Day trip to Echternach from Luxembourg

How to get there

There's no direct train. Take the CFL from Luxembourg Central to Ettelbruck or Wasserbillig, then bus 110/111 to Echternach. Fastest route is train to Wasserbillig plus bus 485, about 1h10. Or take direct bus 111 from Luxembourg's Gare (1h15). All free. Buses are half-hourly on weekdays.

In town

Echternach was founded around 698 AD by Saint Willibrord, an English missionary. His crypt sits under the basilica, free to visit. The abbey museum on Parvis de la Basilique costs $5 and holds a striking 8th-century Codex Aureus facsimile. The main square, Place du Marché, is arcaded on 3 sides and has cafés with $4 espressos. Whit Tuesday sees the Sprangprëssessioun — a Unesco-listed dancing procession where pilgrims hop 3 steps forward, 2 back through the streets.

Hiking the Mullerthal

From Echternach's tourist office, walk 20 minutes to the trailhead at Rue Ermesinde and pick up the Mullerthal Trail Route 2. A good half-day loop is Echternach-Berdorf-Schiessentümpel-Echternach, about 14 km with 300m of climb through sandstone canyons, mossy staircases and Wolfsschlucht (Wolf's Gorge). The Schiessentümpel triple-waterfall is the classic photo. Wear grippy shoes — the rocks are slick even in summer.

Eat and drink

Brasserie Le Postillon on Place du Marché does a $16 lunch plate. For dinner before the bus back, try Restaurant du Parc Le Bon Accueil on Rue de Luxembourg — the $28 3-course menu is regional and unfussy. Grab a Diekirch beer at Café-Brasserie Cléo, right by the abbey.

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Where to stay

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