Mullerthal Trail Route 1: Hiking through nature and history
Since the past two years it has become an Easter tradition to hike a part of the Mullerthal Trail in Luxembourg. Previously, I explored Route 2 and Route 3, so this holiday, I finally set out to complete the trail by hiking Route 1.
The Mullerthal Trail, is located in the Mullerthal region and consists of three circular routes that you can hike on their own or combine into one long journey. Route 1 is a great choice if you like a mix of nature and culture, as this section offers large forests, streams, rocky cliffs, and charming villages.
In this blog, I’ll share my experience hiking Route 1 over three days. I’ll cover how I planned the trip, where I stayed, and tips to help you get ready for the trail. I’ll also include both a three-day itinerary and a faster two-day option.
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About the hike - Mullerthal Trail Route 1
Location: Mullerthal region in Luxemburg
Start of the trail: There are different starting points, including Echternach, Rosport, Hinkel, Moersdorf, Mompach en Herborn.
Accessibility: You can reach the trail by both car and public transport.
Distance: 36,7 km
Route description: Click here for a Komoot map or download the GXP file here.
Difficulty: Route 1 is not too hard, but you should be in fairly good shape. Be ready to walk up and down some steep areas along the path.
Want to learn more about the entire Mullerthal Trail? Click here for a detailed blog post that explains the sections, routes, what to expect from the trail, and answers to common questions.
Three days on the Mullerthal Trail Route 1
Last year, I walked Route 3 from a central spot, and I liked it so much that I decided to do the same this year. I stayed at Camping du Barrage in Rosport, which is near the trail. There is a bus stop right at the campsite entrance, making it easy to start or end at different points along the route.
Day 1 - Mullerthal Trail Route 1
The first day started a bit later than I had hoped. It was colder than expected overnight, dropping to just 2 degrees celcius, so I didn’t sleep very well. Around 11, I walked to the bus stop near the campsite and caught the bus to Echternach, where my route would begin.
After a quick ten-minute bus ride, I arrived in the city centre. I wandered through the charming streets and passed the well-known St Willibrord Basilica. From there, I walked through a small park to the banks of the Sûre, the river that marks the border between Luxembourg and Germany.
City hall
St Willibrord Basilica
I followed along the river for a bit, then crossed the road and entered the woods. This part of the trail felt familiar. The hilly woods and rocky outcrops brought back memories of my earlier walks on Routes 2 and 3.
After hiking through the woods for a couple of kms, I came out into an open area with wide views. The path led me to Rosport, where I stopped briefly at the impressive Tudor castle, once home to Henri Tudor, who invented the lead-acid battery. The castle is now a museum. Since I started my walk later today, I decided to skip visiting it this time.
After leaving Rosport, I went back into the woods. My first day of walking ended just before I reached the village of Girsterklaus. From there, I had about 1.5 kilometres to go downhill to the bus stop. As I walked the last part, I realised I would have to climb this hill tomorrow, but I decided not to think about it yet.
The river Sûre
Day 2 - Mullerthal Trail Route 1
My second day started right where I left off the previous day, at the bus stop in Hinkel, facing a steep climb back to the trail. The sun was already high, and it was getting hot fast. The climb was tough, but reaching the top made it worth it. I was greeted by a beautiful view and the peaceful atmosphere of the pilgrimage chapel in Girsterklaus.
I took a short break at this peaceful spot before heading out of the village and back into the woods. The path switched between shady forests and open fields and farmland. Along the way, I enjoyed some amazing views of the rolling hills and nearby villages.
I passed through Moersdorf and Mompach on my way to Herborn, a small village that was my goal for the day. When I arrived, the bus was already there to take me back to the campsite.
The pilgrimage chapel in Girsterklaus
Day 3 - Mullerthal Trail Route 1
On the third day, I caught the bus back to Herborn around nine in the morning and picked up my hike where I had stopped before. Since the Mullerthal Trail Route 1 passes right by the bus stop, I could get started again right away.
This last part of the hike was mostly all about nature. Until I would reach Echternach again, there were no more villages, only woods, meadows, and silence. It felt very calming to be immersed into nature for most of the day.
The first spring flowers were popping up among the forest floor. And after walking in the forest for a while I spotted a fox who crossed the path in front of me.
The nature section ended on a narrow and muddy path, before I found myself back in town at Lake Echternach. The last few kilometres took me through the southern part of the city, untill I arrived back at the place where I had started three days before.
2- and 3-day itinerary Route 1
Below you will find a 2- and 3-day plan for the Mullerthal Trail Route 1, as I have mapped them on Komoot. Both routes start and finish in Echternach, but you can easily change the starting point if you want.
Preparations for the Mullerthal Trail Route 1
Accessibility of the Mullerthal Trail route 1
Of the three main routes, I find Route 1 of the Mullerthal Trail to be the most accessible. Although a good level of fitness is certainly an advantage, the steeper sections are interspersed with longer, flat stretches through open countryside and woodland.
Most walkers complete Route 1 in two days, but you can, of course, take longer. I chose to split the walk over three days, which allowed for a relaxed pace and more time to enjoy the surroundings.
What makes this trail easy to follow is the great signs. The whole route is clearly marked with red M signs, and at crossroads, signs show how far it is to the next village.
Still, I suggest always bringing a (digital) map or GPS with you to stay safe. Also, take the weather into account. After rain, some paths can get very muddy and slippery.
Nice views of the city of Echternach
How to access the Mullerthal Trail Route 1? Parking and public transport
The Mullerthal Trail is in eastern Luxembourg and is easy to reach from the Netherlands. If you drive from Utrecht, the trip takes about 4 hours. If you want to use public transport, it takes around 7 hours from Amsterdam or Utrecht.
One big advantage is that public transport is free across Luxembourg. This makes it easy and affordable to get to your starting point and return after your walk.
You can begin Route 1 at several places, such as Echternach, Rosport, Hinkel, Moersdorf, Mompach, and Herborn. These villages are easy to reach by public transport and usually have parking available.
Where to stay along the Mullerthal Trail Route 1?
You’ll find different places to stay along the trail. Some offer extras such as packed lunches, shuttle service to the trail, or laundry services.
I stayed at Camping du Barrage in Rosport, which is right on Route 1. The bathrooms are modern and clean. Even though the campsite is next to a main road, I didn’t find the noise to be a problem. It’s a great, practical place if you’re travelling with a tent.
The Mullerthal Trail website also suggests places to stay in Echternach, such as Hotel Le Petit Poète and Roudenhaff, which offers rooms and apartments. All of these are in Echternach.
Are you planning to do the Mullerthal Trail Route 1? Do you have any questions or concerns? Feel free to leave a comment below this post or send me a message! 😊
More inspiration and information about the Mullerthal Trail:
Hiking guide for the Mullerthal Trail: Tips, routes & more
