The Éislek Trail

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!