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Moselle: a grape and wine growing region Discover the Moselle region through its grape and wine growing heritage

Located in the East of the country , the Moselle is named after the river that draws the 42km of natural border between the Grand Duchy and Germany. Featuring mild climate , this land of flavours boasts a long standing grape and wine growing tradition only 20km from the Grand Duchy's capital .  Wine plays the main role in this Moselle history that we invite you to experience. Discover the region by visiting its vineyards and cellars and tasting its wines, hiking, cycling or even by boat. It will not only be a delightful experience for lovers of white and sparkling wines, but also for those keen on nature and outdoor activities!

A long grape and wine growing tradition

Before travelling through the region from one end to the other, let's take a brief look at its history and geology to find out why the Moselle is a region with a long grape and wine growing tradition.

This 250 million year-old valley was worked by the Celts, Gauls and Romans who already tended vineyards there! Monasteries extended the vineyard in the Middle Ages and, towards the late 19th century , production focused primarily on the Elbling grape variety for export to Germany. In fact, Luxembourg was part of the Deutsche Zollverein since 1842, the German Customs Union, and the musts were used to blend local wines or were transformed into cheap sparkling wine ( Sekt ). The 1920's  marked the development and diversification of vineyards with the Wine Institute ( Institut viti-vinicole ) that was founded in Remich in 1925. With the establishment of the Appellation d’origine contrôlée – Moselle luxembourgeoise  (protected designation of origin) in the 1980's , Luxembourg wines and sparkling wines were given a key to the world.

The history of the valley and its wines takes place within well-defined geology. Between Schengen and Wasserbillig, the Moselle river has crafted a hilly landscape , cut out of limestone and clayey marl , representing an ideal birthplace for viticulture. In fact, these two different rock formations bestows upon Luxembourgish wines their distinct characteristics.

From Schengen to Greiveldange , the valley is open, the hillsides slope gently and the vines grow on the clayey soil , resulting in rounded wines . In the canton of Grevenmacher predominate the limestone slopes on which erosion has formed steeper slopes and a narrower valley. ​ These wines are more racy , in the image of the territory.

Fany a taste of this realm? There is something for everyone, follow us!

Walking through the vines...

Are you keen on the wine-growing side and would you like to explore the Moselle vineyards ? Come and walk through the valley on foot or by bike .

If you are fond of sparkling wine, take the circular walk Crémant . Here, you will discover the three charming villages of Wellenstein, Bech-Kleinmacher and Schwebsange as well as the way of life and work in the vineyards. On this 4.8km themed trail, you will naturally learn all about this sparkling wine, Crémant.

If you are an avid hiker, the Dream Loops are a must, especially the Wine and Nature Path Palmberg Ahn . ​ Covering 8.4km, the path starts in the wine-growing town of Ahn. Along limestone rocks, the route takes you through the Palmberg's vineyards with its breathtaking views of the Moselle Valley. Lush forests and orchids await you!

You can also discover the Moselle actively by bike . If you fancy a bigger adrenaline rush, the mountain bike tour in Grevenmacher is a must. This tour starts near the archaeological site at Potaschberg, which forms the foundations of a 2nd century funerary monument and reminds us that the Romans were already winegrowers in the Moselle region!

Don't worry if you don't own a bike suitable for the tour you fancy doing: the Entente touristique de la Moselle luxembourgeoise offers a bike rental service: Rent a Bike Miselerland . With rental stations scattered over the region, the services not only include mountain bike and electric bike rentals, but also road assistance. Luggage transport is also available.

... then discover wines

Would you like to find out about wine related factors that play a role after the harvest, and in particular about tastings ?

Halfway between vines and glasses, the  Am Herscht walking trail will let you experience the atmosphere of harvesting (and only during this period!). After a 6km hike, enjoy a tasting of Fiederwäissen , the local wine undergoing fermentation, alongside onion tart. A real Luxembourgish tradition that goes hand in hand with a festive aperitif not to be missed!

To taste more sophisticated wines and sparkling wines, a huge array is available: over 40 cellars and estates await you to discover Luxembourg's aromas. Are you a fan of Riesling - a racy fruity wine with mineral notes? Do you love the full aromas of Gewürztraminer? Select your wines and explore the wine estates of the Moselle.

If you want a tasting to discover wines and other regional local products, the Wine Cheese Enjoy and the Wine Taste Enjoy are just what you need. These two gastronomic events that take place in early February and on Whit Sunday bring together winemakers and restaurant owners to present the best vintage wines with regional specialities . Make a note in your diary!

Off the beaten track

Do you fancy a completely new approach to discovering the region by following in the footsteps of the wines?

Driving for 115km along vineyards, the Moselle river and beautiful orchids, what better setting can you imagine for cruising around in your vintage car or on your motorbike? This special route will take you to explore not only the picturesque villages and the endless vineyards, but also a unique cultural and river landscape. So fill up your fuel tank, put your sunglasses on and get ready for the ride!

Recreation boats are a perfect alternative for those who love ultimate relaxation. Aboard the boat known as Princesse Marie-Astrid , enjoy the sunshine with a glass of sparkling wine as the vineyards, picturesque villages and gentle hills unfold.

At the end of your journey, you will have lots of experiences to share and the Moselle region will be yours - meng Musel .

Last update 30.07.2024

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Wine , Discover Wine

Wine tasting in luxembourg’s moselle wine region.

In this edition, we explore the Moselle Wine Region of Luxembourg, which begins just a few miles outside of Luxembourg City. There are many little towns along the Moselle River, that divides Luxembourg from Germany, and all along the hills surrounding the banks of the river are vineyards cascading down the hill.

It’s a beautiful area. It’s small and most of the wine produced in Luxembourg isn’t widely distributed. That makes it a perfect wine region to travel to and explore.

This Discover Wine series focuses on regions of the world that you can visit for wine tasting.

Table of Contents

About the Moselle Wine Region

This area is quite unique in that it shares a border with two other countries, Germany and France , which also produce wine from the vineyards of the Moselle Valley. As you approach the Moselle River, you can begin to see the vineyards flowing down the steep embankments and back up the other side.

One side of the river is Luxembourg, and the other side is Germany . While the German Moselle region is larger, with 9,000 hectacres to Luxembourg’s 1,300 hectacres, the vineyards of both are very well established, dating back to the ancient Roman times.

The types of wine you’ll find in the Moselle Valley are for the most part white, though there is the occasional rose or pinot noir. They also produce a very nice sparkling wine called Crémant, that are made by méthode champenoise.  

Although their German counterparts make some sweeter white wines, Luxembourg wine makers tend to produce dry whites, closer in style to dry Alcase wines. Nine different grape varieties are grown in the region.

They are Riesling, pinot noir, pinot blanc, pinot gris, gewürztraminer, auxerrois, rivaner, elbling and chardonnay. From these grapes, they make both blends and single varietal wines.

How to Get There

The easiest way to get to the Moselle Valley is to fly directly into Luxembourg City. To get between wineries, restaurants, and points of interest, a car will be necessary to get around.

The region is very welcoming to visitors and is never overrun by tourists, even in the height of the season, so you’ll often feel like you’re having a private tour and tasting.

The Moselle Valley is located only about 30 minutes outside of the city. The roads are good and easy to drive. There’s plenty of signage to make sure you don’t get lost moving from one winery to another.

Where to Taste

While many of the wineries in the area are open by appointment only, that shouldn’t deter you. The Visit Moselle website has a great list of all the wineries in the area and many of the listings include contact information and hours of operation.

If you send an email in advance (I’d try for a week or two, at least), you can set up appointments for tours and tastings with no problem. There are also a few open weekends each year when many of the area producers are all open for walk-ins, like the Pentacost Wine, Taste, Enjoy event on the first weekend of June.

There are also many wine bars and restaurants throughout the region where you can taste many wines from wineries that you might not make it to.

There are many great wineries and caves along the Moselle River that you can stop at for a tour and tasting. The towns of Wormeldange, Remich and Remerschen have a handful of wineries that you can visit together without much driving to do between.

From the city, you can take the E29 straight to Remich and start there, then head north on route 10 to Wormeldange, or south to Remerschen. There are wineries all along the way.

Here are a few we recommend:

• Caves St. Martin – Remich
• Caves Desom Saint-Remy – Remich
• Domaine Mathes – Wormeldange
• Domaine Alice Hartmann  – Wormeldange
• Caves du Sud – Remerschen

Where & What to Eat

When you’re visiting the Moselle Valley, you want to try some authentic dishes and mingle with the locals. I highly recommend booking a Sunday lunch at Koeppchen in Wormeldange, where the locals come out to enjoy a long, sumptuous afternoon. The food is stunning and the location couldn’t be better.

The modern decor makes the place feel fresh and vibrant, and you can’t ask for better service. Not only is the food fantastic, there is a really nice wine list to go with it. Believe me, you’ll have a hard time settling on just one bottle of Luxembourg wine from this list. The dish you absolutely have to order on the menu is Friture de la Moselle.

It’s a traditional dish of the Moselle region and you’ll see everyone ordering a plate to enjoy. The dish is very simple. It’s just small fish that have been deep fried and served whole. You just pick them up and eat the meat from the bone.

They are very tasty, and best of all, they’re very local. Try them with one of the delicious Rieslings on the menu, like the Domaine Alice Hartmann.

Where to Stay in the Moselle Valley

Since the wine region is so close to Luxembourg City, it’s fairly convenient to drive back to the city if you wish. There are many great hotels there and you’ll be close enough to walk to the city when you have time to check out the other attractions of the city.

(Feel free to use the links below to read more reviews or book your stay at these recommended hotels. They are affiliate links and help us keep the lights on around here.)

• Sofitel Luxembourg Le Grand Ducal  ⇒ Trip Advisor | Expedia
• Le Royal Hotels & Resorts ⇒ Trip Advisor | Expedia

In the countryside, there are also great hotels and vacation rentals that will allow you to stay right in the middle of the action. This way you can enjoy a nice relaxing dinner with wine and not have to do any driving until the next day’s wine tour.

• Hotel Saint Nicolas & Spa ⇒  Trip Advisor  |   Expedia
• Domaine La Foret ⇒  Trip Advisor  |   Expedia
• Hotel de l’Ecluse ⇒  Trip Advisor  |   Expedia

If you like to travel for wine, and to learn about and taste wines in regions that are new to you, the Moselle Valley Wine Region in Luxembourg is the perfect spot for you. You’ll love the scenery, the river, the people — everything is exactly how you want wine country to be.

Be Prepared For Travel Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:

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Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

2 thoughts on “ Wine Tasting in Luxembourg’s Moselle Wine Region ”

Great article and very helpful as we plan our trip in June. We will be traveling with our two kids, 15 and 12. Do you think they could enter the tasting rooms?

Hi Jennifer. I’m glad you’ve found the info useful. I don’t think you’ll have any problem at all taking the kids in to the tasting rooms. Some tasting rooms even offer NA drinks to the kids.

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Drinks , Luxembourg

Luxembourg wine tasting – exploring the moselle wine region.

We consider ourselves somewhat of an expert in wine tourism in Europe. Sure, we haven’t been everywhere, but we have visited a lot of the lesser-known European wine regions. The Moselle Wine Region is the home to the Luxembourg wine industry and certainly falls within the definition of lesser-known wine regions.

Although I’ve known Luxembourg for years as a financial and banking center (mostly because of my former life as a tax lawyer) I had no idea that it produced wine.

And, not just any wine, but great value wines that can rival Champagne any day. It’s certainly a unique wine tourism destination that offers a lot for intrepid travelers.

*This post contains compensated links. Find more info in my  DISCLAIMER . As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Moselle Wine Region

The Moselle River winds along the border of Germany and Luxembourg, just a little outside of Luxembourg’s capital and the city center. The Moselle River Valley on the Luxembourg side is a historic wine region that dates back thousands of years. 

It is located in the southeast of the country, along the German border (where the river is known as the Mosel River ). The Moselle region stretches for about 26 miles (42 kilometers) from Schengen in the south to Wasserbillig in the north.

This is one of the smallest wine-growing regions in Europe. Although it is often compared to the Mosel region across the river, which produces some of the best German wines, Luxembourg can certainly hold its own. 

It’s a great area to visit in Luxembourg not only for wine, but also for great food, nature, and other activities, including Moselle River cruises in the summer.

What is Luxembourg Cremant

On our first night, we visited a few wine bars in Luxembourg city. It was cold and wet outside in early spring, so I asked about Luxembourg red wine. I will say, it exists, but it is not the primary wine in the country. 

The bartender kind of looked at me askew and suggested Cremant. I know Cremant as a French wine. It is what they call white sparkling wine produced in the traditional champagne method, but it is not produced in the Champagne region.

Understanding Cremant

Let’s take a step back to explain some of these wine words. Some wine drinkers assume all sparkling wine is Champagne, but that is just not the case.

Champagne is a term reserved for sparkling wine that is produced in the Champagne region of France.

If someone is making sparkling wine outside of Champagne, within France it is normally known as Cremant. In Italy, near Venice, it is known as Prosecco and in Spain, it is known as Cava.

If someone is making sparkling wine in Italy, Spain, Portugal, or the US, it legally cannot be called Champagne. It must be called sparkling wine. In Luxembourg, then, the sparkling wine is considered Luxembourg Cremant.

How Is Cremant Produced?

There is something more to understanding the process of making sparkling wine this way. It’s something you can see when visiting any Luxembourg winery.

When winemakers use grapes to produce wine, there is an initial fermentation, normally in a steel tank. This fermentation turns grapes into alcohol, and the wine we all know and love.

Second Fermentation Makes The Bubbles

To make Champagne, there is a second fermentation in the bottle. This is what creates the bubbles. There’s a lot more that goes into managing this process, which is why sparkling wine made this way is often more expensive.

This is called the traditional method, or méthode champenoise in France, or metodo classico in Italian. 

Cremant in Luxembourg is made in this traditional method, which is why it is so similar to Champagne. There are different varieties of Cremant including Cremant Brut, which is drier, and even Cremant Rose.

Tasting Luxembourg Wines

The Moselle Valley is the birthplace of Luxembourg wine and they specialize predominantly in white varieties, many of which are used to produce Crémant de Luxembourg.

Cremant is served alongside many of the most traditional Luxembourg dishes , at wine bars, or as an aperitif before meals. We can recommend a few wine bars in Luxembourg to taste the local wines including Barrels, Dipso, and Vinoteca Luxembourg.

It’s pretty easy to drink cremant when visiting Luxembourg City, but the real treat comes from exploring the Moselle Valley in Luxembourg. There are about 50 producers lining the Moselle River, which is only about a 20-30 minute drive from the city.

Together, they produce over 15 million bottles of wine every year, almost all of which are consumed within the country or in the neighboring areas. To drink Luxembourg Cremant you pretty much have to visit Luxembourg !

Luxembourg Wine Varietals

The character of the Moselle wines comes from the fertile soil and the unique microclimate of the area. Being more moist and cool, white grapes tend to grow better than red grapes in the area. There are less than ten white varietals that Luxembourg wineries can use to make Cremant as well as still wines.

The most popular wine varietal grown in Moselle is Riesling, which is one of the most-well known grapes used to produce wine in Germany.

I always associated Riesling with sweet wine, although in Germany the grape is used to produce both sweet and dry wines. The Riesling in Luxembourg tends to be drier than in Germany.

Other Varietals

In addition to Riesling, other international grapes are grown including Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir. These are grapes that are commonly used to produce Champagne as well.

One of the most surprising grapes to us was Auxerrois. Auxerrois Luxembourg was one of my favorites during our wine tourism trip. It’s crisp and light when young but also ages well and becomes more creamy with flavors of honey. It has a full, aromatic nose. I could just sit all day and smell a glass of Auxerrois. Okay, I enjoyed drinking it as well.

Other grapes used to produce wine in Luxembourg including the ancient grape Elbling as well as the Rivaner, which is quite common. They also produce wines from Gewürztraminer, another grape commonly grown in Germany.

Recommended Luxembourg Wineries

There is a Luxembourg wine route, which means that there are wineries to visit, villages to explore, and plenty to drink. Along the way, vineyards climb from the river up the hillsides and into the Luxembourg countryside. 

The route begins in the north, near Wasserbillig, and follows the River south. To start, there is a Folklore and Wine Museum “A Possen” in Bech-Kleinmacher as part of the wine route. There is also a Wine Museum in Ehnen, which is more dedicated to wine and wine history than A Possen.

We visited a handful of wineries during our Luxembourg wine tasting journey, from large producers to boutique wineries.

Some of these wineries are easier to visit than others. Some have regular hours and it is possible to just pop in. Most, though, have more restricted hours and require advanced booking through their website.

Caves St. Martin

One of the easiest wineries to visit is Caves St. Martin in Remich. They are unique in that their wine cellar is carved out of the limestone cliffs. This is where they age their Cremant.

Tours include a walk through these moist wine caves (don’t worry, it’s totally safe) and ends in their shop with a tasting of Cremant. 

Although we tried some Cremant in Luxembourg city, this was our first stop during our wine tour. They gave us our first introduction to Luxembourg Cremant and took the time to educate us.

During nicer weather, there is a restaurant just outside where you can eat traditional Luxembourg food and drink their Luxembourg wine. Tastings range from €6.50-€20 per person depending on the wines tasted. They are closed on Monday.

Sunnen-Hoffmann

We had a lovely visit as well at Sunnen-Hoffmann in Remerschen (no there is no relation between us and the Hoffmanns). They are focused on producing high-quality, biologic, and organic Luxembourg Cremant.

Founded in 1872, they are the perfect mix of traditional Luxembourg wine culture with a focus on the trend of more sustainable production. 

They are open Monday through Friday in the mornings and again in the afternoons for tasting and are open for arranged visits on weekends as well. It is a good idea to plan ahead of time by emailing or calling for an appointment.

Schmit-Fohl

We also learned quite a lot while visiting Maison Viticole Schmit-Fohl in Anh. Schmit-Folh is a true family-run, neighborhood winery. They are not as big as their neighbors but have a quaint tasting room attached to their winery. Their Auxerrois was one of my favorite wines of the trip. 

I kind of wanted to slip a few bottles into my backpack before leaving and wished we had planned to travel home with wine from the trip.

Maison Viticole Schmit-Fohl in Anh offers tastings on request, but they are a small family-run operation. The best time to visit them is during the village’s open cellars festival in July.

Domaines Vinsmoselle

On the opposite end of the spectrum from Schmit-Fohl, we visited a large Cremant cooperative called Domaines Vinsmoselle. They are a collection of six cooperatives that together control over 60% of the winemaking in Luxembourg. The other wineries mentioned above are all independent of the cooperative. 

Our tasting focused mostly on Cremants Poll-Fabaire wines, which incidentally was also what LuxAir served on our flight to Luxembourg. In the wine shop, there were dozens upon dozens of different types of wine offered. We only tried a handful, although our host kept pouring more and more.

How They Make The Bubbles

We saw one thing that was pretty interesting when visiting their bottling facility. Traditionally, when a wine is aged under the traditional Champagne method, it’s important for the yeast to stay in contact with the wine in order to improve the flavor of the end product.

Towards the end of the aging process, the bottles are placed at an angle and turned a bit every few days in order for the yeast to settle closer to the top of the bottle. 

Eventually, the yeast is dispelled from the bottle (in a complicated and very cool process called disgorging). Traditionally, people would hand-turn each and every bottle every few days to make this happen. Imagine doing this with hundreds of thousands of bottles. Now, there are machines to take over this process.

We saw a couple of these machines for the first time at Schmit-Fohl and happened to be there when they turned on automatically, to rotate the bottles.

It’s a giant black cube of upside-down sparkling wine bottles rotating like a small carnival ride. Although we didn’t see them in action at the cooperative, the sheer volume of these agitating cubes was astonishing. Row after row of aging sparkling wine.

Luxembourg Wine Festivals

The Moselle River Valley hosts a series of wine festivals throughout the year. Some of them are big events and others are more local. Another great way to learn about the Luxembourg wine region is to visit the Grape and Wine Festival in Grevenmacher. Grevenmacher hosts the largest wine festival in September each year. 

Wineries celebrate the fall harvest and open their cellar doors to visitors. In July each year, the village of Ahn opens its cellar doors and winemakers offer tastings throughout the village. For any of these festivals, consider planning a visit from the Luxembourg city center. If you wish to stay in the wine region, it’s best to book accommodation in advance.

FAQS – VISITING LUXEMBOURG FOR WINE

When purchasing directly from the winery or at some wine shops, wine in Luxembourg can be a great value, with many bottles selling between €8-15 a bottle. At restaurants, glasses and bottles will be more expensive.

Absolutely! Every one of our wine tastings in Luxembourg included both sparkling and non-sparkling wines, but we only tried a few reds. Some of the white wines are also aged in oak barrels, giving them more age and complexity. If you don’t generally drink sparkling wine, perhaps mention that when making a booking for a tasting and tour.

It certainly helps. There are buses from Luxembourg that can bring you to the region. Once there, you can actually take a riverboat up and down the river to visit a couple of wineries in one day.

With a growing area smaller than the famous Napa Valley in California, Luxembourg surprisingly has 450 wine growers and producers. The number is constantly changing with new growers come onto the scene as well as consolidation in the industry.

Where To Stay In The Moselle Valley

Luxembourg features a wide range of accommodations from self-catering rentals to high-end luxury hotels. We stayed at Hotel Ecluse , an eco-focused hotel property where our room had a view of Germany over the river and its own in-room sauna.

It was one hotel where I didn’t want to check out. Their restaurant offers a menu pairing with Luxembourg Cremant. Get the best rate at Hotel Ecluse here .

Amber Hoffman

Amber Hoffman, food and travel writer behind With Husband In Tow, is a recovering attorney and professional eater, with a passion for finding new food and drink destinations. She lives with her husband, Eric, in Girona, Catalonia, Spain. Together over the last 20 years, they have traveled to over 70 countries. Amber is the author of the Food Traveler’s Guide to Emilia Romagna. She regularly lectures on social media marketing to travel professionals throughout Europe.

Home » Travel Guides » Luxembourg » 15 Best Places to Visit in Luxembourg

15 Best Places to Visit in Luxembourg

Small but mighty Luxembourg has only half a million people but one of the world’s most developed economy – several key organizations for the European Union are run out of Luxembourg City. It shares borders with Germany , France , and Belgium and is ruled by a Grand Duke, making it the world’s last Grand Duchy. Luxembourg has three official languages (Luxembourgish, French, and German), and the culture is a wonderful mix of Germanic Europe and the romance cultures. It’s a wealthy country with an even wealthier medieval history.  The heart of the country has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and each region holds a ton of surprises for its visitors.

Lets explore the best places to visit in Luxembourg :

1. Echternach

This cosy little town near the German border is the oldest in all of Luxembourg. It’s the perfect base camp for exploring the region because of the laid-back “lazy afternoon ramble” atmosphere of the place. Plan to say here if you’re interested in hiking in Mullertal or Cycling along the River Sure.

For the last 500 years, pilgrims come every Whit Tuesday for the dancing procession in honour of the town’s founder, St. Willibrord. If you’re coming in May and June, enjoy the International Music Festival, and take a look at the Prehistory Museum, The Basilica, and recently discovered Roman villa at any time of year.

Also on the German border is Vianden, a quaint and hilly town on the River Our.  The two most striking features of the town are its old-world charm and Vianden Castle which stands high above the river. Built between the 11th and 14th centuries, the castle was a prominent home for Luxembourg royalty for hundreds of years before falling into ruin for almost as long. Restoration has been ongoing since the 1970’s and it’s once again returning to its former glory and now offers some of the most photogenic vistas in the entire country.

Above the castle is a fantastic restaurant, accessible only by chair lift, which has the best views of Vianden and the surrounding mountains. Be sure to visit the Victor Hugo museum located in the house he once lived it.

3. Diekirch

Diekirch takes its name from the nation’s most popular beer and is well-loved by tourists for the colourful local flavour that’s found here. Located in the north and sitting on the River Sure, the mountains that surround Diekirch make incredible vistas at each turn.

Check out the pedestrian zone for shopping, cafes, and public concerts and head to the old quarter to see St. Laurentius Church and other old-world homes. Three great museums to check out are the National Museum of Historical Vehicles, the beer museum, and the National Museum of Military History with an exhibit that thoroughly covers the Battle of the Bulge.

It’s also a good place for those that want a little nature in their holiday.  You can bicycle, hike, kayak, or fish while you’re here.

4. Beaufort

A small town that’s high in charm, Beaufort is most often visited because of its castle which lies across the valley from the town proper. Originally built as a Roman camp, the castle expanded over the years but has never recovered from the WWII Battle of the Ardennes.

Tourists can explore the many levels and interiors of the castle, though there is no décor. Afterwards enjoy an afternoon of cycling or hiking with several lovely trails to choose from.

5. City of Luxembourg

The country’s capital is also a UNESO World Heritage site and major financial centre for much of Europe. You’ll want to spend as much time as possible in the old town and see the Grand Ducal Palace, the Cathedral of Notre Dame, Place d’Armes, Adolphe Bridge, and the underground defences popularly known as the casemates.

But it’s not just historical beauty here; Luxembourg City is a thoroughly modern and cosmopolitan place that’s done an incredible job of merging history with modern progress. As an example, check out the fortress of Luxembourg that has been transformed many times over the centuries and now highlights the best of European culture.

6. The Moselle Valley

Covering 42km that stretch from Wasserbillig to Schengen, the Moselle Valley and the river that runs through it are lined with small villages, vineyards, and wine cooperatives. Schengen, famous due to the EU agreement that allows easy cross-border travel, has been attracting wine lovers for generations.

Each village in the valley has a distinct charm and is home to fine dining restaurants and a relaxing vibe that will make you wish you lived there. Villages of note include Remerschen, Remich, Greiveldange, Ehen, and Machtum. Known as d’Musel by the locals the valley has unbelievable fruit plantations to explore, themed hikes (like the wine route), water sports and small cruises, and a bit of medieval history as well.

7. Mullerthal

This region of Luxembourg is known as Little Switzerland because of the hilly green landscape. What you’ll notice first is the unique rock formations. They’re hard to describe but unforgettable once you’ve seen them.  Echternach is the main city within the region but there are all kinds of reasons to branch out.

World renown for a fantastic cuisine based on honey, liqueurs, and cheese, the restaurants in Mullerthal serve incredibly refined dishes – particularly in the valley of the Lower Sure. For experienced hikers, the Mullerthal Trail covers 112km of fields, forests, and rock formations.  For those less experienced but no less enthusiastic, there are plenty of easier hikes that will take you to some awe-inspiring vistas.

8. The Ardennes

For a truly exceptional nature experience, head straight to the Ardennes.  With both winding valleys and scenic highlands, tons of hiking and cycling trails, you’ll be able to explore the many forests and villages throughout the nature parks. Not surprisingly, some of the best maintained medieval ruins in all of Luxemburg can be found here. You’ll find everything from medieval revivals, traditional markets, and outdoor performances and concerts to transport you back to another time.

Within the Ardennes, you’ll find two nature parks, Naturpark Öewersauer and Our – both distinct destinations in their own right. If you’re feeling adventurous, try some Nordic walking along the Sûre or the Alzette.

9. The Nature Park Our

Created in 2005 within the Ardennes region, Nature Park Our is worthy of its own mention as a top tourist choice. Shaped by the snaking Our River, the park covers 309 square kilometres and alternates between deep valleys and high plateaus. The mission of the nature park creators is to focus on socio-cultural and economic developments while maintaining natural resources and respecting cultural heritage.

You won’t want to miss the photo exhibits in Clervaux Castle, the mining museum in Stolzembourg, or the Festival “Jardins à suivre.” Tourists are able to buy the regions agricultural produce direct from the farmers, which help both the local economy and the environment.

10. Larochette

Right in the centre of Luxembourg, Larochette is ideally located to be your home base for your entire trip through the Grand Duchy. It sits picturesquely between two rivers and the villages slate-roofed homes stand out dramatically beneath the cliff top ruins of a medieval castle.

If you do make it your home base, be sure to check out the surprising cafes and fine-dining restaurants. You’ll love coming back to Larochette after a day of exploring the different regions and attractions nearby.

11. Bourglinster

As you’re headed to Larochette, Bourglinster and the 18th century castle there, is a great place to stop for a meal or an espresso.  The castle sits inside the remains of an older 12th century fortress.  You’ll find exhibitions there and occasionally performances.

In each of the side wings are two fine dining restaurants, La Distillerie and Brasserie Côté Cour, both with incredible ambiance and décor that matches the castles as well as fantastic food.

12. The Land of the Red Rocks

This region gets its name from the red ore that drove the success of the Luxembourg industrial era. Known to locals as Terres Rouges, the area now combines new technology with ancient techniques to serve the current industrial needs of the country.

Three trendy and fun cities make up the core of Terres Rouges:  Differdange, Esch-sur-Alzette, and Dudelange. You’ll find plenty of culture in each city that ranges from rock festivals, street theatre, and other concerts. You can visit Rockhal to learn how Luxembourgers gave a new face to this area and so changed the country.

If you’re travelling with family, be sure to visit Parc Merveilleux in Bettembourg. Your kids will enjoy the monkeys, crocodiles, parrots, and more that the park showcases.

13. Rumelange

Also located in the Land of the Red Rocks, but worthy of its own mention, is the old mining town of Rumelange.  The main attraction here is the National Mine Museum – which is considered by many to be one of the top tourist attractions on earth. The museum allows guided walks through the old mine tunnels and you can enter by riding in an old mining train.

The town itself is located in the forest of the Kayl Valley with a ton of great trails to enjoy by foot or bike.

14. The Nature Park of the Upper Sûre

Known as Luxembourg’s “water area” because of the 380 ha lake, Naturpark Upper Sûre is the model of sustainable tourism.  The park was awarded the EDEN prize in 2010 for commitment to integrating tourism, culture, social and economic development with environmental protection.

If you’re looking to relax, this largely untouched land is the perfect place. You can join in a themed itinerary or go at your own pace as you like.  Most of the leisure activities are designed to highlight the region’s history, culture, and natural aspects.

15. Western Luxembourg

If you’re driving during your Luxembourg holiday and considering what routes to take, you must absolutely include the Eisch Valley of Western Luxembourg.  With the town of Arlon at one end and Ettelbrück at the other, you’ll have the most peaceful drive of your life as you wind your way through lush forest.

You’ll pass by a number of castles – some which are majestic ruins and others that are more mansion-esque châteaux.  You’ll want to stop in Ansemborg to view the castle there from the striking formal gardens. And if you like a good moat, then you’ll love the medieval castle at Hollenfels.

15 Best Places to Visit in Luxembourg:

• City of Luxembourg
• The Moselle Valley
• The Ardennes
• The Nature Park Our
• Bourglinster
• The Land of the Red Rocks
• The Nature Park of the Upper Sûre
• Western Luxembourg

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Wine tasting in the Moselle Valley

Spend the afternoon exploring the vineyard-covered hills along the banks of the Moselle River on this wine-tasting tour in Luxembourg. The Moselle Valley is less than an hour away from Luxembourg City and one of the premiere wine-growing regions in the world.

Less sweet than its German counterpart, the dry Luxembourg Riesling is the most popular of the nine grape varieties grown in this region. You’ll get the chance to visit two wineries in the valley, spending between an hour and 90 minutes tasting different types of wine. The region mainly produces dry white wines and sparkling wines, known as Crémant. While pinots are available, they’re most often white pinot gris or pinot blanc.

The Moselle River, a tributary of the Rhine, flows through Germany, Luxembourg and France and its valley has had a continuous tradition of winemaking since ancient Roman times.

Your private driver and guide will meet you at your hotel in Luxembourg. You’ll then drive a little under an hour to the Moselle Valley’s wine region. The German side of the valley, known as the Mosel, is perhaps better known, but the whole area has been a flourishing wine region since the ancient Roman occupation, and is the home of Riesling wines.

You’ll get to visit two wineries in the valley with your driver and guide, where you’ll get the chance to spend an hour to an hour-and-a-half tasting the different types of wine. The region grows nine different grape varieties, Riesling, pinot noir, pinot blanc, pinot gris, Gewürztraminer, Auxerrois, Rivaner, Elbling and chardonnay.

The wineries produce almost exclusively white wines, including Riesling. However, the Luxembourg Riesling is much less sweet than its German counterpart. The temperature of the area allows Luxembourg wines to be produced as a cold-climate version of traditional, dry Alsace wines. You won’t often encounter Luxembourgish wines outside of Luxembourg and Belgium, as most of the wine produced there is consumed in-country.

After your tastings, your driver will bring you back to your hotel in Luxembourg.

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This Gorgeous River in Europe Is the Cruise Destination You've Never Heard Of

Cruising the Moselle River, through Germany, Luxembourg, and France, promises stunning vineyards and views, without the crowds.

Sarah Kuta/Travel + Leisure

I’m finishing up my lunch on the Avalon Imagery II ’s open-air bow when the ship glides around a bend in the Moselle River. Suddenly, the view before me, a small wine town in Germany , is so breathtaking I nearly drop my fork: tidy, geometric rows of grape vines — most of them riesling — cover the steep land rising up from the water. A little while later, we pass by the ruins of a 14th-century castle.

I feel like I’m floating through a fairy tale , I think to myself as I whip out my phone to take what must be my millionth photo of the day.

Sarah Kuta/Travel + Leisure

Before setting sail on the Moselle River with Avalon Waterways in July, I didn’t know quite what to expect. Though I’d been on other river cruises in Europe, the Moselle really wasn’t on my radar. 

Now, I'll never take it off my radar. From its source in the Vosges Mountains, the Moselle flows 339 miles through northeastern France and western Germany before meeting up with the Rhine River in Koblenz, Germany. Along the way, it also forms a natural border between Luxembourg and Germany.

Beautiful vineyards, historic fortresses, and quaint villages line its banks. The weather is mild, the valley’s residents are friendly, and the small towns along the waterfront are ridiculously charming. The Moselle itself snakes lazily back and forth, giving cruisers optimal time to appreciate the dramatic scenery.

And while so many European destinations have gotten a little too busy for comfort, the Moselle has remained quiet, serene. If your goal is a quintessentially European river cruise without the quintessential European crowds, the Moselle is the river for you.

What Sets the Moselle River Apart

If you’ve taken a European river cruise before, you’ve probably heard of well-known waterways like the Rhine, the Danube, and the Rhône. But Pam Hoffee, the president of Avalon Waterways, describes the Moselle as an “off-the-beaten-path gem.” 

“We consider it the Rhine’s cool little sister — a place where some of the most beautiful views in river cruising await guests without the crowds that can be found in other parts of Europe,” she says. Avalon’s new “ Active & Discovery on the Moselle ” itinerary, which launched in May 2022, traverses one of the most scenic sections of the river. The cruise begins in Luxembourg, in the small town of Remich, then whisks passengers through west-central Germany. It briefly sails on the Rhine, then on the Main River, before finishing in Frankfurt. 

The “Active & Discovery” part comes into play with the choice of included excursions, which range from adventurous hikes and bike rides to easy-going brewery tours and wine tastings. So, perhaps it's less like a fairy tale, and more like a choose-your-own-adventure book.

And Avalon isn’t the only line introducing travelers to this tranquil body of water. Viking has also rolled out two new Christmas cruises on the Moselle, and AmaWaterways , Tauck , Uniworld River Cruises , Scenic , Emerald Cruises , among other lines, are offering upcoming Moselle sailings.

Wine, History, and Views on the Moselle River

One reason the Moselle is so idyllic? It’s narrower than other European rivers, with steep valley walls, which means river cruisers get an up-close and personal view of the passing, postcard-perfect scenery. This narrowness also translates to less overall traffic on the river and in ports, Hoffee says. Avalon, for example, uses its smaller “Suite Ships” — which can accommodate just 128 guests — for its Moselle sailings. The Moselle also passes through the famed riesling region of Germany and Luxembourg, where people have been growing grapes and making wine since Roman times. This not only means gorgeous vineyard views from the ship, but also opportunities to visit family-owned wineries and sample their delicious wares. In Remich, Luxembourg, I joined a walking tour that ended with an informative wine tasting in the shady garden of Domaine L&R Kox , which grows 30 acres of grapes and produces 50 small-batch wines. Later, while docked in Bernkastlel-Kues, I visited the winery of Dr. Pauly-Bergweiler , whose family has been making wine along the Moselle since the 16th century.

One of my favorite excursions of the entire sailing was a guided evening stroll through Trier, Germany, also known as the “Rome of the North.” Though the Romans established Trier — which they called Augusta Treverorum — more than 2,000 years ago, you can still find many well-preserved examples of their sturdy buildings. As the sun was just beginning to set, our group paused to admire Porta Nigra, a Roman city gate (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site) that dates back to 170 C.E. 

In some places, the views were so accessible I didn’t even have to leave my room — or my bed, for that matter. One morning, as we approached Cochem, Germany, I opened the floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows in my room, which instantly transformed the space into a private, open-air balcony. And since Avalon’s guest beds face the window (instead of the wall), I was able to curl up with an espresso and watch the storybook towns and towering castles pass by outside. 

When we finally reached Frankfurt at the end of the eight-day trip, I felt rejuvenated and refreshed — not frazzled and drained, as I sometimes do after a jam-packed summer stint in Europe. With its calm waters, dreamy landscapes, and uncrowded ports, the Moselle River re-energized me — and now I can’t wait to go back.

Related Articles

Remich, pearl of the Mosel

Remich – the Pearl of the Moselle – is a small tourist spot on the European Road on the border triangle between Luxembourg, France, and Germany situated in a picturesque panorama of vineyards and green spaces.

Along the Moselle River runs a 3km long promenade of birch and cherry trees which has more to offer than just going for a walk. From cosy terraces over wine tastings to boat cruises… Remich offers a wide range of activities for all ages!

15.09.2024 - 15.09.2024

Crémant a Kultur Festival

16.09.2024 - 16.09.2024

• Réimecher Moart

21.09.2024 - 21.09.2024

What to do?

Sports and leisure.

• Skate & Parkour
• Artificial ice skating rink
• Children’s Playgrounds
• Mini-Golf & Mini-Cars
• Walking and Hiking Trails
• Swimming Pool
• Boat Cruises
• Remich’s Parish Church
• Old Alleys and Buildings
• Statues and Fountains
• Hierschtmoart
• Vide Dressing
• Flea Market

Summer Days

• Wisefest “Um Gréin”

Winter Days

• De Wanterfestival
• 1/2 Faaschten

Tourist info

Centre visit Remich [email protected]

Phone : (+352) 27 07 54-16

Opening hours

Monday – Sunday: 10:00-17:00 Closed: 01.11 & 24.12 – 01.01

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Travel Tips to Kabardino-Balkaria: More than Mt. Elbrus!

If you’ve traveled to the North Caucasus before, there is a good chance you’ve already been to Kabardino-Balkaria, and you didn’t even know it!  Kabardino-Balkaria lies in the center of the North Caucasus region, is home to Mt. Elbrus, but more than that is a treasure chest of travel possibilities.  Here is our guide to traveling through the republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, or 9 travel tips to this beautiful land:

1. How do I get there?

Kabardino-Balkaria hosts a large number of both foreign and Russian travelers every year, and has an improving infrastructure able to handle the incoming masses.  Let’s start with the obvious.  You might be a mountain climber or skier coming to enjoy the slopes of Mt. Elbrus.  That means you’re likely arriving on an airplane to Russia.  Here are your travel options:

A. Plane – We advise you fly into the Mineralni Vodi (MRV) airport in the Stavropol Region, which is about 45 minutes from the border of Kabardino-Balkaria.  MRV is the largest airport in the North Caucasus, and has daily direct flights to and from all 3 airpots in Moscow (SVO, DME, and VKO), direct flights from St. Petersburg, and several international flight routes as well, including from Istanbul, Dubai, Greece, Tel Aviv, and Bishkek.  The MRV airport has a growing infrastructure and is the most obvious choice to fly into if going to Elbrus.  From MRV, it’s a 2 hr. drive to Nalchik, and a 3.5 hr. drive to Mt. Elbrus.

That being said, the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria, Nalchik (NAL), also has a small regional airport with a daily flight to/from Moscow as well as weekly flights to Istanbul. As is to be expected in most smaller, regional airports around Russia, the service standard at a small airport like this will be minimal.  As a result, we recommend you flying in and out of MRV if able.  It’s a 2 hr. drive to Elbrus from Nalchik.  You can also fly into other regional airports which are 2 hrs. from Nalchik, such as OGZ in North Ossetia (Vladikavkaz) or IGT in Ingushetia (Magas).

B.  Car/Public Transport – If you have a car, are using a taxi, or are hitch-hiking your way to Kabardino-Balkaria, the region is accessible by a variety of roads and vehicles.  A major Russian federal highway E50 runs through Pyatigorsk into Kabardino-Balkaria, and can take you towards Mt. Elbrus, Nalchik, and deeper into the North Caucasus.  There are daily mini-buses, or “marshrutkas”, that travel to Nalchik from Pyatigorsk, Vladikavkaz, Grozny, and Magas, if you’re coming from a neighboring republic.  From the main Nalchik bus station, there is a marshrutka that goes to Terskol (i.e. Mt. Elbrus) daily around 12:30 pm; for that matter,  marshrutkas run daily into every valley of this beautiful republic.  For the seasoned international traveler, you can drive from the country of Georgia up the famed “Georgian Military Highway” through the heart of the Caucasus Mountains, cross the border into Russia at the “Verkhni Lars” border stop, and be in Nalchik in about 2.5 hours as well. 

Anyone traveling on their own should download the “Yandex” taxi app, which is Russia’s version of Uber, and has a very user-friendly app with affordable prices.  In smaller villages/towns where Yandex’s service doesn’t reach, just ask a local and they’ll direct you to a friend or relative who can taxi you where you need to go!

C.  Train – Kabardino-Balkaria is also very accessible by the famous cross-country Russian train system if that’s your preferred method of travel.  Almost all trains to the North Caucasus pass through Mineralni Vodi in the Stavropol region to the north, so make sure wherever you are coming from, Mineralni Vodi is one of the stops.  Despite Nalchik having a train station, the city is about 45 minutes from the main railway route that runs diagonal through the North Caucasus, and as a result it’s a bit convoluted to get a train directly to Nalchik.  That being said, the town Prokhladni is a regular stop on trains going to/coming from Baku, Makhachkala, Grozny, Nazran, and Vladikavkaz, so you can always hop off there and find your way by public transport or taxi.

2.  What are the best places to stay?

This list could get exhaustive, fast. 🙂  Let’s first look at an overview of the republic’s geography, followed by hotel recommendations:

A. Nalchik – This is the capital city of Kabardino-Balkaria, with a population of around 250,000.  Nalchik is growing and new, modern hotels are being built regularly.  Here are some of our recommendations:

-Modern and comfortable:  Azimut , Butik Otel

-Budget with less frills:  Hotel Rossia , Korona

You could comfortably spend a week in Nalchik, while doing day trips into Kabardino-Balkaria’s beautiful mountain valleys.

B.  Baksan Valley – This is the most traveled road in Kabardino-Balkaria, the road to Mt. Elbrus.  If you have questions about its safety because of travel warnings, please see our detailed blog here of the drive to erase any doubts or fears.  Needless to say, because of the draw of Mt. Elbrus, there are a huge variety of lodging options at the end of this valley, from 4-star to mid-range to budget to hostel.  Here are just a few we’ll recommend from our experience:

-Modern and comfortable 4-star-ish:  Azau Star , Kristall 139

-Budget with less frills 3-star-ish:   Laguna , Povorot

If you’re a mountain climber with your sites set on the summit of Elbrus, you’ll have to spend at least 3-4 nights at Elbrus’s famous base camp at 13,000 feet.  The “barrel huts” are not easy to book directly with, and we highly recommend you do your climb (and hence, have your bookings handled) through a trusted climbing company.  Here are two shelters at base camp we recommend:

-Modern and comfortable:  Leaprus

-Budget with less frills:  Heart of Elbrus Lodge

If you’re interested in climbing Mt. Elbrus and staying in these barrel huts, click  here  to see our climbing itineraries, pricing, and group dates.

C.  Chegem Valley – Chegem Valley is the adjacent valley to Elbrus’s Baksan Valley, and is famous for its beautiful waterfalls as well as being Russia’s top paragliding location.  The “ Paradrome ” has modest accommodations for those wanting to get to know this beautiful valley for a longer period of time.

D.  Upper Balkaria, or Cherek Valley – This is another beautiful mountain gorge not too far from Nalchik.  There is an authentic lodging complex in Upper Balkaria called Tau-El, with amazing local food for meals as well.

E.  Border Zone lodging – Several of Kabardino-Balkaria’s mountain gorges run into the border zone with neighboring country Georgia, i.e. an area that foreigners cannot enter without a special permit from the local government (often taking 2 months to receive).  There is a famous mountaineering lodge in Bezengi Valley, where several generations of Russian mountain climbers have honed their craft in the Caucasus Mountains.  Perpendicular to Baksan Valley (about 25 minutes from the base of Mt. Elbrus) is Adyr-Suu Valley, where there is a lodge for back-country skiers to stay, while trying their hands (and feet!) on the untouched snow of that valley.  Both these valleys require border permits for foreigners, but are possible to access for the more adventurous!

3.  Top cities to visit?

Most locals would agree that Nalchik is the main city of significance to visit in Kabardino-Balkaria, but let’s be honest, even more would say, “Just go to the mountains!”  Tirnauz is the capital of the Elbrus district, and is an interesting town to spend some time in, with its unique location in the mountains and place in Soviet history as a once-booming mining town.  The main thing to consider in visiting Nalchik and other cities in the lowlands, is the chance to experience Kabardian culture and food.  Whereas the deeper you go into the valleys, the more you’ll encounter Balkar culture and food.

4.  Best local foods to try?

There are 3 types of food that come to mind, when spending time in Kabardino-Balkaria:

A. Khychiny – This is one of the staple national dishes of the Balkar people, and what you’ll inevitably be served if guests of local Balkars.  It’s a thin buttery flat bread, sometimes cooked with fillings of cottage cheese, fresh greens, or potatoes.  It is often slathered in butter, but wow is that some tasty greasy goodness! 🙂

B.  Shashlik – Shashlik is a MUST for any visit anywhere in the North Caucasus!  Most people would agree that it’s the national food of the entire region.  Shashlik is meat shish kabobs; while pork and turkey can be found in some parts of the Caucasus, lamb or chicken are the preferred shashlik meats of choice in Kabardino-Balkaria. 

C.  Soup – No matter where you are in Russia, you’re sure to find a local soup that people love.  Kabardino-Balkaria is no different.  Especially in the winter months in the mountain valleys, there’s nothing better than to come inside from the cold weather and warm your body up to a bowl of hearty Caucasus soup.  Whether Georgian kharcho or local Balkar lakhman, make sure to try your hand at one of these soups with a side of fresh baked bread/lavash!

5.  Top Hole-In-The-Wall restaurants:

Of course, for a republic of this size, we’re bound to leave at least a few great local joints off our list, but here are a few to get you started. ***Note:  Restaurants in the North Caucasus are much better known for their food than their service, so prepare for tasty food, but manage your expectations about service:

-Elbrus – Kogutai Restaurant at Mt. Cheget – While this isn’t a hole-in-the-wall restaurant per se, it’s one of many to choose from in the Cheget tourist village, and we have found them to provide consistently good food and service.  Kogutai has a nice interior, and maybe most important, an English-language menu with good pictures. 🙂  There also is a nice outdoor patio with fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.

-Nalchik #1 – Tameris Restaurant – This is a cafe with a relaxed atmosphere in the capital Nalchik.  Local tour company Elbrus Elevation has taken foreign groups there on multiple occasions and always had good experiences.  Address is ul. Kuliyeva 3. 

-Nalchik #2 – Cafe-Bar Oasis – You have to know where this restaurant is to find it, but once inside, you won’t regret it!  There is a unique cafeteria-style ordering process, that includes several dishes being cooked on the spot once ordered.  You can sample local Kabardian dishes here.  The seating area is very modern and a pleasant atmosphere to have a meal in.  Address is ul. Kuliyeva 2. 

-Upper Balkaria – Tau-El Restaurant – This is the restaurant part of the Tau-El Tourist Complex in Upper Balkaria.  Whether spending the night or just passing through, make sure to stop here for a meal!

6.  Must-See Sites

This republic is so chock full of “must-see” destinations, it’s impossible to narrow the list down.  Here are just a few suggestions to get you started: (***Mt. Elbrus is a no-brainer and we’re assuming that’s on your list)

A. El-Tyubu and Paradrome – This is an amazing area towards the end of Chegem Valley.  Many tourists visit the famous Chegem Waterfalls and don’t drive any further down this gorge, which really is a shame.  El-Tyubu is a picturesque Balkar village with several historical sites to see, including some ancient mausoleums.  The real gem of the area, though, is the Paradrome , which is Russia’s premier paragliding destination.  The combination of the scenic surrounding mountains and constant winds produces almost daily conditions to sail through the beautiful Caucasus sky.  Highly recommend!

B.  Upper Balkaria – Also known as Cherek Valley, the entire drive to the actual village of Upper Balkaria is one big destination.  First, you can spend time at the 3 consecutive “ Blue Lakes ”, one of which is one of Russia’s deepest lakes with an underground spring.  Then, the drive itself becomes an adventure, as you pass by steep rock walls with a huge drop-off on the other side.  If you’re able to walk this part of the road, that is a bonus!  Once you’ve made your way through the valley walls, the region opens up into a beautiful panoramic view.  Many years ago, there were multiple villages in this region, but they’ve since been condensed into one main village.  You can see some of the ancient Balkar towers that their ancestors used to live in as well.

C.  Djili-Suu – Although hard to pronounce and not easy to get to, Djili-Suu is one of those places in the North Caucasus that people rave about that you “have to” visit.  It’s actually on the North side of Mt. Elbrus, and more accessible from the Mineral Waters region (2 hrs. from Kislovodsk).  The base camp for Elbrus climbers summiting the mountain from the North side is at Djili-Suu.  This area is famous in Russia for its numerous natural healing springs, as well as unique climate conditions that make for beneficial, long holidays for seeking a respite from their daily grind.  There are wide swaths of land available for camping, with probably the most unrivaled views of Mt. Elbrus in the North Caucasus.  Make sure to check this out!

7.  Off-the-beaten path destinations

A. King’s Waterfalls (Tsarskie), or Gedmisht – Probably the valley in Kabardino-Balkaria with the least amount of hype is the Malka Valley, which is the northernmost valley and mainly runs through the Kabardian lowlands.  At the point where the villages end, though (Khabas), the asphalt turns into dirt and the hills start to rise, culminating with the incredible King’s Waterfalls, or as one friend put it, Avatar Waterfalls.  These stunning waterfalls are best visited in the early summer, when everything is lush green and the water flow is strong, with many streams of water flowing down the earth’s surface.  The different colors are incredible and it’s hard to look away.  Once you’ve enjoyed the waterfalls, enjoy a meal of shashlik at one of the nearby lunch huts.  Having an off-road vehicle is ideal to visit these falls, but worth the time and effort!

B.  One-seater chair lift at Elbrus – As the infrastructure at Mt. Elbrus has modernized, some of the more “authentic” experiences have gone to the way-side.  This is one experience still available, though!  From the 2nd (11,000 ft.) to 3rd level (12,500 ft.) of Mt. Elbrus (whether skiing, going to base camp, or just touring), there is a single-seater chair lift for 100 rubles each way (less than $2).  This is an amazing experience if you have the time.  It’s 8-10 minutes each way, and a surreal experience of the majestic Caucasus mountain range surrounding you, skiers silently passing you by underneath, and in general enjoying the silent expanse of nature all around.  The chair lifts are from the Soviet times and so it feels like something from a different era.  For mountain climbers, the newer group cable car gives better access to most of base camp, but several huts are pretty close to this chair lift, so it still may be a good option for you.

C.  Abandoned Mines above Tirnauz – Tirnauz is about 1 hr. from Mt. Elbrus, and a town everyone drives through to and from the mountain.  Although today it looks old and half-abandoned, it was a booming mining town in the 20th century.  About a 45-minute drive above the city with an off-road vehicle, you can see the remains of the mining operations.  Learning about this history combined with the breath-taking views of the Baksan Valley and even into Georgia, you’ll wonder why more people aren’t visiting this place.  This is a great spot to see eagles soaring in the sky, as well as admire the Soviet city plan of Tirnauz from above.

8.  What do I need border zone passes to visit?

In Russia, any area within 5-10 km of a neighboring country, without a clearly delineated border (i.e. in the mountains) is considered a special border zone, and patrolled by Russian border guards.  This area IS accessible to all Russian citizens with their passports, but is NOT legally accessible to foreign citizens UNLESS you have a special permit from the FSB (Federal Security Bureau).  These permits are accessible, either through a tour operator or local friend, but require you to submit your application 45-60 days in advance.

Areas in Kabardino-Balkaria that are worth a visit if you have a border zone pass:

A.  Bezengi Wall – This is at the end of the Bezengi Valley, and holds a place of lore among Russian mountain climbers.  Many mountain guides go through training in this valley.  Five of the Caucasus Mountain’ range’s highest seven peaks are a part of the Bezengi Wall, so you can imagine the draw it has for climbers. There are great areas for trekking and camping in this area. 

B.  Adyr-Suu Gorge – This remote valley runs perpendicular to Baksan Valley and is about 25 minutes from the base of Mt. Elbrus.  It’s marked at the entrance by a relic of the past, a car lift from Soviet days that auto-cranks your car (and you) about 50 meters up the mountain.  After 45-60 minutes of driving on gravel road, the gorge opens up into a flat valley with a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains.  The Adyr-Suu Alpine Lodge is at the end of this valley and where back-country skiers base out of during the acclimatization phase of their Mt. Elbrus ski tours.  This is truly a place where you can experience untouched powder!

C.  Mt. Cheget (Elbrus) – Cheget is a neighboring mountain to Mt. Elbrus and where many climbers will acclimatize, both at its base and while doing some hikes.  It also is famous in Russia for its free-ride terrain for more experienced skiers.  Standard access to the chair lifts and mountain are available to all (i.e. mountain climbers don’t need to worry about accidentally crossing into the zone), but anyone wanting to summit the peak of Cheget OR visit the beautiful Cheget Lake needs a border permit. 

Foreigners violating the border zone areas is considered a serious offense in Russia; make sure to do your due diligence if wanting to visit one of these areas!  We highly recommend using a local tour operator and always traveling with a local person if visiting one of these areas.

9.  Any cultural “do’s” or “don’t’s” to be aware of

Kabardino-Balkaria is a fascinating republic with a combination of traditional and modern society.  The more you interact with local people, the more you’ll see a mixture of Muslim faith, post-Soviet mentality, and ancient local traditions all wrapped together.   

Kabardians mainly live in the lowlands (Nalchik, Baksan, and lowland villages), while Balkars primarily live in the mountain valleys (Elbrus, Chegem, Upper Balkaria, etc.).  There is a large population of Russians in the region as well.  Foreigners visit every area of the region regularly, and so local people are used to and will welcome your presence.

Come with an open mind to learn about these peoples, their traditions, and their land.  You won’t regret your trip to Kabardino-Balkaria!

***Want to learn more?  Here are several self-published resources from the podcast “ CaucasTalk ” related to Kabardino-Balkaria:

– Travel Tips to Kabardino-Balkaria (audio version of this blog)

– History of Mt. Elbrus (Part 1)

– History of Mt. Elbrus (Part 2)

– Interview with Local Elbrus guide

– Climbing Elbrus: Interview with American guide

– Who are the Kabardians? (Part 1)

– Who are the Kabardians? (Part 2)

– Skiing in the North Caucasus (Elbrus and more)

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• We no longer offer travel services to Russia. See Caucasus Quest Tours for new destinations
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Kabardino-Balkaria

• 2 Other destinations
• 3 Understand
• 5.1 By plane
• 5.2 By train
• 6 Get around
• 8.1 Mountain climbing
• 12 Stay safe
• 13.1 Mobile

<a href=\"https://tools.wmflabs.org/wikivoyage/w/poi2gpx.php?print=gpx&amp;lang=en&amp;name=Kabardino-Balkaria\" title=\"Download GPX file for this article\" data-parsoid=\"{}\"><img alt=\"Download GPX file for this article\" resource=\"./File:GPX_Document_rev3-20x20.png\" src=\"//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f7/GPX_Document_rev3-20x20.png\" decoding=\"async\" data-file-width=\"20\" data-file-height=\"20\" data-file-type=\"bitmap\" height=\"20\" width=\"20\" class=\"mw-file-element\" data-parsoid='{\"a\":{\"resource\":\"./File:GPX_Document_rev3-20x20.png\",\"height\":\"20\",\"width\":\"20\"},\"sa\":{\"resource\":\"File:GPX Document rev3-20x20.png\"}}'/></a></span>"}'/> Kabardino-Balkaria is a region in the Russian Caucasus bordering Karachay-Cherkessia to the west, Stavropol Krai to the north, North Ossetia to the east, and Georgia .

• 43.483333 43.616667 1 Nalchik — the capital and largest city, home to a large Soviet era health spa/sanatorium full of orchards, parks, and hot spring baths
• 43.7575 44.029722 3 Prokhladny — second largest city

Other destinations

• 43.24472 42.52139 4 Cheget ski resort (near Elbrus)

Kabardino-Balkaria, a republic named after its native Kabardin and Balkar people, is one of Russia's poorest regions. Two ethnic territories form Kabardino-Balkaria: one predominantly of Kabardin (who speak a Caucasian language) and the other predominantly Balkar (who speak a Turkic language). There is also a significant Russian population. The Kabardians and the Balkars are Sunni Muslims. In 1944, Stalin accused the Balkars of collaborating with Nazi Germany and deported the entire population, removing their name from the republic's title. They were allowed to return only in 1957.

In 1992, the region was born. The republic felt pray to the instability afflicting other parts of the region and to the contagion of conflict in nearby Chechnya. In 2005, militants attacked security forces in the capital; many people were killed in the incident.

Almost all of the population live on agriculture, the main industrial backbone for the Kabardian economy. The tourism sector is rapidly growing, due to proper capital investment, but has attracted few tourists so far.

The Kabardin speak Kabardian , a northwest Caucasian language of which "Cherkess" is a dialect; the Balkar speak Balkar, a Turkic language virtually identical to "Karachay." Fortunately for the visitor, all are fluent in Russian . No English is understood, and this is not likely to change for a good while.

Virtually all enter via Nalchik NAL   IATA , which is easily reached from the airport at Mineralnye Vody in Stavropol Krai .

Trains from Moscow leave every day.

Mountain climbing

Mountain climbing is the biggest attraction of Kabardino-Balkaria, and here it's a serious sport. The most popular climb is undoubtedly Mount Elbrus , as it is one of the Seven Summits , and is a fairly easy climb in technical terms (Russian Grade: 2B). But bear in mind it's one of the world's deadliest climbs in terms of fatalities per climber — it's a long climb to the top and the mountain often has dangerous and unpredictable weather. Dykhtau and Koshtan-Tau are considerably more technically challenging climbs. Two of Georgia's highest peaks, Shkhara and Ushba , are also climbable from the Russian side. Although these climbs are illegal, since you cross the Russian-Georgian border, border enforcement is lax at 17,000   ft (5,200   m) . The Shkhara climb is a lot easier and safer on the southern face.

Because dealing with Russian officialdom is hellish bordering on impossible, it's best to embark on a mountaineering expedition via guided tour (the tour agencies pick you up from Mineralnye Vody or Nalchik right at the airport and act as your intermediary with all Russian officials. Russia-based tour agencies are much cheaper than Western ones:

• Pilgrim Tours , ☏ +7 495 660-3501 , [email protected] . Pilgrim Tours is a reliable company which specializes in Mount Elbrus climbs.  

Kabardino-Balkarian State University

While not as involved in the general conflict across the North Caucasus, Kabardino-Balkaria, especially Nalchik, has been attacked repeatedly by rebel and terrorist forces. Expect very tight security, realize that this is an unstable and dangerous part of the world, and make your travel plans accordingly.

The North Caucasus is an unstable and potentially dangerous region. Short-term travel restrictions are sometimes applied in relation to ongoing security operations with little or no notice. The border crossings to Georgia and Azerbaijan are subject to frequent, sometimes lengthy closures.

In Kabardino-Balkaria there are three federal GSM operators (MTS, Beeline, Megafon) and they often have offers that give you a SIM card for free or at least very cheap. If you are planning to stay a while and to keep in touch with Kabardino-Balkarian or other North-Caucasus people, then you should consider buying a local SIM card instead of going on roaming. If you buy a SIM card from a shop you'll need your passport for identification. It only takes five minutes to do the paperwork and it will cost less than $10.

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Luxembourg Hiking

Rewarding quality trails.

Luxembourg is the ideal travel destination for hikers: The country has one of the densest networks of hiking trails in Europe. Reconnect with nature and rediscover the simple pleasures of walking, while getting to know the country and its people.

‘Leading Quality Trails – Best of Europe’ : routes such as the 112-kilometre Mullerthal Trail and the 106-kilometre, cross-border Escapardenne Eislek Trail , including the 52-kilometre Lee Trail, are well-signposted and packed with challenges. They lead through a wonderful variety of sometimes wild and unspoilt landscapes. 

The Luxembourg Ardennes is a fascinating hiking area. In Éislek, as it is called in Luxembourgish, there are over 200 circular hiking trails through forests, past castles, over high plateaus and between rocks. The “ Éislek Pied ” groups 18 of these hiking trails around remarkable sites, which are particularly beautiful and varied. They are also one of the reasons the Éislek has now been voted Europe's first quality hiking region (“Leading Quality Region – Best of Europe”).

In the south of the country, hiking culture is also breaking new ground: covering more than 90 kilometres, the Minett Trail is fresh and exciting. It leads through a fascinating nature reserve created on an former opencast mining site. The Kabaisercher lodges welcome hikers who want to rest for a night after an active day. These original cabins include former industrial buildings, the entrance portal of the Fairy Tale Park, schools, factories and tourist vehicles that have been converted for overnight stays.

In the centre, the Guttland.Trails lure leisure hikers onto dreamy paths. In the east, a number of Dream Loops certified by the German Hiking Institute await hikers in the vineyards of the Moselle and along the river.

Many hiking tours offer perfect opportunities for combining outdoor experiences with a taste of Luxembourg’s unique culture. They take you through picturesque villages, to historical ruins and sightseeing highlights – and even across international borders. Choose a route split into stages that let you wind down at the end of each day with a delicious meal and a glass or two of excellent local wine.

There are also extra comfort hiking trails if you are not so good on your feet, or if you have small children with you. The comfort trails offer the possibility of walking or rolling along the natural beauty of Luxembourg with ease, and there are plenty of opportunities to rest.

The hiking trail network of the Liberation Route Europe is a unique transnational memorial that stretches over 10,000 kilometres across Europe and traces the advance of the Allied troops to liberate Europe during World War II.

The foldable hiking map includes a geographic orientation of the country’s walking trails as well as useful information about the activity. It provides an overview of the main hiking offer in Luxembourg, with guidance on where to find more specific information. One map in four languages (DE, FR, EN, NL).

Hiking trails in Luxembourg

Tour attributes, destinations.

Local hiking trail ES 4 - Fuussekaul

Local hiking trail ta 2 - bettel.

Auto-pédestre trail Rodange

Local hiking trail ws 3 - berlé.

Auto-Pédestre trail Schieren

Local hiking trail wn 1 - hachiville, auto-pédestre trail weiswampach.

Auto-Pédestre trail Surré

33 Station to station Dippach-Reckange - Leudelange

Local hiking trail wi 2 - eschweiler halte.

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Hiking impressions from #visitluxembourg

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9 places in Kabardino-Balkaria every adventurer needs to visit (PHOTOS)

An amazing journey through the mountains of Kabardino-Balkaria.

Together with local tour guide Artyem Babaritsky, we show you why this is one of the most underrated regions of Russia. According to Artem, the nature on the territory of Kabardino Balkaria is more “rigid” and “serious” than in the neighboring republics of the Caucasus. This is comparable to a human face: one moment it is kind and smiling (while we are in the Karachay-Cherkessia) and then suddenly this kind face starts to frown and becomes more severe.

The most famous attraction of the republic – and the Caucasus in general – is Mount Elbrus, the highest peak of the European continent. With a mighty height of 5,642 meters above sea level, Elbrus is actually a dormant volcano. Its permanent icecap feeds 22 glaciers, which, in turn, give rise to the Baksan, Kuban and Malka rivers.

Naturally, if you’re into mountain climbing, this is a peak that you will want to conquer at least once in your lifetime. Here are some detailed accounts of what it entails.

And this is what you’ll see along the way.

Not into mountain climbing? Not to worry! In summer, you can still reach an altitude of 3,658 meters from the bottom of the Azau Valley, thanks to a small network of cable cars and ski lifts. This will give you a bird’s eye view of the entire Main Caucasus Ridge – an extremely impressive sight to behold. And, of course, you’ll be right at the foot of the Elbrus glacier.

In winter, skiers and snowboarders can shred some sweet gnar on 23 kilometers of slopes serviced by 6 ski lifts. The winter sports area is situated between the elevations of 2,350 and 3,840 meters. There are plenty of accommodation options for a comfortable stay and a good selection of cafes and restaurants to refuel your energy supplies.

2. Dzhily-su

Translated from the local language, “Dzhily-su” means “warm waters”. The Tract is located on the slopes of the heart of the Caucasus at an altitude of about 2,400 meters above sea level, where you can enjoy the breathtaking view of Mount Elbrus on a clear day. On the territory of Dzhily-su, there are many unique mineral springs that aid in healing from various diseases and strengthening the body.

“It’s an amazing sensation when you lie in a warm mineral bath and dozens of small bubbles rise around you. Also, Dzhily-su is the land of waterfalls that bear beautiful male names like Sultan, Emir and Shah. Thanks to the unusual energy, esoterics are particularly fond of this place, because there are natural sand castles, amazing stone mushrooms and the energetic mountains Sirkh and Tuzluk,” Artyem says.

The road to Dzhily-su is considered one of the most beautiful in all of Russia: It’s a serpentine-like asphalt mountain road that follows along a huge cliff, over which you will see many eagles circling. If you decide to do the trip on your own, Artyem warns that you must get hold of an off road vehicle, because many of the roads that you will need to take are dusty gravel roads. 

3. Chegem Canyon, Gorge, Waterfalls and Paragliding 

This is one of the main tourist attractions of Kabardino-Balkaria and it’s not hard to see why.

“The views that stretch along the Chegem gorge are simply amazing. The Chegem gorge is quite big. You will begin your encounter with this area with the beautiful Chegem waterfalls that cascade down the rocky slope. Right at the foot of the rocks, there is a small market where local women sell various hand woven wool products. There is a ‘ladder of happiness’ consisting of two 222 steps, leading to the source of the waterfalls at the top of the cliff. Climbing it is not at all difficult, the views are amazing and there is a cozy cafe at the top, as well as at the bottom, where you can enjoy dishes of national cuisine,” Artyem says.

In winter, the Chegem waterfalls freeze and have a certain wild beauty to them. Some locals say that, perhaps, they are even more beautiful than in the summer. Ice pillars and columns of frozen jets and streams of water, like giant twisted candles, or stalactites, hang down all the way to the river.

There is no more asphalt road beyond the waterfalls, but you can still continue along the gorge on gravel, along the turbulent Chegem River. The road is very dusty, so Artyem advises visitors to drive along it in a car with closed windows and the air conditioning on. After about 30 kilometers, you will arrive at a paragliding station.

According to Artyem, the Chegem paragliding station is famous for its powerful, ascending wind currents. Thanks to them, paragliders can soar in the sky from morning to evening. On the territory of the station, there is also a zip line and a few other adrenaline-filled activities for those looking for some thrills. 

4. El-TyuByu

If time permits, you can continue moving along the Chegem gorge and arrive at the village of El-TuByu, a place with enormous history. This mysterious ancient Balkarian village is the focal point of the history of the entire Balkaria. Ancient watchtowers, remains of Greek temples and anomalous phenomena attract both adventure seekers and connoisseurs of beauty. The main highrise, the Balkarukov Tower, is also dubbed the ‘Tower of Love’. Legend has it that Akhtugan Balkarukov built it to defend against the relatives of the beautiful Kerime, stolen by him from Dagestan.

Not far from the village, two ancient defensive Greek stairs go up a rocky wall. They rise to a height of about 30 meters and lead to a small area surrounded by walls up to two meters high and about half a meter thick. A bit above the Greek stairs are the ancient Balkar mausoleums, where local nobility were buried in the VIII-XVIII centuries. Artyem advises to go with a tour guide, because there is just so much incredible history in this village. 

5. Valley of the Narzans

The Valley of the Narzans is a balneoclimatic resort area. It is located in the foothills of the northern slope of the Skalisty Ridge of the Greater Caucasus, in the Khasaut River valley, at an altitude of 1,300 meters above sea level (near the border with Karachay-Cherkessia).

What is Narzan water? It takes six years for the water from the melting snow in the mountains to become Narzan water. It needs this time to find its way through the fissures and cracks in the underground rocks, become enriched by more than 20 minerals and salts, congregate in the underground lakes and then appear on the surface as a spring. In the local language, its name sounds like “Nart-san-e”, which means “a drink of brave warriors”.

Visitors can come with empty bottles and fill them with different kinds of mineral water. The territory of the valley also has cafes with local delicacies and plenty of souvenir stands, where the local women sell traditional knitwear, mountain honey and other arts and crafts and delicacies from the region. 

6. Shadkhurei Karst Lakes

The two lakes - Lower and Upper Shadkhuei - are still little researched. Underwater currents, turmoils and a large network of underwater canals prevent scientists from doing deeper research. The estimated depth of each lake is more than 200 meters, though there is no data yet on the actual depth.

“This is a great place to spend some time, especially during the summer months. The water temperature is kept at the same level all year round – about +15 degrees Celsius. The two lakes are located close to each other and fascinate visitors with their magical colors, luring them into their emerald water,” Artyem says.

In Artyem’s experience, only with rare exceptions, no visitor can resist the urge to plunge into the water. Even without bathing accessories, both ladies and gents make it their priority to jump into the turquoise waters. Around the lakes there are a few gazebos so you can easily stay for the whole day, have a picnic and swim in the lakes to your heart’s content.

7. Chateau Erken

A little piece of Europe in the middle of the Caucasus Mountains, Chateau Erken is a majestic pseudo castle in the Romanesque style (it was actually built in the 1990s) surrounded by about 1,000 hectares of vineyards.

“If you want to have a relaxing day, try experiencing the fairy tale that is Chateau Erken. It stands right on the water and is absolutely stunning. There is also the option to do some wine tasting inside,” Artyem says. 

8. Upper Balkaria, Blue Lake and Aushiger Thermal Springs

These three places make for an easy day trip, because of their proximity to one another. Start your journey at the Blue Lake . The deep blue waters of this stunning lake, hidden in Russia’s Caucasus mountains, are shrouded in mystery. It’s uninhabited by fish and avoided by locals, but, in recent years, it’s become a popular site for tourists.

After soaking in the lake’s beauty, continue onwards to Upper Balkaria, which is just several kilometers away along the Cherek gorge. This is a small ancient village that almost seems like it’s hiding from the outside world. Architectural monuments, defensive towers, graves and ground crypts have been preserved there. Upper Balkaria serves as an excellent example of Balkarian life and culture. You’ll learn a lot about the ancient auls (Caucasian mountain or desert settlements) and Balkarian settlements from different historical periods. 

On the left bank of the Cherek River, in the village of Aushiger, there are a few healing hot springs. The territory of the health resort includes a healing lake, an open reservoir and indoor baths.

9. Adyr-su Gorge

“This place can be reached by car, mostly by asphalt road. Then, the car drives into a special lift, together with people and climbs up along the cliff. What a sight this is! There is a border control here, so it’s a good idea to have some ID on you,” Artyem cautions.

After driving along a relatively easy dirt road, you will get to a mountain climbing base. From there, you can take part in some light trekking, 4 kilometers there and back. Adventurers also have the opportunity to make a wish in the Valley of Desires, see waterfalls, go to the glacier and the huge, magical mountain Ulu Tau, which means “Mother Mountain”. Finish up the hike at the Silver Spring.

“Here, you can always encounter wild mustangs, they always come to graze on the beautiful meadows of lush grass and drink the healing water from the spring. The spring is the source of incredible strength - locals say that whoever plunges into it three times will be healed of many diseases,” Artyem boasts.

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