A Hidden Gem in Luxembourg
Many of you will be familiar with Luxembourg City, the Ardennes and Moselle regions of the country. Less well know but equally rewarding to visit is the Minett Region. This region, in southern Luxembourg, used to be an industrial area where the primary activity was the extraction and processing of iron ore.
The Minett Region in Luxembourg now beckons travellers with its picturesque landscapes, red iron rich soil, cultural heritage, and an aura of tranquility that seems to be untouched by time. This hidden gem offers a delightful escape for those seeking a unique blend of natural beauty and historical charm.
Here are some of the things you can do in the region, and recommendations on where you can stay
Guided tour of the Esch-Belval district. The Belval district is home to two blast furnaces. These steel giants have been carefully restored as tourist and cultural attractions. From blast furnace A, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of an unprecedented urban complex. Here you can feel the progress and soak up the modern architecture that soars energetically into the sky and offers the young university a promising home. The district was also the heart of activities in 2022, when Esch-sur-Alzette was designated European Capital of Culture.
https://www.visitluxembourg.com/blast-furnace-belval
Guided tour of the Minett Park. The Fond-de-Gras area is a small valley with many underground mines. Today it is an open-air museum. The historical buildings, the technical infrastructure and the numerous information panels tell you about the industrial activities that have marked the history of Luxembourg since the end of the 19th century.
https://www.visitluxembourg.com/minett-park-fond-de-gras
A 2.5-hour hike on the Prënzebierg – Giele Botter discovery trail. The 7.5 km long trail leads you through an open-cast mining area. At the time of mining, the present nature reserve was bare and the predominant colour was red. Today, the former mining area is once again filled with dense forests and ponds, which provide a unique habitat for countless species.
https://www.visitluxembourg.com/discovery-trail-prenzebierg-giele-botter
Guided tour of the National Mining Museum in Rumelange. The site offers visitors an authentic experience of life in the mines. On the way, a guide gives a detailed insight into the daily work of miners in the past. Most of the collection is displayed directly in the mines.
https://www.visitluxembourg.com/mining-museum-rumelange
Go mountainbiking on the RedRock MTB Trail – “Haard Red”. The Mountainbike Trail “Haard-red“ leads you through former open cast mining areas, which has been officially declared a national nature reserve in 1994. Earlier, iron ore was mined here, but after the cessation of opencast mining the area was was simply left to the natural process of vegetation development. (24,7 km; 2 hours 50 minutes)
https://www.visitminett.lu/en/what-to-do/sport-leisure/fiche/vtt/redrock-mtb-trail-haard-red
Go hiking or mountainbiking in the nature reserve “Brucherbierg – Lallengerbierg“. When open-pit mining operations in the area were finally discontinued, the territory resembled a lunar landscape with bright red soil. There was no vegetation to speak of—just dry, barren wasteland. But little by little, the land has been reclaimed by nature.
https://www.visitluxembourg.com/de/attraktion/naturreservat-brucherbierg-lallengerbierg
3-hour hike on the Didactic trail “Natura 2000” – Ellergronn. Divided into three different loops, each with its own theme, the Natura 2000 trail is the perfect opportunity to take a break from Esch-sur-Alzette and enjoy the various paths through nature. The “Ellergronn” nature reserve was used for iron ore mining just a few decades ago. After the site south of Esch-sur-Alzette was abandoned, the “Kazebierg” mining area located there was transformed into a variety of habitats for a wide range of animal species, amidst ponds and the dry grass so typical of the region, on the edge of an alder and ash forest, along the small streams.
https://www.visitluxembourg.com/nature-reserve-ellergronn
Visit FerroForum. FerroForum was founded to preserve and promote both our cultural, industrial and traditional crafts heritage and the expertise developed to produce iron and steel. Two or three times a week, a handful of enthusiasts – “welded by the project” – work together to refurbish the site, install structures for future workshops, map out the programme for future seasons, and develop strategies, projects and various collaborations, etc.
https://ferroforum.lu/en
Accommodation
Ever dreamt of spending the night in a small fairytale castle? What about sleeping in a former elementary school building? In a “Floater” or in a train sleeping compartment? These hiking lodges combine a rich and varied past with modern materials, design and technology and will accommodate you in style and comfort.
Escher Bamhaiser
Perched high up in the treetops, the “ESCHER BAMHAISER” guesthouses are tucked away in the heart of “ESCHER DÉIEREPARK” animal park. Surrounded by nature, these astonishing but cosy tree houses with all comfort can safely accommodate up to 4 or 6 people – a magical location to spend a night or more in a heavenly setting.
Brauhotel
Enjoy the brand-new Brauhotel with its 55 modern and well-equipped rooms right next to the National Brewery in Bascharage.
Chateau de Clemency
Château de Clémency, anno 1635, is a humble castle integrated in a small rural village.
The human scale of the building is the total opposite of a feudal castle and gives you the feeling of arriving in a family home. The castle offers 4 private rooms with their own bathroom. You will also find the common areas: kitchen, living room, terrace and you may find the secret living room and garden
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