Luxembourg may be a small country nestled in the heart of Europe, but it holds a vast treasure trove of history, culture and especially enchanting stories that have been lovingly passed down through generations. These fairy tales and legends sprinkle a little magic over our castles, forests and charming villages, turning our homeland into a place full of wonder and mystery. 

For me, these stories are the perfect way to introduce children and families to the rich heritage of Luxembourg. One wonderful resource I’ve recently discovered is a children’s book called Depart Lass!!!, published by Éditions Guy Binsfeld, available in German and English. This book invites young readers and their families on 33 short and exciting hiking tours across Luxembourg, complete with maps and fun tips for side adventures. It’s a fantastic blend of outdoor activity, discovery and cultural learning – ideal for making Luxembourg come alive for all ages. 

Depart Lass!!! and Ready, Steady Go!!! highlight 33 child-friendly walks in Luxembourg. 

Gateways to ancient legends 

Many of Luxembourg’s castles and ruins are more than historic landmarks – they’re filled with thrilling legends. For example, Vianden Castle hosts a tale of a lord who hid treasure guarded by a ghostly white horse. When mist falls, locals say you might hear the horse’s eerie neigh among the stones. 
Similarly, the White Lady of Clervaux appears in flowing white robes, silently warning the castle’s residents of impending danger. Such stories enchant us and connect us directly to the magic of times gone by. 

The forests of Luxembourg’s Müllerthal region, known as the Little Switzerland Luxembourg, and the Naturpark Uewersauer brim with tales of dragons, knights, magical springs and hidden treasures. These legends strongly link us to our natural environment and cultural heritage. 

These ancient stories are more than folklore: they embody the hopes, fears and dreams of our ancestors and strengthen community bonds today. 

Family-friendly fairy tale and legend trails 

Luxembourg offers several enchanting trails that bring fairy tales and local legends to life and are perfect for families looking to combine cultural discovery with outdoor fun. 

• The Märchewee in Differdange is a short 1-kilometre trail showcasing six stations with wooden sculptures of beloved fairy tale characters such as Hansel and Gretel, Pinocchio and Snow White. It’s a charming introduction to classic stories for young children on an easy walk. 
• Near Goesdorf, the Legendenweg St Pirmin leads hikers through beautiful scenery dotted with folklore tales, offering an immersive experience into Luxembourg’s rich storytelling tradition. 
• The Wiichtelcherswee in Useldeng, featuring 12 stations, invites visitors to explore tales about the "Wiichtelen," small mythical beings from Luxembourgish folklore that spark the imagination of all ages. 
• The Upper-Sûre Legend Trail stretches through 19 locations adorned with story plaques that merge nature with the colourful legends of the region, crossing borders into Belgium for those interested in a longer trek. 

These trails provide a magical way for families to experience Luxembourg’s cultural heritage while enjoying its stunning landscapes. 

For me, these family-friendly fairy tale and legend trails are a wonderful way to connect with Luxembourg’s rich heritage while enjoying the great outdoors. Whether wandering the Märchewee’s charming path with its wooden storybook figures or exploring the captivating tales along the Upper-Sûre Legend Trail, the joy of discovery and imagination is something special to share with loved ones. These magical routes invite families to experience history and nature hand in hand, creating memories that linger far beyond the walk itself. I warmly encourage everyone to venture out and let Luxembourg’s stories come alive in these beautiful landscapes. 

Language Fun: Word of the Week 

• Mäerchen ([pronounced: ˈmɛːɐçən])* — meaning fairy tale or legend. Let’s celebrate this lovely Luxembourgish word all week long! 

Recipe: Bouneschlupp (Luxembourgish Green Bean Soup)

My grandma’s version 

A perfect, hearty dish to regain strength after a good hike. 

Ingredients

• 1 kg green beans (fresh or frozen) 
• 6 medium potatoes, peeled and diced 
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced 
• 2 onion, finely chopped 
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 
• 2 litre vegetable or chicken broth 
• 3-4 tsp dried savory (called “Bohnenkraut”) 
• Salt and pepper to taste 
• cream 
• Fresh parsley for garnish 
• 2 Mettwurscht (seasoned raw minced pork sausage), sliced 
• 2 Wiener Würstchen (sausages), sliced 

Instructions

1. In a large pot, fry onion and garlic until soft, bring the broth to a boil, add potatoes, carrots in the pot along with green beans and savory. 
2. Add sliced Mettwurscht and Würstchen and let simmer briefly. 
3. Simmer everything together for about 20–25 minutes, until the vegetables are tender. 
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 
5. Garnish with fresh parsley and a shot of fresh cream in each bowl. 

Get out and explore

• Plan family visits to Vianden or Clervaux castles to experience history and legends firsthand. 
• Discover child-friendly tours that vividly bring castles’ stories to life. 
• Check out libraries and bookstores for collections of Luxembourgish fairy tales. 
• Grab a copy of Depart Lass!!!  in German or English for your next adventure.