Via Botanica

Visitors will have to hike a bit before the daffodils appear around the path, but patience is rewarded rebeqarivers (Atlas Obscura User)

A few weeks per year, the Via Botanica offers visitors a magical path through hillside fields of wild daffodils. Also known as Plantz Wee in Luxembourgish, this trail is one of many routes through the Éislek region of Luxembourg, which boasts a “Best of Europe” award designation from the European Hiking Federation.

Along the Via Botanica, when the daffodils are in bloom, visitors wind their way up into the hills, enjoying the beautiful forest path. Eventually, the path turns a corner to reveal meadows of cheerful daffodils spilling down the hillside on either side of the trail. Benches and seats dot the path occasionally for hikers to rest and enjoy the views.

Along the trail, visitors should watch for three stone slabs, carved with excerpts from William Wordsworth’s poem, “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” as well as a haiku by Osaki Hôsai carved in Japanese, Luxembourgish, and French. Toward one end of the loop, there is also a stone wall featuring engravings of local flora and fauna.

Know Before You Go

The Via Botanica is a loop (length 7.7km/4.75mi, elevation gain 175m/575ft). It takes about two hours to complete. The hike is intermediate and suitable for all skill levels, but good hiking shoes are recommended. Visitors should be prepared to climb and descend hills and walk narrow, hillside paths with potentially muddy conditions.

The route is marked by Via Botanica/Plantz Wee signs and overlaps with many official hiking paths organized by the Éislek region, the municipal Local Hiking Trails, or even CFL, a train company that designates and maintains a system of train-station-to-station hiking routes. For those wishing for greater distance, consider combining the Via Botanica with other routes to create a longer hike.