E1 Wollefsschlucht near Echternach and the Huel Lee in Berdorf 🐕

Local hiking route - E1

Parking A Kack: (500 m) or parking Huel Lee (Berdorf)

The route connects the oldest city of Luxembourg with two of the most impressive geological highlights of the region: the Wollefsschlucht near Echternach and the Huel Lee in Berdorf.

The route has a picturesque course through forests and rocks in the area between Echternach and Berdorf. Highlights of the hike include the Wollefsschlucht, the Huel Lee, the amphitheater, and the Aesbachtal.

The Wolfsschlucht is a steep, smooth crevice through which the path winds.

From the Middle Ages to the 19th century, millstones for the mills in the region were mined in the rock caves of Hohllay and Breechkaul (now the amphitheater). The traces are still recognizable today as characteristic patterns in the rock.

The hike is quite demanding (ascent from Echternach to the Berdorfer Plateau) and takes about 4 hours. Sturdy shoes are highly recommended. However, sections (e.g., only Echternach – Berdorf or vice versa) can also be walked. There are regular bus connections between Berdorf and Echternach.

Description by the author

Still looking for a great hike from Echternach? The E1 trail should definitely be on your list! This hike takes you in a loop from Echternach to Berdorf and back, with various highlights of the Müllerthal region, including the Perekop, the Huel Lee caves, and the cliffs of Gorges du Loup.

Do you find 13.5 km a bit too much? Just walk half of the loop and take the bus back from Berdorf or Echternach. Public transport in Luxembourg is free!

Distance: 13.5 km
Duration: 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Start: Parking at Huel Lee (Berdorf) or Basilica of Echternach
Signage: "E1" markers
 

From the Huel Lee Parking

There are two options to start this loop walk. You can start at the basilica of Echternach and enter the Müllerthal, or start at the parking lot of Huel Lee - one of the most unique attractions on the route - in the village of Berdorf. The latter is probably the easiest if you are looking for free parking.

Since the loop is well marked in both directions, you can choose which direction you want to go and where you want to start. I started at the Huel Lee parking lot and walked the shorter part of the route towards Echternach, and then took the bus back to Huel Lee.

The E1 Local Trail

I started at the Huel Lee parking lot, where there is a sign with all the details about the E1 trail. You enter the forest and immediately come across one of the absolute highlights of this walk: Huel Lee. Huel what??? These are a series of rock formations and caves where locals carve out millstones to grind their grain. If you look up, you can still see the round notches of the millstones. One of these caves now serves as a theater, while the others are fun to explore.

Once you have admired the Huel Lee caves, the real walk begins, with giant rock formations, wooden bridges, and forest paths. You walk along - sometimes somewhat muddy - earthen paths until you reach the second highlight of the route: Perekop!

Climb this prominent rock - but make sure to carefully cross the street first - to enjoy the view. The path up is quite unique: you climb a staircase through a narrow cliff in the rock. Creepy? Not really, but if you feel a bit claustrophobic, you can also take a regular path to the right of the rock. It’s a great place for a short break. Afterwards, climb back down and continue the route on the other side of the road.

Before long, you'll encounter another unique rock formation called 'Labyrinth', as the rocks resemble a labyrinth. You walk through several narrow passages where you might get a little lost among the rocks, but don't worry, the path remains clear.

Tip: All special rock formations are marked with blue and white painted signs on the rocks. Make sure to look for these!

You will gradually notice that you are gaining elevation. We will eventually have to descend to reach Echternach, starting when you encounter the Gorges du Loup on your route. This natural gorge was formed long ago by landslides, and the E1 trail takes you right through it. It is incredibly spectacular to see, with the boulders from the landslide still scattered everywhere. 

After that, a series of stairs leads you to the city of Echternach itself. Walk through the shopping street to the old town, where you finally reach the basilica. It is free to visit and also contains a free exhibition about the history of Echternach and the famous "Echternach Procession".

Tip: Stop by Gelateria Venezia for a refreshing ice cream or a homemade waffle.

Good to know:

Dogs are allowed on all stages of the Müllerthal Trail, but they must be kept on a leash.

The hike is not suitable for strollers.

Rain and mud are common on hiking trails in Luxembourg. Make sure to wear good rain gear and sturdy hiking shoes.