The Eislek Trail is beautiful trail in the north of Luxembourg and Belgium, passing through the forests, fields, and small villages of the Ardennes. Named after the Eislek region (also known as the Oesling), the trail leads through a lesser-known but strikingly beautiful part of the Ardennes. It is well marked and easy to follow, and does not offer big hurdles. The Eislek trail is part of the 8-day Escapardenne trail, which extends to the south of Kautenbach with the Lee Trail. While wild camping is not permitted, a network of guesthouses and accommodations make logistics straightforward. Did you know that parts of the Eislek Trail follow historic World War II routes, with remnants and memorials quietly tucked into the landscape?

I was very charmed by this hike. We hiked the first four days of it around the time that Covid restrictions were starting to lift, and so we were able to drink a magic Orval at the Houffalize square in the Sun, on the day that bars opened up again, while there were thunderstorms in my hometown of Ghent. The thing that impressed me most on the trek was its versatility, with different types of landscapes crossed every day, and the very cozy places to stay (Clervaux, Moulin d'Asselborn, Houffalize).