Echternach Attractions

The beautiful town of Echternach lies on the bank of the Sure river, which forms the border with Germany. The Mullerthal and the Germano-Luxembourg natural park are nearby. The surrounding woods are criss-crossed with hundreds of footpaths leading to rocks, waterfalls and viewpoints.

The town of Echtennach is well known for its dancing procession, the only one of its kind in the world, which takes place on Whit Tuesday and attracts visitors from all over the world. It dates back for centuries.

The old patrician houses, narrow streets and ancient ramparts have helped Echternach to maintain its medieval appearance. The old Benedictine Abbey, founded in the seventh century by St Willibrord, has four wings of 70m built around a large square courtyard. The Basilica, the most important religious building in the Grand Duchy, contains in the crypt a magnificent white marble sarcophagus in which are the remains of St Willibrord. The vaults are painted with frescoes dating back to about 1100. The basilica hosts guest musicians from time to time. The old parish church of St Peter and St Paul is believed to be the oldest Christian sanctuary in the Grand Duchy, standing on a small hill in the middle of the town. Echternach holds an international music festival.

The town hall overlooking the Market Square is a remarkable historic building of the 15th century. Also in the town are an exquisite Louis XVth pavilion and the Abbey Museum (miniatures, historic documents on the town and the Abbey), as well as the Museum of Prehistory at the "Hihof". The town has many entertainments and a recreation center near the lake (school for gliders, pedalo hiring). For cyclists there are cycling tracks to Diekirch, Moersdorf, Luxembourg and Vianden. Bikes are available for rental.