Classroom lesson · Mullerthal — Little Switzerland · 🇱🇺 Luxembourg

Mullerthal — Little Switzerland

Luxembourg's magical rocky landscape of mossy boulders and forest streams

Photo · Wikimedia Commons

What is it?

The Mullerthal region in the east of Luxembourg is nicknamed 'Little Switzerland' because its landscape of huge mossy rocks, deep gorges and crystal-clear streams looks a little like the Swiss mountains — but much smaller and very cosy. Walkers follow trails through forests where giant sandstone boulders tower above them like gentle giants.

Tell me more

The rocks in the Mullerthal were shaped over millions of years by rain and rivers slowly eating away at the sandstone. Some boulders are as big as houses, and many have gaps, arches and caves worn into them by water. Ferns, mosses and tiny flowers grow in every crack, making the rocks look as if they are wearing green velvet coats.

The Mullerthal Trail is a famous long walking path that winds for about 112 kilometres through the region. Families walk shorter sections at a time, hopping across stepping stones over streams and ducking through narrow passages between rocks. The paths are well marked and signs often have little animal drawings to help children follow them.

The streams that flow through the Mullerthal are home to crayfish, kingfishers and frogs. In spring the forest floor turns purple and yellow with wild flowers, and in summer the shade of the trees keeps walkers cool even on hot days.

One of the most famous spots is called Schiessentümpel — a little waterfall that tumbles over a three-arched stone bridge. It is so pretty that it is one of the most photographed places in all of Luxembourg.

In the classroom

Walk your class through this in 15 minutes.

Talk together

Discussion prompts

  1. 01Water shaped the rocks over millions of years. What other things in nature can shape rock or stone?
  2. 02The region is called 'Little Switzerland' even though it is in Luxembourg. Why do you think places get nicknames like that?
  3. 03If you were designing a walking trail for families, what things would you put along the way to make it fun for children?
Try this

Classroom activity

Create a 'nature spotting' checklist for a walk through Mullerthal. Write down 8 things you might see (e.g. a mossy rock, a kingfisher, a stepping stone). Then swap with a partner and see if they can add three more things you missed.