Moselle view
Travel west out of Luxembourg City, for gastronomic experiences, good music and to enjoy the countryside. At just half an hour away from the city centre, you can stroll through vineyards close to the German border and sample the region’s wines.
Moselle wineries
The banks of the Moselle River, which mark the border of Luxembourg and Germany, between Wasserbillig and Schengen, are punctuated by hillsides covered in emerald green vineyards, which in autumn are laden with grapes. The vines produce the excellent crémant (sparkling wines made with the méthode traditionelle) that are the effervescent spirit of Luxembourg, as well as a wide selection of whites, and, not to be missed, the delicious and well-balanced Pinot Blancs. Stunning wine-growing landscapes are a feature throughout the area, but especially to the south of Ehnen, where the Wëin Haus (a wine museum) is scheduled to reopen in 2025. Various wineries are scattered along the flat road that follows the river (parallel to a cycle path), and almost all of these have welcoming wine tasting rooms. A must is Bernard-Massard, near the Grevenmacher Bridge, with its entrance hall adorned in works of art. There is a guided tour every hour, but it is best to book online as places are limited.
The best wine tasting on the Moselle
Cep d'Or -The elevated, modernist concrete tasting platform offers a beautiful view of the river. The Pinot Blanc Barrique, with its intense hint of oak, is definitely one you should sample. The winery is located in Hëttermillen.
Poll Fabaire - The winery’s impressive headquarters in Wormeldange offer enjoyable tastings on their terrace. On Sunday afternoons watch or participate in the delightfully retro ‘wine dance’.
Caves Henri Ruppert - Tastings and light snacks are complemented by a modernist décor and a splendid view over the river, just above Schengen.
Villages of west Luxembourg
Castles and picturesque roads: an easy and scenic route by car or bicycle links some of Luxembourg’s lesser-known castles. In Koerich, the massive ruins of the castle have been transformed into a performance space for hosting cultural events such as the Beautiful Decay festival in mid-May. The idyllic route continues into the Eisch Valley, with its wetland terrain, small trees along the road and wooded hillsides. As you pass, look up at the austere castle (a private residence) dominating Septfontaines and stop off at Ansembourg, to visit the beautiful Italian-style gardens of the Grand Château (gardens open daily free of charge). Follow the steep road to the left between the two spire towers of the château up to Hollenfels, then descend through the village to the beautiful medieval tower attached to a youth hostel.
Wormeldange
Outdoor activities in the Moselle Valley
The Moselle region, located between Germany, France and Luxembourg, offers numerous hiking routes through picturesque landscapes, vineyards and historic villages. There are ideal trails to suit every hiker, whatever their level of experience or physical fitness.
One of the most fascinating itineraries for the more experienced is the Moselle 3-Trail, a 34-km circular route rated as a difficult hiking trail. It runs along the borders of France, Germany and Luxembourg and takes about 10 hours to complete. Centuries of wars, shifting borders and pacts have left their mark on this border region, the landscape still retains traces of its past, such as trenches and bunkers. Thanks to the Schengen agreements, the area is now a united cultural area, and the Moselle 3-Trail takes you deeply into the local history and culture, with historically important stops at the European Schengen Museum and the Castle of the Dukes of Lorraine. The trail also crosses protected nature reserves, accessible only to walkers.
If you are looking for a unique experience, the Traumschleifen (meaning ‘dream circuits’) are routes awarded with the title of Wandersiegel Premiumweg by the German Hiking Institute. One of these is the "Traumschleife - Schengen without borders", an 8.27-km route rated as a medium-difficulty hike that crosses three countries in about 3 hours and 30 minutes. Otherwise the Traumschleife Palmberg - wine and nature trail, at 9.03 km can be walked in about 3 hours and combines natural beauty with the local wine tradition.
For families or those who prefer shorter, more accessible walks, there are Comfort Hiking Trails. The Grevenmacher trail is 4-km long, takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes and is ideal for a relaxing walk through the vineyards. Similarly, the Remich trail offers a 4-km route, which can be completed in around 1 hour and 15 minutes, also perfect for families with children.
