From the Eifel to the Ardennes: The Rhine-Meuse Trail

Program

Day 1

Prüm
Welcome at the arrival point (Bastogne or Saint-Hubert). In the late afternoon, your Europ’Aventure driver will take you to your accommodation in Prüm. The complete file is handed over on arrival at the hotel. Possibility to visit the village of Prüm.

Day 2

Prüm – Bleialf (23 km; + 518 m)
This first stage starts at 430 meters above sea level in the town of Prüm and takes you to the Schneifel summit (Schwarzer Mann – 697 m) at almost 700 meters. The hike takes place for the most part in the wild Schneifel massif, which is known for its cold climate. Its name comes from a contraction of “Schnee” meaning “snow” and “Eifel”. In the second part of the stage, you descend gently to the village of Bleialf, where you’ll find your accommodation. We advise you to plan your equipment accordingly.

Day 3

Bleialf – Ouren (24.5 km; + 363 m)
This stage takes place mainly on small dirt or tarmac roads. It does not present any difficulties. The few climbs (only one steep one before Habscheid) and the long descent to Ouren should not scare you.

Day 4

Ouren – Clervaux (21.9 km; + 432 m)
In its first part, this stage is the wildest of the route. You hike for about fifteen kilometers in the Our valley and most likely meet no one. From the valley, a long but easy climb takes you up to the plateau (+/- 4 km). You then pass through the villages of Roder and Marnach, then go down to Clervaux.

Day 5

Clervaux – Pommerloch (25.4 km; +806 m)
Although one of the longest, this step is not difficult. It takes place exclusively in the heart of the Eifel region in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. You leave the accommodation on foot and head out of the village of Clervaux towards Drauffelt. You cross various valleys and visit typical Luxembourg villages. At the end of the stage, after crossing the Wiltz river, you leave the signposted route and climb back up to Pommerloch, where you spend the night.

Day 6

Pommerloch – Bastogne (22 km; + 434 m)
From Pommerloch, you leave the accommodation on foot. Descend to the Wiltz river and return on the signposted route to Bastogne, a place of remembrance for the famous Battle of the Bulge. Initially flat, the Luxembourg route includes a long climb to the village of Oberwampach, followed by a shorter one just before crossing the border into Belgium. The Belgian part of the route is relatively hilly but not particularly difficult. At the end of the stage, you can visit the town of Bastogne, the famous Mardasson and the Bastogne War Museum.

Day 7

Bastogne – Tonny (26.6 km; + 206 m)
Although the longest stage on the route, it is probably the easiest. You leave Bastogne along the Roman road to reach the village of Villeroux. As soon as you pass Villeroux, the route reveals itself to be rural and moderately hilly. It takes you through the countryside to the commune of Sainte-Ode, where you spend the night.

Day 8

Tonny – Saint-Hubert (17 km; + 350 m)
On this last day of hiking, you’ll be walking mainly through undergrowth on a relatively hilly route. The Rhine-Meuse trail follows the same route as the Transardennaise to Saint-Hubert, allowing you to discover the beauty of the Grande Forêt de Saint-Hubert. You’ll arrive in the village center on foot, where you can visit the basilica or relax with a drink on the terrace. Possibility to leave at the end of the hike or to stay an extra night and plan a departure the next morning after breakfast.