If you’re looking for a quieter, more peaceful hiking experience in Luxembourg, Route 3 of the Mullerthal Trail is the perfect escape. This lesser-known section of the trail leads you through tranquil forests, open fields and impressive rock formations. And this without the busier tourist crowds found on other routes. The route is around 37 kilometres and Route 3 goes through a more remote and meditative side of the Mullerthal region. It is ideal for hikers looking for solitude, scenic landscapes and authentic village charm. In this article, you’ll find the highlights of the route.
Mullerthal
Mullerthal is the namesake of the entire trail. Here you will find some of the trail’s most iconic natural sights, including the famous Schiessentümpel Waterfall. On Route 3, Mullerthal is as a peaceful stop where hikers can enjoy the serene landscape, rest at a picnic area, or explore nearby caves and gorges. It’s quiet, natural beauty makes it a highlight of the route and a perfect place to reconnect with nature.
Blumenthal
Blumenthal is a quiet hamlet along Route 3 of the Mullerthal Trail. It’s basically a few grouped houses but it the village does have a bus stop. The village is surrounded by dense forests, meadows and the region’s signature sandstone rock formations. Blumenthal feels like a hidden retreat far from the busier parts of the trail. The landscape here is particularly tranquil, with moss-covered paths, streams and shaded woodland trails that invite a slower pace. It’s an ideal spot to pause, breathe deeply, and take in the untouched beauty of the Mullerthal region.
Larochette
Larochette is a picturesque town at the edge of the Mullerthal region, known for its impressive medieval castle. As you approach on Route 3 of the Mullerthal Trail, the landscape opens up to reveal rolling hills, dense forest and views of the White Ernz river. The town itself is charming, with quaint streets, traditional houses and cozy cafés. It is a perfect place to rest or end your hike. The town mixes cultural heritage with natural beauty and is a rewarding contrast to the remote forest trails that lead you there.
Larochette Castle
Larochette Castle, or Château de Larochette, is a medieval ruin that looks over the town of Larochette from a rocky hill above the White Ernz valley. The castle was built as early as the 11th century. It was once a stronghold of noble families who controlled much of the surrounding region. Its strategic location was ideal for views and protection, making it a key defensive structure during the Middle Ages.
What makes Larochette Castle unique is that it wasn’t a single unified structure, but rather a complex of multiple manor houses. They were each built by different noble families within the same outer walls. This unusual layout reflects the feudal divisions of power at the time. Today, visitors can explore remnants of these separate residences, including towers, vaulted halls, Gothic windows and traces of stairways carved into the rock.
The castle was partially destroyed by fire in the 16th century and never fully restored, but its ruins still show the grandeur of its medieval past. Restoration efforts have preserved much of the site, allowing visitors to walk along the ramparts and enjoy scenic views over Larochette and the surrounding countryside.
Beaufort
Beaufort is a scenic village along Route 3 of the Mullerthal Trail. It best known for its medieval and Renaissance castle ruins. The village is a popular stop for hikers thanks to its peaceful setting and well-preserved cultural heritage. The nearby trails go through quiet forests and past hidden gorges, making it a perfect place to explore both on and off the beaten path. A part of the route 3 trail around Beaufort follows a stream. You need to cross it a few times so make sure you wear sturdy hiking shoes. Don’t miss the chance to sample the locally made cassero liqueur: a traditional cherry spirit unique to Beaufort.
Beaufort Castle
Beaufort Castle is a historical site made up of two distinct structures: the medieval castle ruins and the Renaissance château.
The medieval castle dates back to the 11th century and was originally built as a fortress to control the surrounding lands and trade routes. Its Romanesque foundation later gave way to Gothic expansions in the 14th and 15th centuries, including high defensive walls, arrow slits, a moat and a square keep. Over time, the castle was adapted to suit changing military needs, and you can still see elements like vaulted chambers, a dungeon, a well tower and even a torture room integrated into the design.
Renaissance château
In the 17th century it’s military importance declined and the nearby Renaissance château was built in a more refined style. This structure has elegant stone façades, arched windows and a courtyard that’s in contrasts with the stark defensive design of the older fortress. While the Renaissance section was never fully completed, it reflects the transition from fortress to stately residence, typical of the period.
Beaufort Castle was abandoned for centuries and overgrown by forest until restoration began in the 19th century. Today, visitors can explore both the dramatic medieval ruins and the more graceful Renaissance wing. The site also hosts exhibitions and tastings of the region’s famous Cassero, a black cherry liqueur produced on-site.