The Mullerthal Region, often called “Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland”, is known for its dramatic rock formations, forested trails, and quiet natural beauty. On our trip to Luxembourg, we explored part of it by following the E1 hiking trail. Read our post about a scenic forest walk in Mullerthal region with highlights like Wolfsschlucht, the Labyrinth, and Hohllay Cave.
We visited in summer with our two boys, and this walk turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. The boys loved climbing rocks, checking out caves, and exploring narrow passageways.
Check the Mullerthal Trail website for the trail map, conditions, and local weather updates.
E1 Hiking Trail
The E1 is a 13 km long loop trail, that starts and ends in the town of Echternach. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow. You will walk through the beautiful forest, with some parts of the track among rock formations and via narrow passageways. It takes about 4 hours to walk the full loop of E1 trail.
Depending on how much you want to walk, there are a few options to consider:
Complete loop: You can walk the entire trail from Echternach, full 13km loop.
One-way hike: You can walk from Echternach to Berdorf and take a bus back to town (there are regular bus connections between Berdorf and Echternach).
Individual highlights: Alternatively, you can visit sections like Hohllay Cave or Wolfsschlucht separately by car, which is a good option if you’re short on time but still want to see some parts of the trail.
Wolfsschlucht (Gorges du Loup)
Wolfsschlucht, or “Wolf’s Gorge”, is one of the most striking features of the Mullerthal.
We started our walk near Trooskneppchen, a forest pavilion with a small car park. The viewpoint here offers a view over the woods and toward Echternach – a nice spot to pause before entering the gorge or to rest after the hike.
From Trooskneppchen, the trail leads into Wolfsschlucht – also known as Gorges du Loup. Despite its name, which translates to “Wolf’s Gorge”, rest assured – there are no wolves roaming the trail or anywhere in the region. What you will find is a spectacular natural canyon with rock walls rising up to 50 meters high. Age-old stone stairs will lead you through the gorge to the top of the cliffs.
The track is well maintained and the stone stairs are easy to climb, making it a great walk for all fitness levels, including families with kids. Our boys loved it and we spent nearly half an hour just in the Wolfsschlucht gorge, climbing the rocks and exploring. We also wandered along small side trails through the forest and made our way to Paulsplatte – a scenic spot atop the cliffs with lovely views over the valley below.
The Labyrinth
A short walk beyond Wolfsschlucht takes you to the Labyrinth, another highlight of the E1 trail. Here, sandstone formations form a network of winding paths and narrow corridors. The rocks are covered in moss, and the trees overhead create a quiet, enclosed atmosphere that’s easy to get lost in (in a good way! :).
Our boys treated it like a real maze, and spent some time there just walking around and hiding behind the rocks.And I spent that time taking many pictures of the rocks, passages and the trees.
If you’re not following the full trail, you can reach the Labyrinth by parking at Perekop off Route 364. From there, it’s a short walk into the formation. It’s one of the most visually distinctive parts of the region and definitely worth a visit.
Hohllay/Huel Lee Cave and Breechkaul Amphitheater
Located near Berdorf, Hohllay Cave (also known as Huel Lee Cave) is a large man-made cave that was created by centuries of sandstone mining. The surrounding forest adds to the cave’s quiet atmosphere, with filtered light and soft forest sounds.
If you’re hiking the E1 trail, the cave is one of the major stops. Alternatively, you can park in Berdorf and follow a short segment of the trail to reach it. Signage is clear, and the path is easy to follow.
Don’t miss Breechkaul Amphitheater on your walk to or from Hohllay Cave. Amphitheater “Breechkaul” is an open-air theater in a cavity under the rock (also man-made by mining activity).
After that, continue the loop to walk back to Echternach town through the woods and past more rock formations.
Make a Stop in Echternach
Since the E1 trail begins and ends in Echternach, it makes sense to make a stop in town before or after your hike. Echternach is Luxembourg’s oldest town, with a charming center, lakeside promenade, and several cafés and restaurants.
Visit Predigtstuhl nearby
If you’re in the area and have a bit more time, consider visiting Predigtstuhl, a scenic rock formation located near Berdorf. It’s known for its pulpit-like shape and narrow passageways carved through the stone. There are two viewing platforms that offer lovely views of the surrounding forest and valleys.
Predigtstuhl is located along Route 364, and there’s a small car park at the base of the rocks. It can get busy in summer, so parking may be limited. Be sure to explore both sides of the road, as there are passages and viewpoints on each. Some of the passageways are quite narrow, so keep an eye on small children who might squeeze into places adults can’t follow!
Planning Tips
Be sure to wear comfortable footwear. We were wearing regular sport shoes when visited and it was fine. But the rocks might be slippery when wet, so it’s always better to wear proper walking shoes with grip.
The full trail takes about 4-5 hours depending on pace and breaks, so plan your time accordingly. If you’re planning a one way walk only, check the buses that run between Berdorf and Echternach.
Check the official site for track condition (especially in wet weather).
Visiting with Children
If you’re visiting with kids, like we did, this trail is a great choice. The track is well maintained, and there’s plenty to keep children happy – from climbing stone steps in the gorge to walking through narrow rock corridors in the Labyrinth. Our boys (aged 7 and 10 when we visited) were full of energy and enjoyed the walk all the way.
If your children aren’t used to longer hikes, consider visiting one or two highlights instead of walking the full loop. Probably, Hohllay Cave and the Labyrinth will be the most interesting part of the track for children.
Keep in mind, that there aren’t many facilities along the trail, so bring plenty of water and snacks!
When walking the Labyrinth, keep an eye on smaller children – some rock formations are really narrow. Children can easily slip into tight spaces, where not every adult would fit.
Taking breaks is always a good idea when hiking with kids. There are benches and quiet spots like Trooskneppchen Viewpoint for resting.
We visited Mullerthal Region as part of our long weekend trip in Luxembourg. You can read our suggested itinerary for a 2-3 Days in Luxembourg or One day in Luxembourg city post.
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