Plizio Visual Lab

Our River

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

River

Weather…

The Our is a 96-kilometer-long border river in northern Luxembourg that separates the country from Belgium and Germany. It originates in the High Fens in Belgium and flows into the Sûre near Wallendorf. The Our valley is characterized by deeply incised valleys and steep forested slopes, which are part of the German-Luxembourg Nature Park. Ecologically, the Our is of outstanding importance for the protection of the freshwater pearl mussel, which has one of its last refuges in Central Europe here. Historically, the Our often marked strategic borders, explaining the presence of imposing castles such as Vianden Castle directly above the river. A technical highlight is the Vianden pumped-storage plant, one of the largest of its kind in Europe, which uses the water of the Our for energy generation. The river is also a popular destination for hikers on the 'Ourdall-Promenade', offering a quiet, natural backdrop.

Location: Luxembourg
Top sights: Piscine de Vianden · Sankt Rochus · Larei
Nearby: Diekirch (9 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

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Getting there

The riverbanks in the Ardennes are commonly reached via local roads connecting the northeastern towns. Kayak launch sites and pedestrian bridges often serve as practical starting points.

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Best season

Summer is typically the most popular season for water activities and enjoying the scenic landscape. Spring provides higher water levels and spirited greenery along the deep valley walls.

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Terrain & paths

Walking paths parallel to the tributary generally follow the relatively flat contour of the riverbed. Excursions further into the landscape might require navigating the steeper slopes of the northeast.

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What to bring

Lightweight walking shoes are usually adequate for the immediate riverside trails. If planning to rent canoes or get close to the water, dry bags and water-friendly footwear are beneficial.

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Parking

Visitors usually find designated spots near main bridges, recreational facilities, or adjoining villages. Parking options can become limited during sunny weekends when local tourism peaks.

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Safety

River currents can occasionally be unexpectedly strong, so observe all local warning signs before swimming. The banks might be slippery or muddy, demanding caution when approaching the water's edge.

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Time needed

A leisurely stroll along the scenic banks normally takes about one to two hours. Combining the visit with paddling activities or picnicking can easily extend the experience to half a day.

Geography

Coordinates

49.94250, 6.22170

Facts

The Our River has a total length of 96 kilometers.
The river forms the entire state border between Luxembourg and Germany north of the Sûre.
The rare freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) lives in the Our.
The Vianden pumped-storage plant uses Our water for peak-load power generation.
The Our valley is part of the cross-border Our Nature Park.
Vianden is the most famous town on the Luxembourgish bank of the river.