Hiking in Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland

Some places feel familiar until you set foot there. Then everything changes. Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland is one of those hidden landscapes. A region tucked away in the east of the country where rock twists and splits, where forest breathes, and where every trail feels like a passage into a storybook.

If you're looking for an adventure that is scenic, accessible, quiet and meaningful, this could be your next hiking destination, closer than you think.

Where is Little Switzerland?

“Little Switzerland” refers to the Mullerthal region, near Echternach, on the eastern edge of Luxembourg. It doesn’t have Swiss-style peaks, but it shares a dramatic topography: deep wooded valleys, rocky gorges and scenic ridges that earn it its nickname.

This small region feels untouched, full of sandstone cliffs, mossy forests and winding streams. The landscapes shift between quiet magic and rugged beauty. You’re only a train and a bus away, yet it feels like a distant escape.

The Mullerthal Trail: a European hiking gem

The heart of the region is the Mullerthal Trail, a long-distance hiking route officially recognized as a “Leading Quality Trail – Best of Europe.” The full route spans 112 kilometers, divided into three major loops.

Route 1: villages, heritage and green valleys

This gentler option offers open views, medieval ruins, and peaceful rural paths starting from Echternach.

Route 2: cliffs, caves and forest wonders

The most dramatic part of the trail. You’ll pass highlights like the Labyrinth, Wollefsschlucht (wolf’s canyon), Kuelscheier (a narrow sandstone tunnel), and the Schiessentümpel waterfall.

Route 3: ridge trails and farmland

A more open, rolling section through quiet woods and fields, ideal for a quieter experience away from the main crowds.

A landscape shaped by water, ice and time

What makes the Mullerthal special is the unique Luxembourg sandstone. Over millennia, water and frost carved corridors, arches and caves right into the cliffs. Some passages are so narrow you have to remove your backpack. Elsewhere, stone steps lead you up moss-covered walls between ancient trees.

The terrain constantly shifts. One moment you are deep in a shaded canyon, the next you emerge into a bright, grassy clearing. This is a hiker’s playground, alive with contrasts and textures.

Why hike here?

You might wonder how this trail compares to a weekend in the Ardennes or a trek in the Alps. But this one strikes a rare balance:

• Easy to reach without a car or flight
• Ideal for a 3 to 5-day hike, with little logistical effort
• Offers rich and varied scenery from the first kilometer
• Still under the radar for most European hikers
• A great option for a first multi-day hike, without technical risks

Sleeping in the forest

Along the Mullerthal Trail, you’ll find plenty of places to stay. Choose from riverside campsites, small inns, forest shelters, or even designated bivouac areas for wild camping.

At Wildhartt, we like to combine options: some nights under canvas by a stream, others in welcoming local guesthouses, with slow dinners, shared stories, and time to reconnect with nature.

👉 Discover our guided expedition in Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland

Why hike with a guide?

Solo hiking is a joy. But walking with a small group and a guide adds another layer. Our guides are not there to rush you. They’re there to offer insight, pace, space and context — to help you see, hear and feel the forest differently.

“I thought I knew how to hike. But here, I learned how to really look.”

— Anaïs, Wildhartt expedition, April 2024

Essentials for your hiking trip

• When to go: late March to late October
• Distance: 112 km (3 loops of around 35–40 km each)
• Level: moderate, accessible to anyone in decent shape
• Access: train to Luxembourg City, then local bus to Echternach or Berdorf
• Accommodation: inns, campgrounds, optional bivouac
• Gear: sturdy hiking shoes, 35L pack, walking poles, waterproof layer
• Maps: available on mullerthal-trail.lu or in local tourism offices

Ready to hike it with us?

At Wildhartt, we organize small-group departures in Little Switzerland in spring and autumn. We travel light, stay present, and embrace the spirit of slow adventure. If you want to disconnect from routine, explore an enchanted forest, and rediscover the rhythm of walking, this journey is for you.

👉 Contact us here if you have any questions or if you’d like to book a private expedition.