Fifteen Minutes Alpine Feeling in Vianden

This trail figures high in the hikers blogosphere. It is also known as Nat'Our #5, it is part of the DeLux Tour Network, it is touted as the best trail in the Vianden area if not west of the river Rhine, hikers rave about the 'Felsenweg' (rocktrail) and others exult about the alpine feelings - and some worry about weather conditions or their own psyche in preparation for the tour.

We agree that it is a fine trail. The Felsen-part is very nice, especially when going down (because you have many exciting views across the Our valley and dam). The trail also has its modest parts, along roads, broad forest trails or agricultural business. But so it is on many trails: few highlights and many kilometers regular walking.

Having said all this, we certainly recommend this trail. The alpine section is not much to worry about - the trail remains well trodden and visible all the way. There is not much exposure. The trail is signposted very well. Views (from different sections of the trail) are beautiful and uplifting. Just do it. If it is wet, walking sticks might come handy. Walking time is less than 4 hours.

We did the trail on a foggy January day, but views were still good. The trail starts below the Our Dam, with ample parking. The first section leads uphill to the castle of Vianden - which is said to be well worth a visit. We saved it for another day. It continues uphill until you reach the mountain station of the chairlift, which of course didn't operate in January.

Continue to the viewpoint (waypoint 06) before steeply descending to the Bildchenkapelle (chapel). You soon reach the hydropower plant, which works by pumping water up into a reservoir on the mountain during times of low power consumption. When much electricity is needed, the water from the reservoir adds to the energy.

Continue to Bivels along the Our Lake, which you cross on the Bivelser Steg - a footbridge built many years ago. From the bridge you have beautiful views to the castle Falkenstein. It looks so far, and it is difficult to imagine that you not only will pass one of its gates, but also look down on it within less than one hour.

High on the ridge, along farmland, you approach the Lätgesberg - the place of the (in)famous rocktrail. At way point 17 you start the descent. Enjoy the views across the Our Lake. From some point onwards, the trail is secured by a metal handrail, so very little can happen. The trail is purposely laid across a rocky ridge, which also marks the border between Luxembourg and Germany. If not exactly alpine, it is very enjoyable.

Once at the height of the Our Lake, the trail follows the main road (on a separate footpath) back to the dam and Vianden.