Excursion in Luxembourg

ECHTERNACH TOUR, LUXEMBOURG

As unofficial capital of the region nicknamed Little Switzerland, Echternach is the oldest town in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. This charming village is surrounded by medieval walls and towers, and is situated beside the River Sauer that forms the border between Luxembourg and Germany. This private guided tour in Echternach provides an enjoyable day of historical discovery in a beautiful natural setting.

We'll visit interesting attractions dating from Roman times through the Middle Ages, including sites such as the Echternach Basilica, the Roman tomb of St. Willibrord, the Benedictine Abbey and Beaufort Castle. Visits during summer may coincide with the International Music Festival and the Dance Procession.

The lovely old town of Echternach on the German- Luxembourg border is a fascinating historical location that has long been known as the de facto capital of the Mullerthal Region, Luxembourg's "Little Switzerland". La Petite Suisse Luxembourgoise is a lovely area to visit with your private guide in Echternach along to share some of the area's historical and natural treasures.

Located in the Sure River valley, Echternach offers beautiful hiking trails that run along beside spectacular rock formations and throughout picturesque, green- forested hills. One of the loveliest natural attractions of Echternach is the charming Schiebentupel Cascade on the Mullerthal Trail. An arched stone bridge crosses a tumbling creek that drops in short, picturesque waterfalls to create the second most photographed site in the Echternach area. A close look at the stone's beneath the bridge reveals an amusing carving of a troll's face.

The ancient ruins of Beaufort Castle are perhaps the most popular attraction on your private guided tour of Echternach and its surroundings. Burg Befort, as it is called by locals, was built in the 11th century on even more ancient ruins of a Roman fort. Around the beginning of the 18th century the castle was virtually abandoned and its structure was used as a rock quarry until it was protected as a national monument. Today the towers, arched entries and soaring stone walls are mostly open to the weather, but it is still a lovely and romantic place to explore with picturesque grounds and beautiful hiking trails.

The ancient Benedictine Abbey of Echternach is another "must-see" site to include in your private guided tour of Echternach. An imposing stone edifice, the abbey was founded by St. Willibrord and has remained continually in use as a Benedictine monastery since the 7th century. Today it is a popular tourist attraction that is famous for its annual dance procession every Whit Tuesday that is enjoyed by thousands of locals and visitors who either witness or participate in the event that has been included as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.