From Echternach to Berdorf and back

This trail is certainly the best known. Gorges du Loup, Perekop, Labyrinthe, Hohlay. We will make a small variation by doing it in a figure of 8 to balance out the discoveries.

Details

414931
Creation:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 13.17 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 322 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 317 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 340 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 159 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Parking in Echternach at the bus station near the train station.

Signposting: E1

(S/E) With your back to the bus station building, take the small street opposite Rue Charly. When you reach the main road, cross with caution.

(1) Continue along the grassy path opposite, running alongside the corner house. Take the first path on your right. Go up, past the chapel. At the road, continue to your right to rejoin the path a few metres higher up. At the top, you will see Echternach. Continue along the path, ignoring the one behind the shelter and the next one. Keep straight ahead until you reach the fork. Turn left and climb the stairs. This is where the Wolf Gorge begins. At the top, there are three viewpoints.

(2) To the right, there is a viewpoint over the valley with a passage between two rocks and a concrete footbridge. Back at the bottom, start climbing the steps opposite for the other two viewpoints. First, head towards the furthest viewpoint with the picnic table. View of the valley and directional sign. Retrace your steps, cross the footbridge on your right and head towards the other viewpoint where you can see the first viewpoint and its concrete footbridge below. Descend into the gorge and follow the path on the left. Go down a series of steps until you reach a path and continue straight ahead. Pass a small clearing and continue along the main path. When you reach the road, head towards the shelter.

(3) Cross the bridge, pass the shelter and continue along the path, climbing the steps. Continue along the path overlooking the road and cross the Labyrinth. Further on, cross the bridge, leave the path on your right and head towards the steps opposite, which you climb.

No Markers

(4) Cross the road with caution. Ignore the Perekop stairs; you will climb them on the way back. Head left to continue on the path along the Halsbaach. Follow the river upstream to the bridge, which you do not cross.

Signpost E1

(5) Turn left and climb the stairs. Follow the wide forest path to the road.

(6) Cross carefully and join the path slightly to the right. At the crossroads, continue straight ahead.

(7) Then turn left at the intersection and descend to the amphitheatre. Continue down the steps, cross Piteschkummer. Cross Hohlay and descend the steps.

(8) At the bottom of the steps, turn left. Follow the Aesbach, passing a few bridges. Go up and down a few steps.

(9) Pass the Malakoff tower, cross the bridge, turn right and then climb the steps on your left. Cross the road carefully and you will find yourself in front of the Perekop steps.

No signposts

(4) Climb the stairs and ladders in the crack to reach the viewpoint. If you feel uncomfortable in narrow spaces, head slightly to the right and take the stairs. At the top, after reaching the viewpoint, continue to your left and climb the steps until you reach a forest path.

Marker E1

(10) Turn right and follow the path along the edge of the forest until you reach an intersection.

(11) Keep to the right, go down the stairs and head towards the Geierslay viewpoint. Climb the ladder to enjoy the view of Echternach. Go back down to the multiple crossroads and take the middle path.

No signposts

Go down the path, turn left and then right.

(12) Pass the bench and continue to the right. Continue downhill, taking the left path at the fork. Cross a stream and then pass under a fallen tree. Continue up the steps, keeping the road in sight. Go down the steps and cross the bridge.

(13) Turn left, ignoring the paths on your right that go back up towards the road. Go down the steps, ignore the bridge on your left and take the bridge opposite.

Signpost E1

Continue along the path until you reach some steps, which you do not take.

(14) Continue straight ahead until you reach the road. Cross carefully and continue on the path opposite. Follow the stream called "Canal" and, when you reach the buildings, continue straight ahead. The path becomes a road. Pass the campsite and go down the fairly steep road until you reach the Diekirch road, which you cross. Turn right and return to the car park (S/E)

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 161 m - Parking at the bus station - Sûre ou Sauer (rivière)
  2. 1 : km 0.12 - alt. 168 m - Grassy path
  3. 2 : km 1.72 - alt. 316 m - Intersection of viewpoints
  4. 3 : km 3.07 - alt. 260 m - Shelter
  5. 4 : km 4.18 - alt. 299 m - Perekop
  6. 5 : km 5.16 - alt. 328 m - 4th bridge
  7. 6 : km 6.37 - alt. 322 m - Route
  8. 7 : km 7.14 - alt. 337 m - Intersection
  9. 8 : km 7.36 - alt. 324 m - Under Hohlay
  10. 9 : km 8.52 - alt. 306 m - Malakoff Tower
  11. 10 : km 9 - alt. 330 m - Intersection
  12. 11 : km 9.92 - alt. 333 m - Intersection
  13. 12 : km 10.3 - alt. 293 m - Turn right
  14. 13 : km 10.67 - alt. 269 m - The bridge
  15. 14 : km 11.13 - alt. 218 m - Stairs
  16. S/E : km 13.17 - alt. 161 m - Parking at the bus station

Notes

The best time to visit is in autumn (late October/mid-November) to enjoy the beautiful colours.
Best to visit on weekdays and outside holiday periods if you want to avoid the crowds.

Benches: on the Halsbaach climb between (4) and (5), at (12)

Picnic area: at the viewpoint at (2) and before (6)

Shelter: at (3) and in Geierslay

No drinking water along the route.

Good walking shoes essential

Worth a visit

Gorges du Loup: a narrow ravine formed by a crack in a rock slab through which the hiking trail winds its way. In the past, this place was used as a refuge for wolves.

In the Hohllay and Breechkaul caves (the latter has been converted into an amphitheatre), stone millstones were extracted from the Middle Ages until the 19th century for use in the many mills in the region (Mullerthal means "Valley of the Mills"). Traces of this activity are still visible in the specific shapes found in these rock cavities.

Flombkaul and Piteschkummer caves

Malakoff Tower: a solitary mushroom-shaped rock. It was given this name, along with "Perekop", by Dutch soldiers stationed in Echternach during the Dutch reign in the 19th century. The formations reminded them of strategic points in the Crimean War.

Perekop: a popular giant rock on the road between Berdorf and Echternach. This colossus is split by a narrow crevice, in which an iron ladder has been installed to provide access to the viewpoint

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 28 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4.9 / 5
Jess Wall
Jess Wall

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 15, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

For someone like me who has asthma... the first few climbs at the start are tough, but the rest is easy... a lovely walk surrounded by trees 🌳, magnificent rocks, birdsong and the babbling of various streams.... A few exceptional hours away from it all

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User 3195049

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 22, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A must-do route in the Mullerthal region, starting in Echternach, as described in route E1, only the marked section has been completed. A varied and challenging route. Suitable footwear required. Some elevation gain. The description is accurate in relation to the landmarks provided. The route is very well marked.

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User 3195049

Can you delete it? It's actually a hiking mix-up.

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lazzerini
lazzerini

Hello Visorandonneur,

I think there's been a mistake with the hike. We're a long way from Vianden and are following the Asbach trail, not the Urdall trail...

Best regards

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lazzerini
lazzerini

Hello Mourton,

indeed, the people of Luxembourg, like the Germans, are very fond of stairs
Best regards,

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mourton
mourton

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 28, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very beautiful trail in the Mullerthal region in Echternach. This trail is very well marked but a bit challenging as there are a few stairs.

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JVS59000
JVS59000

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 21, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very impressive circuit.
For example: Descending between two rock walls in the dark. Nature has some wonderful surprises in store. Don't forget your headlamps.
We followed the route on the app, so there were no difficulties.
We met a few other hikers, but it wasn't too busy.
Thank you for this beautiful route.

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Fazmataz
Fazmataz

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 05, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We did this hike on a Saturday morning, and contrary to our fears, it wasn't too crowded. We were even alone in many sections.
The points of interest are remarkable, but it's important to have strong calves: it's a climb!
The distance was significantly longer according to my Garmin (16 km)

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Jacques R.
Jacques R.

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 12, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Very beautiful hike. Done on a very hot day, but protected by the forest. Very beautiful rock formations. Recommended for people who are used to hiking, as this hike can be classified as physically demanding.

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courjus52
courjus52

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 09, 2023
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very beautiful hike on 2 July, a route through the rocks for experienced hikers. Departure and return from Berdorf. Excellent.

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mharand
mharand

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 23, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

This hike takes you past the main points of interest in the area. The detour through the bottom of the Halsbaach valley, which is less frequented, is interesting. There is just a slight uncertainty at the start of this valley as to whether you are on the right path.

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Gambirasio Sylvain
Gambirasio Sylvain

Hello.
You're right, there isn't a castle on this hike. I confused it with another hike that I downloaded from Visorando and did a few days earlier with the same people. I was expecting a question about that first hike near Saverne and gave the wrong answer.
The hike was still interesting and varied, and I highly recommend it.
Thank you for your vigilance.
Have a good day.
Sylvain.

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lazzerini
lazzerini

Hello Gambirasio Sylvain,

i'm wondering about the castle... are you on the right hike?
There is no castle on this route.

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Gambirasio Sylvain
Gambirasio Sylvain

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 29, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A beautiful, varied and spectacular route with some steep climbs and very unusual rock formations. There are a few information boards along the way. There are numerous places to rest or admire the landscape. The St Vit cave is remarkable with its pretty garden. Access to the castle has been prohibited by municipal decree since 2021 due to the risk of collapse. We were blessed with good weather, but this route is certainly slippery in wet conditions.

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lazzerini
lazzerini

Hello Sandrine59,
i only see one listing at the tourist office in Echternach or Berdorf.
Or via the Mullerthal Trail website, as it follows the same route.
It's a real shame for you, but I hope you were still able to enjoy the Wolf's Gorge, the Labyrinth and Perekop despite this mishap.

Best regards

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