Éislek Pad Diekirch; Credit: Visit Éislek

On Wednesday 31 August 2022, the Oesling (Éislek) region in northern Luxembourg was named the "Leading Quality Region - Best of Europe" at the international trade fair for mobile travel Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf, Germany.

The Oesling is the first certified hiking region in Europe to meet the strict criteria of this title. The rating is issued by the European Hiking Association. It is linked to a large number of quality criteria. This includes the nature of the hiking trails themselves, the integration of catering and accommodation facilities, services and information options for hikers as well as the organisation in the background.

New Oesling Paths − promise of pure nature

The routes of the hiking trails in the Oesling have been modified and made more attractive based on the existing routes. Less is more: on the one hand, the number of hiking trails has been reduced. On the other hand, a new category was added: the Oesling Paths (Éislek Pied). These eighteen tours promise the best hiking quality, as they are also based on the strict criteria of the European Hiking Association. The Oesling Paths run far away from everyday events, for the most part in the midst of nature, over natural substrates. Along the way, hikers will be surprised with numerous highlights.

1,900 kilometres of hiking trails

In addition to the revision of the routes, a new, uniform and clear labeling of all hiking trails was the main part of the project. The paths were signposted with numerous markers and around 1,700 signposts. Information boards at 82 starting points provide orientation. In total, the Oesling offers hiking experiences on around 200 hiking trails and over 1,900 kilometres of hiking trails. Regular checks of the routes should ensure consistent quality.

The Champions League of all hiking regions

As part of the joint project with the European Hiking Association, the region was accompanied by the German Hiking Association for three years. "The certificate puts the award-winning area in the Champions League of all hiking regions, an all-round carefree package for hikers. Service, public transport, accommodation or routes: everything is right here," said the German Hiking Association.

The award is the result of the successful LEADER project "Qualitéitswanderregioun Éislek". It was implemented from 2016 to 2022 in close cooperation between regional partners and public bodies. Luxembourg's Minister for Agriculture, Viticulture and Rural Development, Claude Haagen, emphasised in this context that the LEADER development strategy "typesch Éislek", a flagship project has been created that contributes significantly to strengthening the regional identity of the Ösling and illustrates the basic principles of bottom-up and regional networking in the sense of the LEADER idea.

Minister for Tourism, Lex Delles, emphasised that the fascinating landscape of Luxembourg is best discovered on foot. “This applies particularly to the north with its intact nature. However, the Oesling region not only offers a wonderful backdrop, but also the highest standards on the hiking trails," said Minister Delles. Against this background, he congratulated the ORT Oesling and the entire region. "Active tourism is an important element of our tourist offer and is also taking a central place in the new tourism strategy," said Minister Delles.

Another award from the region is to follow in September 2022 as part of the conference of the European Hiking Association in Elsinore, Denmark.

In the past, the Mullerthal Trail, the Lee Trail and the Oesling Trail became members of the "Leading Quality Trails - Best of Europe". The so-called recertification, a review of the criteria that is carried out every three years, was the case for the Lee and the Oesling Trail. Both hiking trails also received their certificates at the Caravan Salon in August.

Hiking fans can get ten new topographical hiking maps from the tourist information and the Regional Tourism Office of Oesling (Office Régional du Tourisme Éislek) as well as the brochures "Éislek Wanderlust" with 45 selected tour tips and "Éislek Moments" with photo inspiration.

The hiking trails can also be found online at www.visit-eislek.lu and www.visitluxembourg.com as well as on the komoot and Outdooractive platforms.