Schloss Turelbaach, petunia bridge and golden fields: hiking around Mertzig

This loop trail surprises with a hidden castle in the forest near Mertzig, colourful flower bridges and wide field paths – a true insider tip.

Some trails have that one moment that sums everything up. On the Auto-Pédestre trail Mertzig, for me that was the view from the opposite bank of the pond towards Schloss Turelbaach: round tower, rubble stone façade, red tiled roofs – and all around nothing but mixed forest and silence. At that point you have already been walking for a good hour and have seen enough beforehand to love the trail.

Starting in the village centre – a floral beginning

The car park is located directly at the village square in Mertzig (Rue de Merscheid), well signposted and free of charge. The start of the 8.7 km loop first leads through the village itself – and that is worth it. Already at the roundabout, bright red canna lilies and violet petunias in municipal planters welcome you, looking almost Mediterranean in high summer. On the small bridge in the village centre this continues: a railing full of petunias in pink, purple and white, almost glowing in the morning light. Those who set off early have the light on their side – and the blooms are still fresh.

Shortly afterwards you pass a Corten steel stele with a red heart artwork and the inscription “Télévie 2022” – a quiet, emotional marker in the middle of the greenery that stays with you. In the adjacent small park, a mighty weeping willow provides shade; in high summer a welcome break before heading out into the open rolling landscape.

Field paths, views, forest

After the edge of the village the landscape opens up. Narrow field paths lead between old deciduous trees and golden grain fields – in early August these fields glow in a warm amber tone that creates a beautiful tension with the blue of the sky. The route is flat to gently rolling here; the elevation profile shows a total of moderate 87 metres of ascent between 315 m and just over 400 m – nothing that is physically demanding, but enough to keep offering views across the wide rolling hills.

A practical note: the route is signposted in both directions with white-and-blue markers, so it is easy to follow. Sturdy footwear is still a must – in the area around the Turelbaach stream, sections can become muddy and stony after rain, and water-resistant shoes make all the difference.

Schloss Turelbaach – the real heart of the trail

The real highlight lies in the forest: Schloss Turelbaach, a medieval-looking ensemble of rubble stone, a round tower, a half-timbered extension and red terracotta roofs, rising halfway over a pond. A small wooden bridge leads right up to the building – you almost automatically slow your pace. What is little known: the municipality of Mertzig purchased the castle in November 2020 for around 450,000 euros and has since made it accessible to visitors from the outside. The Auto-Pédestre trail Mertzig was officially inaugurated in May 2023 and has led past the estate ever since – it is therefore still comparatively young and hardly crowded.

From the opposite bank – the best spot for photos – the tower and manor house are reflected in the still pond. In calm conditions with midday backlight, the image is almost surreally beautiful. Those who have time can walk all the way around the estate; every side offers a different perspective on the stone building.

Back through forest and meadows

After the castle the path leads through dense mixed forest back towards Mertzig. A quiet forest lake lies at the side of the path – barely staged, barely known, perfect for a short break on the bank stones. In summer it buzzes with life here: dragonflies over the water, birdsong from the canopy above. A lovely ending before the route leads back into the village and finishes at the planted village square.

Practical info at a glance

• Starting point & parking: Municipal car park Mertzig, Rue de Merscheid – free of charge; the car park at the football ground can also be used
• Route length: 8.7 km, loop trail, white-and-blue markings in both directions
• Elevation profile: 315 m to approx. 402 m, moderate ascents
• Best time: July to September – grain fields in gold, floral displays in full bloom, long evening light until after 9 pm; morning hours for photos at the pond
• Equipment: Sturdy, water-resistant footwear; in summer bring sun protection and enough water
• Refreshments: In the village of Mertzig itself; alternatively in the surrounding municipalities in the Kanton Diekirch
• Getting there: By car via the N15 to Mertzig; Luxembourg offers free public transport – bus stops are available in the village

Anyone looking for a quiet half-day in a still unspoilt corner of Luxembourg will be spot on with the Auto-Pédestre trail Mertzig. No crowds, no hustle – instead a real castle, some surprisingly beautiful field paths and a floral display you would never expect from any brochure.