Echternach
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Historic Echternach is the oldest city of Luxembourg, and is located in the eastern side of the country, near the German border. It is the center of the Mullerthal region, and houses appr. 5,000 residents.
The town grew around the walls of the Abbey of Echternach, which was founded in 698. It was granted with a city charter in 1236.
Recreation
The techno music festival e-Lake is held in town every summer.
Every Whit Tuesday, the annual Catholic dancing procession is being held on the streets. It honours Willibrord, the patron saint of Luxembourg, who established the Abbey of Echternach, and is listed in a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
Café De Philo’soff (31 rue de la Gare) is a popular student-priced pub with the lovely garden.
The town is the main point of the Mullerthal Trail Route, which is splendid for outdoorsy persons.
Something to explore
St. Willibrod Basilica
This Romanesque basilica has a long and moving history. It was originally built in around 700 by Saint Willibrod, destroyed by fire in 1031 as well as during the WW II and rebuilt during the 1950’s. A small museum called “Documentation Center of the Dancing Procession” can be visited in a side nave of the basilica.
The Roman villa
This Roman villa has previously been built between the 1st and 5th century and is one of the largest villas north of the Alps. It was rediscovered in 1975 during excavation works for the recreational lake. Area has an info forum, which houses a museum depicting the life in the ancient Roman Empire with 3D displays. Here is also sauna, pool facilities and a reception hall. In the Roman garden, Hortus Amoenus, a visitor can stroll and see the herbs, which were cultivated in Roman times. In the Auditorium musica et vox, music is played, and poetry and speeches of the antiquity are proclaimed. Conferences and various group activities are also being held here.
Dënzelt
This former courthouse was built in the 14th century, and has Gothic and Renaissance elements. The reconstruction of the court after a fire in 1444 largely gave the building its present look. During the restoration in 1898, the statues of Virgin Mary, King Salomon and the four cardinal virtues were added.
City wall and watch towers
The town surrounding was erected in the 10th century. In the 13th century, the wall was enlarged and contained 20 towers and gates. Five towers had been preserved and restored, and two of them can be rented as holiday flats.
How to get in Echternach
Bus lines 111 and 110 operates to the town from the central station and the main bus station (Aldringer) of Luxembourg City. The journey takes about 1 hour. From Vianden the journey takes about 40 minutes via the 570 bus to Ettelbruck (the stop is nearby the Gulf petrol station), where one should hop off, cross the road and take the bus to Echternach. See the bus timetables here. Public transport is free of charge with the Luxembourg Card.
Highway E29 from Luxemboug City and roads B51 and N10 from Trier leads to Echternach. Leaving the LC via Kirchberg, the directions to Echternach are well explained.
Top 5 in Echternach
- Hiking in marked trails
- Bathing in the Roman villa
- Strolling around the town wall and Old Town
- e-Lake festival
- Willibrod Basilica
Text: Timo Hellman
Photos: With the CC licence / Ungaroo, Ziko van Dijk, Zinneke[/fusion_text]
