Escapardenne Lee Trail - Stage 2

A top tourist attraction in the Luxembourg Ardennes, Bourscheid-Moulin offers hikers an impressive range of tourism facilities (campsites, hotels, restaurants).

Here the Escapardenne Lee Trail runs along very close to the Sauer, which means that in case of flooding, hikers may have to take the diversion indicated and signposted.

These are rock formations, abundant along the Trail, which have given this route its name: ESCAPARDENNE Lee Trail. Lee; meaning a rocky outcrop or ridge in Luxembourgish.

On the current panoramic photo, the original village is located just below the flat surface of the plateau which protects it from bad weather. The old part of the town is on the left side of the church, circling the small valley at the top of the spring. The lower part to the right of the church reflects the recent evolution of Bourscheid, both residential and touristic.

The first mention of the castle dates back to 1095, describing it as "munitissimum…castrum" (a reinforced, protected castle). Located below the village of Bourscheid (480m), the fortified castle (379m) dominates the Sauer valley (225m).

Located at an altitude of 505m, the Napoleonsknäppchen viewpoint is the highest point of the hike. It is located on the ridge that overlooks part of the upper plateau which extends from Oesling to the North, whilst towards the South, the Ardennes plateau slopes gently down to the "Gutland" (good land).

Before heading down to the village of Dirbach, the route weaves through an enchanting rock formation known as the "Rouschteschleen".

An information panel tells you about the last vestiges of the irrigation system (abissage) which can still be seen in the valley close to Dirbach.

On the way out of Goebelsmühle, a good climb takes you directly into vast oak-tree copses. This is the preferred habitat of the very discreet wood grouse.

In the 19th Century, the Schlënner valley was home to three villages. Today the valley is deserted of its population and hikers can enjoy the natural tranquillity there.

This rocky ridge is certainly the most emblematic on the ESCAPARDENNE Lee Trail. This is why it is included on the list of natural monuments and forms part of a nature reserve.