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Black Ernz Valley
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valley
The Black Ernz Valley (Ernz Noire) is one of the most scenic areas in eastern Luxembourg and the core of the Mëllerdall Nature Park. Over millions of years, the river has carved a deep notch into the Luxembourg sandstone, creating steep rock faces and bizarre formations. The most famous landmark in the valley is the Schiessentümpel, a pretty waterfall with a characteristic stone bridge dating back to 1879. The microclimate in the valley is characterized by high humidity, which promotes lush vegetation of mosses, ferns, and rare ravine forest plants. Geologically, the valley belongs to the cuesta landscape and provides insights into the sedimentation history of the Jurassic period. It is a central element of the Mullerthal Trail and hosts numerous protected animal species such as the white-throated dipper.
- Location: Luxembourg
- Top sights: Saint-Sébastien · Skelettkapp · Veräinsbau Christnach
- Nearby: Medernach (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 0 | 1 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 18 | 17 | 14 | 9 | 5 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 75 | 64 | 63 | 49 | 75 | 75 | 74 | 81 | 59 | 67 | 72 | 84 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Usually accessed via the regional roads cutting through Luxembourg's Little Switzerland region. Trailheads are frequently located near nearby villages or designated scenic stops.
Best season
The cooler, damp environment of the gorges is wonderfully refreshing during the warm summer months. Autumn highlights the bizarre rock formations against bright, changing leaves.
Terrain & paths
The paths can be quite rugged, featuring steep stairs, narrow gorge passages, and rocky surfaces. Navigating around the bizarre rock formations requires a moderate fitness level.
What to bring
Footwear with excellent grip is absolutely essential for the often damp and slippery rocky sections. A lightweight rain jacket and plenty of drinking water are highly recommended.
Parking
Visitors can typically utilize designated tourist parking areas scattered along the valley routes or in adjacent towns. Arriving early is advised during the peak tourist season.
Safety
Exercise caution on steep drops near the rock formations and watch your step on wet, mossy stones. Keep a close eye on children when navigating the narrow gorge sections.
Time needed
Exploring the valley and its unique rock features usually requires three to five hours. Enthusiastic hikers often spend a full day exploring the extended regional trail network.
Geography
Facts
- The river rises near Junglinster and flows into the Sûre.
- Contains the famous Schiessentümpel waterfall.
- The stone bridge at the falls was built in 1879 without mortar.
- Flows through the center of Luxembourg's Little Switzerland.
- Home to rare luminous mosses in the rock crevices.
- Critical habitat for the protected white-throated dipper.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Black Ernz Valley (10)
Saints-Pierre-et-Paul
Church in Luxembourg, dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul.
De Schwaarze Mann
Archaeological site, possibly a menhir.
Haupeschkierch
Church in Luxembourg, dedicated to Saint Hubert.
Ferme Paaschent
Ruins of an old farm with a vaulted cellar and deep well.
Heringerbuerg🏰 castle
Castle ruins on a rock.
Goldkaul
Natural rock formation, possibly an old quarry.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What characterizes the Black Ernz Valley?
It is known for its bizarre rock formations and dense forests.
Which famous waterfall is located here?
The Schiessentümpel is the most famous destination in the valley.
Can you go fishing in the valley?
Fishing is only allowed with a special permit at designated spots.
Are there campsites?
Yes, there are popular campsites in Müllerthal and the surrounding area.
How long is the river?
The Black Ernz is about 30 kilometers long.
Black Ernz Valley: where is it located?
Black Ernz Valley is located in Luxembourg.
Black Ernz Valley: what is there to see?
Highlights include Saint-Sébastien, Skelettkapp, Veräinsbau Christnach.
Black Ernz Valley: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Black Ernz Valley: why is it worth visiting?
The Black Ernz Valley (Ernz Noire) is one of the most scenic areas in eastern Luxembourg and the core of the Mëllerdall Nature Park.
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History & landmarks
Vianden
A medieval town in the Our Valley, dominated by one of the largest and most impressive feudal castles in Western Europe.
Larochette
A picturesque town in the valley of the White Ernz, dominated by the imposing ruins of a medieval castle.
Bourscheid Castle
Luxembourg's largest castle complex stands on a 150-meter rocky promontory overlooking the Sûre river.
Schiessentümpel
Schiessentümpel is a triple waterfall on the Black Ernz river.
Kohlscheuer
Kohlscheuer is one of the narrowest and darkest rock crevices in the Müllerthal.
Kuelscheier
Kuelscheier is a spectacular rock labyrinth near Consdorf.
Kallektuffquell
Kallektuffquell is a lime tuff spring in the Müllerthal where calcareous water forms a relief of moss and limestone deposits.
Heringer Millen
Heringer Millen is a historical mill that now serves as the hiking center for Müllerthal.
More places
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This geopark encompasses the Little Luxembourg Switzerland region, famous for its spectacular sandstone rock formations.
Marscherwald Nature Reserve
This extensive forest near Medernach is known for its impressive rock formations and old beech stands.
Mëllerdall Nature & Geopark
This UNESCO Geopark covers the Little Switzerland region with its spectacular sandstone rocks.
Hallerbachtal Nature Reserve
This deeply cut stream valley near Beaufort stands out for its bizarre rock formations and primeval forests.