Grand Duchy Hike Series: Consdorf

Last weekend, prior to the trip to Paris, we spent Saturday in one of Luxembourg's most well known hiking regions.  This area is the Mullerthal Park which is located in the region of the same name (where the last couple of hikes have been), near the town of the same name.  We began our hike just outside the town of Consdorf (the name of the loop in the Blue Bible), in the parking lot near the Moulin de Consdorf hotel.  The trail follows the #1 Blue Arrow.  This hike as just a hair over 6mi and with frequent stops for picture taking on this extremely scenic trail, takes about 3 hours.

The trail immediately begins to climb from the road before leveling out more or less for the next mile or so.   You will immediately enter into the scenic sandstone ledges.  If you're familiar with the Virginia Kendall area in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, this hike is very similar to The Ledges, except the rock formations are more extensive.

This trail stays along and weaves it's way in and out of the rocks for the entire first two miles.  This region of the trail is popular with visitors, and expect a majority of them to be German tourists.  So instead of the usual "Moien" greeting, expect "Hallo" instead. Eventually, you will arrive at one of the "attractions" along the trail, the "Bellevue" look out above the ledge.  You will know you are there when you get to the door in the rock.

You will squeeze through the tight crevasse, climb some stone stairs, and end up on top of the outcropping.  Unfortunately, the view isn't very rewarding for the work.  In the summer, you'll be right in the trees, with not indication of a view beyond.  Climb back down the way you came and you can either re-enter the trail through the crevasse or go between the formations along another path and end up on the trail beyond.

This isn't the only time you will be climbing through some closed in spaces.

At about 2.5 miles, you will arrive at the road, which you must cross.  At the point the trail begins on the other side of the road there is a wooden bridge which spans a man-made waterfall.  This spot is particularly popular with other tourists who will be taking a dip in the pool at the base of the falls.

Climb the steps up from the bridge and you will be back in the rocks again.

Some of the rocks have teeth.

After doing some steep climbs and descents, you will finally descend into Mullerthal town and resort area which has a campground and a couple hotels.  You will walk through some parking lots and hotel yards, having a chance to meet some locals.

It is this area which is the most popular tourist center on the loop, so expect many hikers to be on the trail for a mile in both directions.  Once you leave Mullerthal town, passing by a small stream and farm house, you will re-enter the forest and stay along a level section of trail before coming back to the rocks again.

The farm house has a lovely sunburst motif in the plaster.

The trail will climb away from the rocks for a short time, entering an airy forest with ferns and various sections of growth.

However, it will quickly return to the rocks at you wind back into Consdorf.

The erosion patterns in the sandstone are really quite fascinating.

Towards the end of the trail, you will pass a staircase leading up to the campground.  According to the Blue Bible, there is a protohistoric castle up there.  However, it must be on the Campground property which is only open to campers.  So, don't bother climbing all those stairs.  Once again, there seemed to be a lack of fact checking for this loop.

You will end up on top of a rock formation near a gazebo at the end of the loop.  Take the stairs in the rock back down to the road and where you parked.

So far, I would say this is one of the best loops we have been on.  With the incredible rocks, you will not be disappointed with the scenery.  The terrain is rough, requiring boots instead of tennis shoes.  If you have trouble keeping your footing when you hike, bring along a trekking pole or two.  At many places, the grade gets quite steep as well.  Expect this loop to be congested near the beginning and end, near the waterfall, and in Mullerthal town.  We also encountered a couple mountain bikers scaling the rock formations.  This region is crisscrossed with many different trails, including the regional Mullerthal backpacking trails.  Pay attention to your trail markers so you don't end up on the wrong course.  However, the route is well marked and maintained, so staying on the trail isn't difficult.

I highly recommend this 6mi loop if you are a little more experienced and agile and you're craving some gorgeous geology and serene forests.  Definitely bring along a camera!