. These are the sights that stood out most to us and, in our opinion, make the trail especially memorable.
Discover the 10 most beautiful places and 10 most impressive rock formations in the Müllerthal →
#1 Schiessentümpel
If you have ever searched for photos of Luxembourg or the Müllerthal, there is a good chance you have already come across Schiessentümpel. It is the best-known sight in the region and one of the most recognisable places along the Mullerthal Trail. The waterfall itself is fairly small, but the setting is what makes it so special. A charming stone bridge crosses just above the water, surrounded by forest and moss-covered rocks. Together, the bridge, waterfall and greenery create a very picturesque scene, which explains why Schiessentümpel has become one of the most photographed places in Luxembourg.
It is definitely worth stopping here, especially if you are already hiking nearby, but do not expect to have the place to yourself during the summer months. Schiessentümpel can get quite busy, particularly around the middle of the day, so you will probably be sharing the bridge and viewpoint with plenty of other visitors.
Even with the crowds, it is still a lovely place to see in person. The setting is peaceful and photogenic, and it is one of those classic Müllerthal sights that feels worth visiting at least once during your trip.binatie van de kleine waterval en de karakteristieke stenen brug maakt dit een van de meest gefotografeerde plekken van het land. In de zomer is het er behoorlijk druk, dus houd er rekening mee dat je de brug waarschijnlijk met veel andere bezoekers deelt.
#2 Rock formations around Berdorf
If we had to pick just one favourite place in the Müllerthal, it would probably be the rock formations around Berdorf. We had already explored this area during a previous trip two years earlier, but after hiking part of the Mullerthal Trail this time, we still wanted to come back for another half day. We did, and we were very glad that we made the extra time for it.
The area around Berdorf is full of narrow rock passages, dark gaps, steep walls and small paths winding between huge sandstone formations. In some places, it almost feels as though you are walking through a natural maze. One moment, you are squeezing through a narrow opening between the rocks, and the next you are following a twisting forest path or stepping into a darker passage hidden between the cliffs.
That sense of discovery is exactly what makes Berdorf so much fun. There always seems to be another corner to turn, another rock formation to explore or another little path leading deeper into the forest. Even if you have already seen some of the area while walking Route 2, it is worth coming back and spending more time here without feeling rushed. We also love that Berdorf feels adventurous without being too difficult. You get all the fun of narrow passages, towering rock walls and hidden trails, but you do not need any special hiking or climbing skills to enjoy it. That makes the area a great choice for families as well as anyone who simply wants a more exciting walk.
If you have some extra time during your stay in the Müllerthal, we would definitely recommend setting aside at least a few hours for Berdorf. For us, it is one of those places that you can return to more than once and still enjoy just as much.
#3 Wolfsschlucht
Wolfsschlucht is one of the most dramatic and memorable passages along the Mullerthal Trail. The gorge is narrow, with steep rock walls rising high above you on both sides, creating a real sense of adventure as you make your way through. In some places, the passage becomes so tight that even a large hiking backpack can be difficult to squeeze through comfortably.
That narrow setting is exactly what makes Wolfsschlucht so impressive. The towering sandstone walls make the path feel hidden away from the rest of the forest, and the deeper you walk into the gorge, the more enclosed and atmospheric it becomes. It is one of those sections where the landscape feels especially wild and different from a normal woodland walk.
If you are hiking with a child in a child carrier backpack, this is one of the places where it may be easier to let them walk for a short stretch. The gap between the rocks can be very narrow, leaving little room for a wide carrier. Letting your child walk here not only makes the passage easier to manage, but can also turn it into a fun little adventure for them.
#4 Hohllay
Not far from Berdorf, you will find Hohllay, also known as Huel Lee, a large and unusual cave carved into the sandstone. Unlike many of the natural rock formations in the Müllerthal, this cave was shaped by people centuries ago, when millstones were cut directly from the rock.
The result is an impressive hollow space with high sandstone walls and a very distinctive shape. When you step inside, it is easy to see why this is such a popular stop. The marks left behind from the old stone-cutting work give the cave an extra layer of history and make it feel quite different from the other rock formations in the area.
Hohllay lies directly along several popular hiking routes around Berdorf, so it is very easy to include in a walk through the area. That also means it can get fairly busy, especially during weekends and the summer season. Even so, it is worth taking the time to stop, look around and appreciate both the size of the cave and the history behind it.
For us, Hohllay is a great example of what makes the Müllerthal so interesting: beautiful natural scenery mixed with small pieces of local history that you often discover right beside the hiking trail.
#5 Beaufort Castle
If you are hiking Route 3, stopping in Beaufort feels like an obvious choice. The village is home to two very different castles: the atmospheric ruins of a medieval fortress and a Renaissance castle standing nearby. Together, they make Beaufort one of the most interesting cultural stops along this part of the Mullerthal Trail.
We also spent an afternoon here during our previous visit to the region. While Maartje explored the castles with our daughter, Sebastiaan headed into the surrounding forests for a walk with our son. It turned out to be a great combination, giving us the chance to enjoy both the history of Beaufort and the peaceful nature that surrounds the village.
That mix is exactly what makes Beaufort such a pleasant place to include in your itinerary. You can spend part of the day wandering through historic castle grounds and learning more about the past, then step almost straight back into the green forests and quiet walking trails of the Müllerthal.
For us, it was a lovely balance between culture and nature, and a nice change of pace from spending the whole day on the trail. If you are already walking Route 3, it is definitely worth allowing a little extra time to explore Beaufort properly rather than simply passing through.
#6 Echternach
For many hikers, Echternach is either the starting point or the finishing point of the Mullerthal Trail. Sebastiaan also stayed here overnight, and it turned out to be a very convenient base for exploring different sections of the route. But even if you are not beginning or ending your hike here, Echternach is well worth setting aside some time for.
The historic centre is lively and full of welcoming terraces, cafés and restaurants, making it an easy place to relax after a day of walking. We enjoyed simply wandering through the old streets, stopping for something to eat and taking in the atmosphere without having to rush anywhere.
At the edge of town, you will also find a large recreational lake, a spacious playground and several Roman archaeological remains. That gives Echternach a nice mix of history, nature and places to unwind, so it works well both as a hiking base and as a destination in its own right.
For us, it was the perfect place to slow down after a long walk. You can finish your hike, grab a drink or meal in the centre and then spend a little more time exploring before calling it a day. If you are travelling with children, the large playground beside the lake is an especially nice bonus and a great place for them to run around after spending time on the trail.
#7 Raiberhiel
Of all the places we discovered along the Mullerthal Trail, Raiberhiel may have been the most adventurous. The experience starts with a long staircase leading down into a narrow gap between the rocks. As you descend, the walls close in around you and the light quickly disappears, making it feel as though you are entering a hidden passage deep inside the landscape.
At the bottom, it becomes so dark that a torch is almost essential. Naturally, we had forgotten to bring one again during our second visit, but luckily the flashlight on our phone did the job well enough. We would still recommend bringing a small torch if you can, as it makes navigating the darker parts much easier.
From there, the route continues through an even narrower passage. At some points, you have to bend down properly, squeeze between the rocks and almost crawl your way through. It is not particularly difficult, but it certainly feels much more adventurous than an ordinary forest walk.
Our toddler absolutely loved this section. For him, it felt more like exploring a secret cave than going on a hike, and Raiberhiel may well have been his favourite part of the entire route. He was completely fascinated by the dark passages, the narrow rocks and the fact that he could make his own way through parts of it.
For us, Raiberhiel perfectly captures what makes the Mullerthal Trail so much fun. It is a little dark, a little unexpected and completely different from the peaceful forest paths you walk only moments before. That sense of surprise is exactly what makes this part of the trail so memorable.
Where to stay along the Mullerthal Trail
Because the Mullerthal Trail is divided into three separate loops, you do not need to move to a different hotel every night. We chose to stay in one place and use it as a base for exploring different parts of the trail, and that worked very well for us. Thanks to Luxembourg’s free public transport, it is easy to travel to different starting points and finish your hike somewhere else without having to walk all the way back to your accommodation.
For us, Echternach was the ideal base. The town has a lively historic centre with plenty of restaurants, cafés and terraces, and both Route 1 and Route 2 pass through the area. That makes it very convenient if you want to explore a different section of the Mullerthal Trail each day without spending too much time getting around.
We also really liked having somewhere pleasant to return to after a day of hiking. Instead of heading straight back to the hotel, we could wander through the old streets, sit down on a terrace and enjoy a relaxed dinner. One of our favourite places was Restaurant Aal Eechternoach, which has a lovely outdoor terrace and plenty of vegetarian options. If you are travelling with children, the large playground beside the lake is another great bonus and a nice place to end the day.
During an earlier trip to the region, we also stayed in Berdorf, where we parked our camper at Camping Martbusch. Berdorf is much smaller and quieter than Echternach, but its location is excellent if hiking is your main reason for visiting. You are right in the middle of one of the most impressive parts of the Müllerthal, surrounded by the dramatic rock formations and adventurous trails that make Route 2 so memorable.
Berdorf is therefore a particularly good choice if you want to spend extra time exploring the rock passages, short hiking loops and forest trails around the village. You will not find the same choice of restaurants and lively town atmosphere as in Echternach, but you are incredibly close to some of the most beautiful and exciting walks in the region.
Another popular place to stay is Waldbillig. Just like Echternach, it lies at a point where two of the three main loops come together, making it easy to start different walks directly from the area. The atmosphere is much quieter and more rural than in Echternach, and you are surrounded by nature almost as soon as you step outside.
If we visited the Mullerthal Trail again, though, we would probably choose Echternach once more. For us, it offers the best balance between convenience and atmosphere. The combination of a charming historic centre, good restaurants, free bus connections and a central location makes it a very comfortable base for exploring the trail over several days.
Just outside the town, we stayed at the lovely Hôtel Bel-Air, which sits directly on the trail and also has wellness facilities. That made it especially nice after a long day of walking, when we could properly relax without having to go anywhere else. We also stayed right in the heart of Echternach at Hotel Le Petit Poete, which is a very convenient option if you prefer to be close to the town’s restaurants, cafés and historic streets.
Practical information for the Mullerthal Trail
#1 Difficulty level
Do not let the full distance of 112 kilometres put you off. You definitely do not have to hike the entire Mullerthal Trail in one go, and it is very easy to choose individual stages or shorter sections instead. In fact, that flexibility is one of the things that makes the trail so accessible. Most of the paths are well maintained, clearly marked and never become especially technical or difficult.
That does not mean the trail is completely effortless, though. You will regularly come across changes in elevation, long staircases, uneven forest paths and narrow gaps between the rocks. Route 2 felt the most demanding to me, mainly because of the large number of steps and the amount of climbing and descending along the way. A reasonable level of basic fitness is therefore helpful, especially if you plan to hike for several hours at a time.
I walked large parts of the Mullerthal Trail with our toddler in a child carrier backpack, and overall that worked very well. Most sections were easy enough to manage, and we never came across anything that felt overly technical. The many staircases did make some parts noticeably harder, though, especially with the extra weight on my back. A few of the longer climbs definitely required some extra effort.
The narrow rock passages can also slow you down from time to time, particularly if you are carrying a large backpack or a child carrier. In a few places, I let our toddler walk by himself because there simply was not enough space for the carrier to pass comfortably between the rocks. Luckily, those were often the sections he enjoyed most anyway.
Overall, we would describe the Mullerthal Trail as adventurous rather than truly difficult. You do not need to be an experienced mountain hiker or have any special climbing skills, but a decent level of fitness, comfortable walking shoes and a little patience on the steeper sections will make the experience much more enjoyable. If you choose your stages carefully, the trail is very manageable for a wide range of hikers, including families with young children.
#2 Signposting
The signposting along the Mullerthal Trail is honestly some of the best we have ever seen on a hiking route. At almost every junction, it is clearly marked which direction you need to go, and the trail is consistently signed with the distinctive M symbol. During our hikes, I never once found myself wondering whether we were still on the right path.
Because the route is so well marked, you do not really need to rely on a GPX file or hiking app while you are walking. They can still be useful as a backup, for checking distances or for planning your route in advance, but in everyday use the signs are more than enough to keep you on track.
#3 Free public transport
One of the biggest advantages of hiking in Luxembourg is the country’s free public transport. Almost all buses are free to use, and many bus stops are located directly on or very close to the Mullerthal Trail. That makes it incredibly easy to shorten a hike, finish at a different point or simply take the bus back to your accommodation at the end of the day.
We used the buses several times during our trip and found them to be one of the biggest benefits of the trail. They make the route much more flexible, especially if you do not want to walk a full loop or if you are travelling with children.
It is worth knowing, though, that the buses are not always very frequent, even during the high season. In the morning and evening, they generally run about every half hour, while during the rest of the day you may only get one bus per hour. It is therefore a good idea to check the timetable before setting off, especially if you are planning to finish your hike in a smaller village.
#4 Best time to visit
You can hike the Mullerthal Trail throughout the year, but the most popular period is from April to October. We walked the route in July, when the forests were in full leaf, the landscape was beautifully green and the shade from the trees made even the hottest days much more comfortable.
Summer is a lovely time to see the region at its greenest, but it is also the busiest season. During the school holidays, popular places such as Schiessentümpel can attract quite a few visitors, especially around the middle of the day. If you prefer a quieter experience, spring or early autumn can be a great alternative.
#5 Food and drinks along the way
The Mullerthal Trail regularly passes through villages where you can stop for something to eat or drink. Echternach, Berdorf and Beaufort in particular have several restaurants, cafés and terraces, so these are good places to plan a longer break.
Even so, we would still recommend carrying enough water and some food with you. On the longer stretches of the trail, you will not necessarily pass a café or restaurant every hour, and opening times can also vary. Having your own snacks or lunch gives you much more freedom and means you can stop whenever you find a nice place along the route.
We usually carried a packed lunch and plenty of water with us, which worked perfectly. It also meant we could stop for a relaxed picnic somewhere in the forest or at a viewpoint instead of having to plan the day around restaurant stops.
Our visit to the Mullerthal Trail took place at the invitation of Visit Luxembourg.
