The Luxembourg district
The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is one of the smallest countries in the world - and combines great contrasts in a small area: here the metropolis of Luxembourg (city) with prestigious buildings, lively old town life and multicultural flair. On the other, small villages and surprisingly wild, dense forests full of bizarre rock formations. And best of all: the seas of forests are criss-crossed by kilometres of fine nature trails that offer plenty of opportunities for day-long bike tours. For example, through the gorges and rocky landscapes of the Mullerthal - or Mëllerdall in Luxembourgish - in the east of the country, also known as Luxembourg's Little Switzerland. The nature trails are often laid out directly along the cliffs and rocks.
Mountain biking is generally permitted or tolerated everywhere. However, locals strongly advise against cycling on the hiking trails on summer weekends, especially in July and August! How to get there: Luxembourg is located in the heart of Europe and can be easily reached by plane, long-distance bus, train or car from all directions.
You can download the entire Luxembourg Region Guide from EMTB 3/2022 with these tours together with the GPS data at the end of the article:
- Day 1: Luxembourg (City) - EchternachDistance 50.1 km, uphill 637 metres, downhill 715 metres, riding time 6 hours, riding technique: 60 % easy, 30 % medium, 10 % difficult
- Day 2: Echternach - MerschDistance 46.5 km, uphill 823 metres, downhill 803 metres, riding time 6 hours, riding technique: 60 % easy, 35 % medium, 6 % difficult
- Day 3: Mersch - Luxembourg (City)Distance 36.8 km, uphill 637 metres, downhill 573 metres, riding time 4.5 h, riding technique: 70 % easy, 25 % medium, 5 % difficult
The tour
The three-day route (112 kilometres and 2200 metres in altitude) leads from Luxembourg City to Echternach, on via Larochette to Mersch and back to Luxembourg City. It crosses the Mullerthal and Guttland regions with their bizarre sandstone cliffs, primeval forests and mossy stream gorges. A beautiful mix of sometimes challenging nature trails, quiet forest paths and little tarmac. The trails on our route are deliberately located as far away as possible from the main routes of the Müllerthal Trail, which is marked for hikers, but are no less exciting. The tour starts and ends at the Glacis car park, which can be easily reached by train (stop "Pfaffenthal/Kirchberg").
Free public transport
Ingenious for planning tours in the Grand Duchy: If you are planning a shorter tour or run out of energy en route, you can use the free buses and trains throughout the country to transport you and your bike.
Guided tours
Whether it's a stage tour, trail camp or day trip - bike guide Pitt Kirtz and his colleagues
know almost every trail in the Grand Duchy's extensive trail network.
Contact: guidedtours@mullerthal.lu
Luggage transport
More carefree biking: Luggage transport for bike journeys. Costs 12 euros per transfer and piece of luggage. Info at "Move - we carry"
Accommodation tips
Luxembourg Cityt: Hotel Parc Belair. Centrally located hotel for a relaxed journey the day before the tour.
Echternach: Hotel Bel-Air Sport & Wellness. Quiet and located directly on the trail - conveniently with a good restaurant.
Beringen/Mersch: Hotel Martha. Stylishly styled accommodation and great restaurant.
