Echternach

Introducing Echternach

As a Müllerthal base, nothing beats the poised but vibrant town of Echternach. Stay in a medieval tower or a brand-new hostel, spend the day hiking the mysterious forests or cycling the Sûre. Take the kids boating on an artificial lake or explore the basilica, Luxembourg’s most important religious building. If you’re into pageantry, time a visit for St Willibrord Pageant on Whit Tuesday, when dancers take to the cobbled streets in a time-honoured religious festival to celebrate the town’s founding father, St Willibrord, an Anglo-Saxon monk.

Though evidence of a Gallo-Roman settlement has been found (and can be visited), Echternach pretty much rose around a 7th-century abbey founded by St Willibrord in 698. St Willibrord led the conversion to Christianity in parts of the Netherlands before settling in Echternach, which later became a centre for learning and art. When he died here in 739, his body was placed in the crypt of the abbey church where it remains today.

The tourist office (72 02 30; www.echternach-tourist.lu; Parvis de la Basilique; 10am-12.30pm & 2-5pm Mon-Fri Sep-Easter, 10am-5.30pm Easter-Aug) is in a courtyard next to the basilica entrance. There’s an ATM (Place du Marché) opposite the Ancien Palais de Justice. For internet access try Café de la Poste (2 Place du Marché; per hr €3; 10.30am-8.30pm Tue-Sun).

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009