Little Switzerland (Luxembourg)

Little Switzerland

Little Switzerland (Luxembourgish: Kleng Lëtzebuerger Schwäiz, French: Petite Suisse Luxembourgeoise, German: Kleine Luxemburger Schweiz) is a nickname for a region in the east of Luxembourg, bestowed upon the region on account of its reputed geographic similarities to Switzerland. It is roughly contiguous with the canton of Echternach. It is also known as the Mullerthal (Luxembourgish: Mëllerdall, German: Müllertal) after the town of Mullerthal.

Little Switzerland is thought to have similar terrain to its namesake country, hence the name; it is dominated by craggy terrain, thick forests, some caves and myriad small streams. Unlike Switzerland, Little Switzerland is low-lying, even by Luxembourg's standard (its highest peak is only 414 m above sea level).

Little Switzerland is the smallest of Luxembourg’s sub-regions. Within its small territory, covering only 7% of Luxembourg, there is only one medium-sized settlement, Echternach (which is actually Luxembourg’s oldest city). Smaller towns include Beaufort, Berdorf, and Consdorf.

Coordinates: 49°42′N 6°30′E / 49.7°N 6.5°E / 49.7; 6.5