The Éislek Trail

106 km over 5 stages between Kautenbach and La Roche-en-Ardenne

Straddling the Belgian and Luxembourg Ardennes, the Éislek Trail takes you on a journey of discovery through a wide variety of landscapes. Walk through vast coniferous forests, along steep slopes typical of the region and discover the rich natural and cultural heritage of this region along the way. This is an unforgettable hike, which has been awarded the ‘Leading Quality Trail - Best of Europe’ label, just like the Escapardenne Lee Trail!

The majority of the route crosses the grasslands of the Ardennes’ high plateaus. These hilly landscapes, at an average altitude of 500 m, are characterised by deep valleys, schistose rocks and vast expanses of farmland. You can regularly admire magnificent, unobstructed views.

In terms of history and architecture, the region is also full of jewels. Many buildings are made of local stone, sandstone and shale, including typical farmhouses and small cottages. The Ardennes have been inhabited since Gallo-Roman times. A walk along the Éislek Trail will give you an insight into their history, thanks to the buildings and monuments along the way.

The Éislek Trail is much more than just a hike: it's a journey back in time and an escape into the heart of nature.

Navigation & GPX-Datei

© escapardenne.eu

Overview of the trail

1 results
  • © Visit Éislek, Visit Éislek
    Escapardenne - Leading Quality Trails - Best of Europe
    Escapardenne Éislek Trail
    Distance: 106,95 km
    Duration: 32:10 h
    Difficulty: difficult
    Find out more

The stages of the Éislek Trail

The Éislek Trail is divided into 5 stages of similar distance, which are described below. Depending on individual fitness levels and preferences, it is of course possible to divide the route differently or shorten the stages to make them easier. There are also alternative stages, allowing you to walk from station to station between Kautenbach and Troisvierges.

Kautenbach - Clervaux

Stage 1 - 24 km

Start/ Finish: Kautenbach/ Clervaux station
Duration: approx. 9 hours
Level of difficulty: difficult
Difference in altitude: ▲1021 m ▼876 m

The start of this stage is in Kautenbach. Descend to the left along the rocks and then climb a steep path, which was once used by cattle and carriages. Don't forget to admire the view of Kautenbach and the Wiltz valley along the way. You will then pass by the historic Schüttbourg castle, which dates back to the 15th century. Situated on a narrow slate promontory, the castle is privately owned and therefore unfortunately not open to visitors. The route then passes through several typical villages, including Lellingen, whose old buildings have been lovingly restored. The trail continues to Clervaux, with its castle and picturesque town centre with restaurants and hotels. Take advantage of the benches along the way to enjoy the magnificent views and rest your feet!

This stage can be shortened. You can stop off at Wilwerwiltz or Drauffelt stations on your way to Clervaux. You can also spend the night in Munshausen.

There are several hotels and campsites along the route!

© Les Vieux Singes
Boutique & Design Hotel Le Clervaux
S
Pets allowedParkingWellnessPoolWifiRestaurant
© Visit Éislek
Camping Kautenbach
Pets allowedWifiRestaurant
© Camping Officiel Clervaux
Camping Officiel Clervaux
Pets allowedPoolWifi
© Hotel-Restaurant du Commerce
Hotel du Commerce
S
Pets allowedParkingWellnessPoolWifiRestaurant
© Hotel Huberty
Hotel Huberty
Wifi
Koener Hotel
Pets allowedParkingWellnessPoolWifiRestaurant

Clervaux-Moulin d’Asselborn

Stage 2 - 19 km

Start/Finish: Clervaux/Moulin d'Asselborn
Duration: approx. 5,5 hours
Level of difficulty: difficult
Difference in altitude: ▲558 m ▼876 m

This stage is all about history. In particular, you will learn about the dark period of the Second World War, which had a major impact on the region. After leaving Clervaux, you head towards Maulusmühle through the forest. Here you will discover the wreckage of a British Hudson FK803 aircraft shot down during the Battle of the Bulge. The walk continues to the Cinqfontaines monastery, another place of remembrance. This remote spot, which nevertheless lies along a railway line, was turned into a deportation camp for Luxembourg's Jews. Between 1941 and 1943, around 700 people were held here before being deported to Eastern Europe. You will then pass close to Troisvierges, heading towards Sassel before finally reaching the Moulin d'Asselborn.

This stage can be shortened by stopping at Troisvierges station, where you can also stay overnight.

There are several hotels and campsites along the way!

© Camping Troisvierges
Camping Troisvierges
Garden / ParkSituated in the centre of townPets allowedRental accommodationPoolWifiRestaurant
© Hotel-Restaurant Domaine du Moulin d'Asselborn
Hotel Domaine du Moulin d'Asselborn
Pets allowedWifiParkingRestaurant
© Hôtel-Restaurant Lamy
Hôtel Lamy
Pets allowedWifiParkingRestaurant

Moulin d’Asselborn-Houffalize

Stage 3 - 20 km

Start/Finish: Moulin d'Asselborn / Houffalize, Place Roi Albert
Duration: approx. 5,5 hours
Level of difficulty: Light - Medium
Difference in altitude: ▲318 m ▼380 m

On this third day of hiking, the route takes you due west. You leave Asselborn and follow the stream to the hamlet of Emeschbach, where you pass through a completely revitalised area. The meanders of the stream have been recreated to return the local flora and fauna to their former habitat. The walk takes you across a vast grassy plateau and crosses the border with Belgium at Hoffelt. This crossing was the site of a bizarre construction project. In the 1820s, King William I of the Netherlands decided to build a vast canal linking the Meuse and Moselle rivers in order to stimulate the economy. The most ambitious part of this project was located between Buret in Belgium and Hoffelt in Luxembourg: a tunnel over 2.5 km long. Construction work began on both sides of the border, but the project came to a halt with the Belgian Revolution of 1830. The remains of the tunnel can still be seen today in the hamlet of Bernistap, on the Belgian side. The walk continues towards Tavigny, which you cross before joining the Ourthe, which you follow to the centre of Houffalize.

There are several hotels and campsites along the way!

© B&B Pittoresque
B&B Pittoresque
The Pittoresque Bed and Breakfast is located on the edge of a forest, just 200 metres from the centre of Houffalize.
Find out more
© Hôtel des Poste
Brasserie du char
Hôtel des Postes - Restaurant - Brasserie du char in Houffalize
Find out more
© Hotel des Postes
Hotel des Postes
Hôtel des Postes - Restaurant - Brasserie du char in Houffalize
Find out more
© Hotel-Restaurant Domaine du Moulin d'Asselborn
Hotel Domaine du Moulin d'Asselborn
Pets allowedWifiParkingRestaurant
© Province de Luxembourg
Vayamundo Holiday Centre
The Vayamundo Houffalize holiday centre offers you a relaxing break in the Ourthe valley, in the heart of the authentic Ardennes.
Find out more

Houffalize - Nadrin

Stage 4 - 24 km

Start/Finish: Houffalize/Nadrin
Duration: approx. 6,5 hours
Level of difficulty: difficult
Difference in altitude: ▲708 m ▼727 m

The walk leaves the small town of Houffalize via the côte de Saint-Roch in the old quarter and quickly returns to the forest. You will soon see the E25 motorway viaduct. The path passes underneath it and then plunges into the valley as far as Nabiselle, a place of tranquility par excellence. You then return to the plateau, skirting the village of Bonnerue, and reach the Rensiwez mill. Next comes a short forest crossing to reach the confluence and a long stretch along the banks of the Ourthe on tiny paths. One coppice forest follows another and the path follows the rocky ridge, offering superb views. The route reaches the Nisramont dam, then quickly moves into the natural surroundings along the waters and winds its way up to the heights. Ollomont and Nadrin, the destination of the stage, are not far off!

There are several hotels and campsites along the way!

© Camping du Bout du Monde
Camping Au Bout du Monde
Between Houffalize and La Roche, in the village of 'Engreux' is our small-scale campsite, situated at an altitude of 432m, with a beautiful panoramic view. Campers come for the peace (adults only), for nature and for the home-made spaghetti bolognaise!
Find out more
© Le lac de Belle Meuse
Camping du Lac de Belle Meuse
Camping Belle-Meuse is located in Nadrin, a small tourist village 10 minutes from La Roche in the Ardennes.
Find out more
© La Fermette blanche
Fermette Blanche
La Fermette Blanche is a charming 19th-century farmhouse that has been completely renovated and relaunched as a bed and breakfast.
Find out more
© Visit Wallonia
Les Alisiers
Situated in the village of Nadrin (Houffalize) in the heart of the Belgian Ardennes, close to the Hérou site and halfway between La Roche-en-Ardenne and Houffalize, discover the charm of our guest rooms.
Find out more
© Les Cabanes de Rensiwez
Les Cabanes de Rensiwez
Charming cabins to rent in the heart of the Belgian Ardennes. A natural concept, simple but comfortable and elegant, respectful of the environment!
Find out more

Nadrin - La Roche-en-Ardenne

Stage 5 - 18 km

Start/Finish: Nadrin-La Roche-en-Ardenne
Duration : approx. 6,5 hours
Level of difficulty: difficult
Difference in altitude: ▲655 m ▼771 m

This final stage takes you to several of the region's iconic sites, starting with Cheslé, a Celtic fortification dating from the early Iron Age. You continue on towards Berismenil, before branching off towards the Crestelles viewpoint, from where you can see Maboge, a picturesque hamlet. The route continues towards Borzée and then takes you on a long, fairly easy descent to La Roche-en-Ardenne. Before reaching this medieval town, you can enjoy a number of stunning views, including the impressive feudal castle that once stood at the heart of the county of La Roche.

There are several hotels and campsites along the route!

© Camping Benelux
Camping Benelux
En pleine nature au milieu de la verdure. L'endroit idéal pour un week-end ou des vacances en famille. Avec de nombreuses activités ludiques sur et autour du camping et à 10 minutes à pied du centre-ville.
Find out more
© Camping Floreal
Camping Floreal
A 4-star campsite nestling on the banks of the Ourthe, with 398 pitches for caravans, motorhomes and tents on a 10-hectare green site.
Find out more
© Hotel Midi La Roche
Hôtel du Midi
Hotel-restaurant-caterer Le Midi in La Roche-en-Ardenne. Situated in the heart of the Ardennes, right in the centre of La Roche, Hotel Le Midi is an establishment with a warm atmosphere overlooking a small square along the Ourthe river.
Find out more
© Hôtel le chalet
Hôtel Le Chalet
The Chalet Hôtel in La Roche en Ardenne is located in the heart of the Belgian Ardennes, in a superb valley, where you're sure to enjoy a pleasant stay. Opposite the Château Féodal and 300 m from the town centre.
Find out more
© Hôtel Le Luxembourg
Hôtel Le Luxembourg
Charming little family hotel, cosy restaurant with Provencal decor, varied and copious buffet breakfast.
Find out more

Overview

6 results
Éislek Pad Kautenbach
© Leptitbaroudeur
Lee Trail

In the heart of Éislek, the Lee Trail takes you on an exploration of the schist ridges and rocky outcrops so characteristic of this region in the north of the country. Indeed, in Luxembourgish, ‘Lee’ means rocky ridge, which is one of the distinctive aspects of this long-distance hike. Other highlights include the Gringlee viewpoint and Molberlee ridges, as well as typical villages such as Dirbach or Erpeldange-sur-Sûre.

Find out more
© escapardenne.eu
Éislek Trail

Straddling the Belgian and Luxembourg Ardennes, the Éislek Trail takes you on a journey of discovery through a wide variety of landscapes. Walk through vast coniferous forests, along steep slopes typical of the region and discover the rich natural and cultural heritage of this region along the way. This is an unforgettable hike, which has been awarded the ‘Leading Quality Trail - Best of Europe’ label, just like the Escapardenne Lee Trail!

Find out more
Éislek Hiking maps
Escapardenne Shop

Do you need hiking maps or a roadbook? Visit our shop to buy them!

Find out more
Hoscheid
© Jochem de Jong Thru-Hiking
Practical information

Are there currently any diversions? What equipment is required? Where are the stations along the route? Find the answers to these questions here!

Find out more
Hotel du Moulin
© Jochem de Jong - Thru Hiking
Restaurants

As the hunger comes with walking, here you'll find all the restaurants along the route.

Find out more
Clervaux
© Linda Devish
Escapardenne overview

With a total length of 159 km, the Escapardenne, which consists of the Lee Trail and the Éislek Trail, crosses the most beautiful landscapes of the Ardennes between Luxembourg and Belgium.

Find out more