Escapardenne Eislek Trail
A magical stay at the border of the Grand Duchy on a trail recognized as one of the most beautiful in Europe and certified “Leading Quality Trail – Best of Europe”.
The Escapardenne Eislek Trail is part of a program to promote the heritage of the Belgian-Luxembourg Ardennes. Financed by the European Union, the Walloon Region and the State of Luxembourg, this cross-border project began in May 2009 and will run until the end of 2012. The project has created a 106-kilometre cross-border discovery trail, signposted in both directions, as well as six discovery loops of varying lengths, to be completed at will.
Europ’Aventure offers you the opportunity to cover the entire 106 km trail between Kautenbach (Luxembourg) and La Roche-en-Ardenne (Belgium) in 5 stages. This free hike takes you to the heart of the Central Ardennes, from the Oesling and Rhine basins to the Meuse. The trail takes you from small, discreet discoveries – ancient crosses, dry-stone walls, brooks… – to vast expanses opening up wide perspectives on the richness of the landscape.
The Eislek Trail is one of only two routes in Belgium to be certified ” Leading Quality Trails – Best of Europe ” by the European Hiking Federation (FERP). It’s the ideal solution for walkers who like wide-open spaces and trails with a slight difference in altitude: signposted path, quality accommodation, luggage transport, IGN map and information pack on the region. Everything is planned so that you can make the most of the region and its beauties.
Hiking in freedom – Variable duration from 3 to 6 days – Departure all year round according to your availability and your possibilities.
Program
Day 1
Kautenbach (Lu)
We welcome you in Kautenbach (Luxembourg) in the afternoon and hand over your complete file. Possibility of planning a short walk around the village. If you come by train, you must walk to the hotel (500 meters). Evening meal included. If the hotel in Kautenbach is closed, or if you’re bringing a dog, you’ll spend the first night in Clervaux.
Day 2
Kautenbach – Clervaux (25.5 km; +995 m)
From Kautenbach, the route climbs steeply up a rugged path that was once an old cattle route. You pass Schibberich Castle and continue in the direction of Lellingen, in a green valley with the villages and hamlets of Kischpelt. You then continue along the Irbach valley to Clervaux.
Day 3
Clervaux – Asselborn (18.8 km; +495 m)
Along the river you reach the forest of Beischend. The trail runs along Cinqfontaines and continues to the limit of Troisvierges. Around the hamlet of Sassel you can enjoy many panoramic views. Continue into the Troine valley where one of the purest streams in Luxembourg flows. Along the river is the Asselborn mill, the final objective of the second stage.
Day 4
Asselborn – Houffalize (21.7 km; +143 m)
Starting at the Asselborn water mill, you follow the valley to the confluence with the Emeschbach stream. Past the Weiler ponds in Hoffelt, you pass the historic remains of the Meuse – Moselle canal. Later you cross the border between the Luxembourg and Belgian Ardennes. The trail leads to Alhoumont and after magnificent panoramas, you plunge into the Blancs Bois forest massif. You go down into the valley of the Ourthe and reach Houffalize.
Day 5
Houffalize- Nadrin (21.4km; +678 m)
From Houffalize, you go back to the forest and go down into the valley of the Ourthe, an oasis of peace. Further up, you reach the village of Bonnerue and go down to the site of the Rensiwez mill. You reach the confluence of the two Ourthes by a long forest path and go down towards the banks of the Nisramont dam. On your way to the heights around Ollomont, you go up through a wild nature and reach the village of Nadrin. At the end of the stage, Europ’Aventure provides a transfer to your accommodation.
Day 6
Nadrin – La Roche-en-Ardenne (17.4 km; +776 m)
Back to Nadrin after breakfast. From Nadrin, the hiking trail leads you to the Celtic eagle nest of Cheslé, which you reach after a steep climb. On the edge of the perched village of Bérismenil, you arrive at Les Crestelles, where you plunge into the depths of the Ourthe valley as far as La Roche-en-Ardenne. Bravo, you’ve done 106 km in 5 stages. Possibility to visit the town and the castle. You can choose to take the return trip when you arrive in the late afternoon, or relax for an extra night in La Roche.
Map
Practical information
Home : day 1, in the late afternoon (the welcome point will be confirmed to you at the time of booking). Hiking record delivery.
Dispersion : On the last day at the end of the stage, you will be taken back to the starting point (where your car is). Possibility of an extra night and a return in the morning after breakfast.
Supervision: hiking in freedom, without guide
Luggage: Luggage transport is provided by Europ’Aventure. One piece of luggage per person, maximum 15 kg.
Accommodation : hotels ***/**** (it is possible that a transfer can be arranged to the accommodation if there is no accommodation at the end of the stage)
Access : by car (free parking at the start of the hike for the duration of the stay), by train (Clervaux station)
Dogs: Dogs are allowed on this trip. Please note that there is a dog supplement which is not included in the price and which must be paid directly to each establishment
Dates
The Eislek Trail can be organized at your convenience, and departures are possible all year round. Please note: from October 1st to December 31st, the itinerary is likely to be deviated in some places (especially in the area between Houffalize and La Roche) due to the hunting season. You will always be warned!
Prices
Below is the price list per person for 2024. The price depends mainly on the number of nights desired, the type of room and luggage transport.
Double, Twin or Triple Room | Single Room | |||
With luggage transport | Without Transport | With luggage transport | Without Transport | |
5 nights | 850,00 € | 790,00 € | 1.240,00 € | 1.150,00 € |
6 nights | 990,00 € | 900,00 € | 1.450,00 € | 1.350,00 € |
Prices are per person
The price includes :
- Half-board accommodation at each stage in a *** hotel or ****
- Picnic basket (Asselborn – Houffalize stage)
- Luggage transport
- Possible transfers from the end of the stage to the accommodation
- Return journey at the end of the hike
- Free parking on departure
- IGN map of the hike and OFFICIAL BOOK (FR or NL) !!!
- Complete folder with information brochures, luggage tags, etc.
The price does not include :
- The drinks
- Picnics (except D4)
- Personal expenses and insurance
- Dog supplement, if applicable
- Everything not mentioned in the “Price includes” section.
From
790,00 €
Highlights
- An itinerary awarded the “Quality Trails – Best of Europe” label
- Landscapes and breathtaking views of the Ourthe valley
- Overnight stay at the Moulin d’Asselborn