Echternach Things to Do

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173 kms long, this river draws the border between Luxemburg and Germany. It raises in the Ardennes (Belgium) before flowing eastwards and crossing the border with Luxembourg. It then goes on o Germany and the Moselle. It makes for very nice walks either towards other parts of the town or towards the neighboring towns in the other direction.

This benedictine monastery was founded by Saint Willibrord, to which we own the founding of the city, in the 7th century. Although a big fire caused severe damage to the building, the new construction was finished in 1031. Its main feature is the alteration of pillars and columns, a style copied later on in the Rhineland. Pillaged by French revolutionary troops in 1794, the church became a china factory. Its reconstruction in neo-gothic et neo-roman style was suggested near the end of the 19th century. The building was again destroyed by bombs during World War II before being rebuilt from 1948 to 1953. The basilica draws thousands of people every Whit sunday when a dancing procession is held and houses the crypt in which Willibrord is buried. The latter goes back to Carolingian times.

The Law Cross or Colum of Justice stands on the market square, near the pedestrian shopping street. It was supposed to demonstrate abbot Willibrord's supremacy on the citizens regarding all matters of judgment. The cross was destroyed by the French revolutionary troops in 1794 and set up again in 1982 in its original place according to 18th century plans.

The Abbey museum tells the history of the Abbey and Monastery, founded by Willibrod. It's history can be traced back to the 11th century.
The museum is in the vaulted cellars of the abbatial palace of 1727, it also gives a quick over view of the works and life of Willibrod.

The Church and Abbey, was founded in 698, and, it's well worth a visit.
They have a famous dancing procession, which is performed every Whit Tuesday, also an International Festival of classical music held in May - June.

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You can make a long walk along the river Sure (Sauer). The river is the border between Luxembourg and Germay. The bridge across the Sure is connecting Echternach with the German village Echternacherbrück on the other side.

Start your trek near the Echternach bus terminus. Ask the locals for help. It is behind the bus terminus.. a little side lane and then you cross the road and then you begin your climb up the slope. Look out for sign E1 in green and white as well as the red M for Mullerthal. can be found on signposts or painted on tree trunks.11.7 km long. level of difficulty : difficult....but there are steps up and down. be prepared to walk at least 4-6.5 hours depending on your speed or whether u need to stop and take photos or just to admire the foliage. if you are too tired to complete the loop, head for Berdorf and take the bus back to Echternach.

About 60 km tracks through "Little Switzerland". You can get detailed walking maps free from tourist office. You can do the Mullerthal Trail. Get your info from this website
http://mullerthaltrail.lu/en/Links.html