Enjoying the German-Luxembourg Nature Preserve Published Oct. 20, 2008 By Iris Reiff 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Spangdahlem Sabers can take in the beautiful scenery, hike through the woods along rocks and gorges or enjoy the popular German-Luxembourg Nature Preserve located 45 minutes from the base. The preserve starts in Irrel, a town located near the Luxembourg border. To get to Irrel, drive toward Luxembourg from Bitburg and follow the signs toward Echternach. You will soon see the signs to Irrel. The Irrel waterfalls--which are rather small rapids--formed in ancient times by falling boulders and are quite famous. The rapids provide the setting for numerous canoe sporting events, especially when water levels are high. The falls are just outside of town between Irrel and Pruemzurlay. To find the waterfalls, turn right in the center of Irrel toward Neuerburg until you see a large parking lot to your right. Northwest of the falls lies the Ferschweiler Plateau, located outside the town of Ferschweiler. Various archeological findings indicate a continuous settlement since the Stone Ages. Also impressive are the remains from the Celtic and Roman Ages, such as the famous Druid Stone, the Diana Monument, the Fraubillen Cross and the Roman holy temple. The plateau is worth visiting because of its rich history and the beautiful cliff walks. There are a few nice restaurants around the plateau. There is a visitor's center where people can learn about the history of the area or relax with a beverage or snack. Extensive foot-paths lead to isolated graves and Celtic sacrificial altars. To get to the plateau, go towards the town of Ernzen. Not far from here lies the Teufelsschlucht Valley, an area which offers extensive walking paths past unusual rock formations. Hundreds of people come year-round to experience the beauty this area offers. Of course, it is recommended to wear good walking shoes. Another special attraction in Irrel is the Western Rampart Museum located in the Katzenkopf, or Cats' Head, Boulder Bunker. Only a few kilometers southwest of Irrel is the grand-duchy of Luxembourg and the medieval border town of Echternach, which has one of the oldest Christian abbeys in Europe and is the burial place of Saint Willibrord, who died in 729. During the 10th and 11th centuries, the abbey became a center for an outstanding school for artists and writers. Today, a museum showcasing book design in the abbey's basement displays evidence of the monks' work. The abbey consists of four wings surrounding a large center court. The basilica, an important religious monument, houses a white marble coffin holding the remains of Saint Willibrord in its crypt. This crypt was built during the Merovingian Age. Interesting frescoes from the 11th century decorate its vault. Echternach offers cozy street cafes and coffee shops which makes a great stopping point after walking in the fresh air through the German-Luxembourg Nature Preserve.