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Upper Sûre Valley

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Upper Sûre Valley (Luxembourg)

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The Upper Sûre Valley in northwestern Luxembourg is characterized by its impressive reservoir, created in the 1950s by the construction of a 47-meter-high dam near Esch-sur-Sûre. The lake is the largest inland body of water in the country, covering an area of approximately 3.8 square kilometers. It serves a vital function, supplying drinking water to about 70 percent of the Luxembourgish population. The valley is located in the heart of the Upper Sûre Nature Park, founded in 1999, which is distinguished by its deep-cut valleys and forested slopes. The medieval village of Esch-sur-Sûre, almost completely enclosed by a loop of the river, is considered one of Luxembourg's most romantic locations. In addition to its economic importance, the reservoir is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts, hikers, and nature lovers. To protect water quality, the use of motorboats is strictly prohibited, contributing to the valley's quiet and undisturbed atmosphere. The region combines modern water management infrastructure with the untouched low-mountain landscape of the Ösling region.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C01481216181714951
Rain mm756463497575748159677284

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
The deeply incised Upper Sûre Valley is typically reached via winding country roads that meander through the northern landscape. Starting points for hikes are often the photogenic villages distributed along the deep river meanders and reservoir.
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Best season
A visit is highly recommended between late spring and early autumn when the weather is generally dry enough for the steep slate paths. In summer, the valley also attracts visitors with a pleasant freshness near the country's largest reservoir.
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Terrain & paths
The topography is demanding, featuring prominent river loops and characteristic, often very steep slate slopes. Many paths require a good basic fitness level due to constant ascents and descents, rewarding hikers with spectacular valley views.
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What to bring
Sturdy, ankle-high footwear with good grip is absolutely necessary on the potentially slippery slate paths. Trekking poles can provide relief on the steep sections, and carrying sufficient drinking water is highly important for the strenuous stages.
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Parking
Visitors can generally leave their vehicles in designated areas within the valley communities or at central viewpoints. As parking capacity in the narrow valleys can be limited, arriving early on fair weather days is highly advisable.
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Safety
The steep slate slopes can become extremely slippery and hazardous after rainfall; special caution is required here. Hikers should remain on the marked paths and avoid venturing too close to any unsecured drops or cliff edges.
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Time needed
The duration of a tour in the valley heavily depends on the chosen route, typically varying from three hours to a full-day hike. Overcoming the elevation changes often takes significantly more time than the sheer distance might initially suggest.

Geography

Coordinates
49.91100, 5.91200

Facts

  • The dam at Esch-sur-Sûre was built between 1955 and 1958.
  • The reservoir supplies drinking water for around 70% of the country's residents.
  • The maximum water depth of the lake is approximately 43 meters.
  • The Upper Sûre Nature Park was officially founded in 1999.
  • The lake stores up to 60 million cubic meters of water.
  • Motorboats are banned on the entire lake to ensure water quality.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Lake Upper SûreLake Upper Sûre1 km · SExplore →
Esch-sur-SûreEsch-sur-Sûre2 km · EExplore →
Wiltz RiverWiltz River6 km · NExplore →
DahlDahl7 km · NEExplore →
Feulen War MemorialFeulen War Memorial11 km · SEExplore →
NapoléonsgaartNapoléonsgaart11 km · SExplore →
Bourscheid CastleBourscheid Castle11 km · EExplore →
Oesling PlateauOesling Plateau12 km · NEExplore →

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 Upper Sûre Valley (10)

Lake Sure Viewpoint

Viewpoint at the Upper Sûre reservoir, overlooking the water.

Aal Kiirch

Wayside chapel near Esch-sur-Sûre, a place for prayer.

Haupeschkierch

Church building in Luxembourg, dedicated to Saint Hubert.

Naturparkausstellung🏛 museum

Museum in the Upper Sûre Nature Park, presenting the region.

🕒 Apr-Jun,Sep-Oct Mo-Fr 10:00-12:00,14:00-18:00; Apr-Jun,Sep-O

Tuchfabrik🏛 museum

Museum in a former cloth factory, showcasing textile history.

Lultzhausen

Beach at the Upper Sûre reservoir, popular for swimming.

Château d'Esch-sur-Sûre🏰 castle

Castle in Luxembourg, towering over the town of Esch-sur-Sûre.

Nativité de la Bienheureuse-Vierge-Marie

Church building in Luxembourg, dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary.

Bléck op Esch-Sauer

Viewpoint with a panoramic view of Esch-sur-Sûre and its castle.

Chapelle Saint-Valentin

Chapel in Luxembourg, dedicated to Saint Valentine.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim in the Upper Sure Reservoir?
Yes, there are designated lawns and swimming areas.
Which water sports are allowed?
Diving, canoeing, and sailing are allowed, but motorboats are not.
Which town in the valley is most famous?
Esch-sur-Sûre, an easy on the eye village with castle ruins, almost entirely enclosed by the river.
Is there a circular path around the lake?
Yes, the 'Circuit du Lac' features hiking trails with great viewpoints.
What is the function of the dam?
It serves Luxembourg's drinking water supply and generates electricity.
Upper Sûre Valley: where is it located?
Upper Sûre Valley is located in Luxembourg.
Upper Sûre Valley: what is there to see?
Highlights include Lake Sure Viewpoint, Aal Kiirch, Haupeschkierch.
Upper Sûre Valley: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Upper Sûre Valley: why is it worth visiting?
The Upper Sûre Valley in northwestern Luxembourg is characterized by its impressive reservoir, created in the 1950s by the construction of a 47-meter-high dam near Esch-sur-Sûre.
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Nearby cities

Walferdange — Upper Sûre Valley (Luxembourg)
Walferdange
Walferdange is located north of the capital in the Alzette valley.
Diekirch — Upper Sûre Valley (Luxembourg)
Diekirch
A lively city on the Sûre river, famous for its military museum and the local beer featuring a donkey mascot.
Ettelbruck — Upper Sûre Valley (Luxembourg)
Ettelbruck
An important transport hub and commercial center, known for its monument honoring General Patton.
Strassen — Upper Sûre Valley (Luxembourg)
Strassen
Strassen is a wealthy municipality directly west of the capital.
Mamer — Upper Sûre Valley (Luxembourg)
Mamer
Mamer is located west of Luxembourg City and is one of the fastest-growing municipalities in the country.
Wiltz — Upper Sûre Valley (Luxembourg)
Wiltz
Wiltz is a town in the Luxembourg Ardennes and is known as the 'Martyr City'.
Dahl — Upper Sûre Valley (Luxembourg)
Dahl
Dahl is a village in the commune of Goesdorf in the Wiltz canton.
Mersch — Upper Sûre Valley (Luxembourg)
Mersch
The geographical center of Luxembourg, located in the Valley of the Seven Castles, combining Roman history with modern infrastructure.
Bissen — Upper Sûre Valley (Luxembourg)
Bissen
Bissen is a commune in the Mersch canton in the middle of Luxembourg.
Junglinster — Upper Sûre Valley (Luxembourg)
Junglinster
Junglinster is a municipality in eastern Luxembourg.
Steinfort — Upper Sûre Valley (Luxembourg)
Steinfort
Steinfort is located in western Luxembourg on the main road to Belgium.
Steinsel — Upper Sûre Valley (Luxembourg)
Steinsel
Steinsel is located north of the capital in the Alzette valley.
Colmar-Berg — Upper Sûre Valley (Luxembourg)
Colmar-Berg
Colmar-Berg is a Luxembourgish commune in the Mersch canton.
Kehlen — Upper Sûre Valley (Luxembourg)
Kehlen
Kehlen is located northwest of the capital on a high plateau.
Hachiville — Upper Sûre Valley (Luxembourg)
Hachiville
Hachiville is a small village in the commune of Wintger in the far north of Luxembourg.

History & landmarks

Vianden — Upper Sûre Valley (Luxembourg)
Vianden
A medieval town in the Our Valley, dominated by one of the largest and most impressive feudal castles in Western Europe.
Larochette — Upper Sûre Valley (Luxembourg)
Larochette
A picturesque town in the valley of the White Ernz, dominated by the imposing ruins of a medieval castle.
Clervaux — Upper Sûre Valley (Luxembourg)
Clervaux
A picturesque town in the Ardennes, famous for its white castle and the world-renowned photo exhibition.
Bourscheid Castle — Upper Sûre Valley (Luxembourg)
Bourscheid Castle
Luxembourg's largest castle complex stands on a 150-meter rocky promontory overlooking the Sûre river.
Wiltz Castle — Upper Sûre Valley (Luxembourg)
Wiltz Castle
Wiltz Castle is a Renaissance complex built in the 17th century on older foundations.
Hockslay Rock — Upper Sûre Valley (Luxembourg)
Hockslay Rock
Hockslay is a prominent rock formation above Wiltz.
Oesling Plateau — Upper Sûre Valley (Luxembourg)
Oesling Plateau
The Oesling Plateau in northern Luxembourg is part of the Ardennes.

Nature

Lake Upper Sûre — Upper Sûre Valley (Luxembourg)
Lake Upper Sûre
The largest lake in Luxembourg was created in the 1950s by the construction of a dam.
Wiltz River — Upper Sûre Valley (Luxembourg)
Wiltz River
The Wiltz is a low mountain river in the Ösling Ardennes.
Napoléonsgaart — Upper Sûre Valley (Luxembourg)
Napoléonsgaart
Napoléonsgaart is a 548-meter high elevation located near Wahl.

More places

Upper Sûre Nature Park — Upper Sûre Valley (Luxembourg)
Upper Sûre Nature Park
Located in northwest Luxembourg, this nature park focuses on drinking water protection and sustainable development.
Esch-sur-Sûre Castle — Upper Sûre Valley (Luxembourg)
Esch-sur-Sûre Castle
The ruins of Esch-sur-Sûre Castle stand on a steep rocky ridge above the village.
Wiltz Business Park — Upper Sûre Valley (Luxembourg)
Wiltz Business Park
Wiltz in the north of the country has evolved from a leather industry town to a modern location for flooring and environmental technology.
Wiltz Historic Market Cross — Upper Sûre Valley (Luxembourg)
Wiltz Historic Market Cross
The market cross in Wiltz is a historic symbol of the urban privilege.
Feulen War Memorial — Upper Sûre Valley (Luxembourg)
Feulen War Memorial
The monument in Feulen commemorates the fallen of the world wars.