The Lakes of Luxembourg

Luxembourg has no natural lakes, rather it has artificial basins that function as the country’s reservoirs, These are natural areas with a rich biodiversity, appreciated by those who love to spend a day enjoying the outdoors. Whether it is the crystal-clear waters of the Lac de la Haute-Sûre, the tranquillity of Lake Echternach or the birdwatchers’ paradise offered by the Remerschen Lakes, these areas are definitely worth a visit for those looking to explore the greener side of Luxembourg.

Lac de la Haute-Sûre

44 min drive from hu Birkelt village

One Luxembourg’s most renowned and best-loved lakes is the Lac de la Haute-Sûre, in the north-west region at the heart of the Haute-Sûre Forêt d’Anlier Nature Park. Created in 1959 with the construction of the Esch-sur-Sûre dam, it supplies 80% of the drinking water to the people of Luxembourg. The Esch-sur-Sûre dam is crossed by a trail immersed in nature that offers stunning panoramic views, while the lake itself is a popular destination for enthusiasts of nature and aquatic sports. Motorboats (and dogs) are forbidden on the lake, so during the summer swimming, sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding are the most popular activities, otherwise numerous hiking trails around the lake offer spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. On the lake shore, Lultzhausen is equipped with barbeques and has a grassy beach that becomes sandier as it nears to the water’s edge. From the beach, you can take a solar-powered boat while the nearby youth hostel hires out canoes and SUPs. A floating pier extends out beside the beach, the perfect place to take beautiful photos of the lake at sunset. Starting from Insenborn, a circuit trail leads to the Burfelt viewpoint, which is also one of the stops made during the cruise aboard the solar-powered boat. Other beaches include Fuussewiss, a pleasant spot easily reached from the town Insenborn  and Rommwiss, just a 30-minuite walk from the tiny town of Baschleiden, with plenty of trails and excellent places for picnicking and relaxing.

Echternach Lake

30 min drive from hu Birkelt village

The small lake of Echternach is encircled by a 3-km long footpath for walking, cycling or rollerblading.  Interesting sites to visit around the lake include the ruins of a Roman villa, all that’s left today are just the outside walls but the archaeological museum beside it is fascinating, with its accurate reconstruction of moments from everyday life. It is free to visit both the ruins and the museum. During the summer, the areas around the lake offer forest trails, children are free to run and play while swimming is permitted just in one area where there are wooden piers to dive off and sunbathe. The swimming area is not far from the youth hostel, that offers a restaurant and a 14-m high climbing wall.

Remerschen Lakes

1h drive from hu Birkelt village

In the Moselle region, close to the city of Schengen, you’ll find the Remerschen lakes, a complex of reservoirs that were once quarries and are now an important nature reserve. These lakes are renowned for their biodiversity, in particular for the numerous species of aquatic birds. The area is equipped with birdwatching hides and trails that allow you to explore the nature without disturbing the local fauna. Apart from birdwatching, the lakes offer areas for swimming and relaxation, and even a beach where dogs are allowed.