Echternach Canton

Moss-covered sandstone gorges, an abbey dating from the 7th century, and a border river with Germany on the opposite bank: Echternach Canton in eastern Luxembourg is small, but especially scenic. A trip to Echternach combines cultural history with some of the country's most beautiful hiking trails.

Little Switzerland of Luxembourg

The canton lies along the Sauer River, which forms the border with Rhineland-Palatinate here, and covers most of the Müllerthal region, nicknamed "Little Switzerland" for its rugged rock formations. Between Berdorf, Consdorf and Echternach, water and frost have carved the Luxembourg sandstone into crevices, caves and rock towers. Sites such as the Wolf's Gorge, the Hohllay near Berdorf with its historic millstone quarries, and the labyrinth of the Schnellert rocks are linked by the Mullerthal Trail, a loop of about 112 kilometers (70 miles). Berdorf is also considered the country's top climbing area.

Echternach and Its History

Echternach is the oldest town in Luxembourg. The Anglo-Saxon missionary Willibrord founded a monastery here in 698, which became famous in the Middle Ages for its manuscript illumination. The saint is buried in the basilica, and the Baroque abbey buildings and the market square with its Gothic Dingstuhl (court house) define the townscape. On Whit Tuesday, the Dancing Procession winds through the streets, with thousands of participants hopping in rows to an old polka melody — it has been on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage since 2010. In May and June, the Echternach Festival also draws visitors with classical music. On the edge of town you'll find the remains of a Roman villa and a recreational lake.

Food, Getting There and Best Time to Visit

After a hike, you'll appreciate trout from the Sauer, Gromperekichelcher (potato fritters) and Viez, the region's apple cider; Riesling and Crémant come from the nearby Moselle. From the capital, Echternach is about 45 minutes by bus, and public transportation is free. From Germany, the bridge over the Sauer leads straight from Echternacherbrück into town, and Trier is about 30 kilometers (19 miles) away. The canton is most beautiful from April to October, when the gorges are green and the trails are dry; in autumn, the beech forests above the Sauer valley turn color.