© RTL Archives
Although the scenic Mullerthal is one of the first destinations that comes to mind when you think about going hiking in Luxembourg, the south also has many exciting walking and biking trails waiting to be discovered. Here are a few of them.
Walking trails
The landscape of the Minett region is dominated by iron-bearing red rocks and is therefore also known as the Land of the Red Rocks. The discovery path of the natural reserve Giele Botter (literally meaning ‘yellow butter’) takes you through what used to be an open-cast mine.
Because this form of mining extracts minerals from the earth’s surface, the landscape is shaped by red cliffs. Now you can see how nature is slowly taking back the area, and you can now find a variety of different plants there, which prosper in the rich soil.
It is advised to stay on the trail, as the cliff’s edges are not very safe and could easily break off. This trail is 7.6 km long, but you can also opt for the shorter, 2.5 km long, discovery trail.
The latter allows you not only to explore various landscapes but also invites you to learn. Along the way you’ll find several informative panels, that draw your attention to distinct features of the region, and its geology.
Guided tours which provide you with even more information are available upon request.
Giele Botter / © RTL Archives
Another former mining site is the natural reserve Ellergronn. The area is known for its biodiversity and you can find some rare plants along the way.
Reference points have been put into place along the trail, pointing out the highlights of this area. Like the ‘Giele Botter’ this natural reserve combines the mining past with nature and thus offers something for history and nature lovers alike.
The didactic trail is 3 km long and guided tours are also available.
If you’re looking for something more special, the barefoot trail (Buerfousswee), in Dudelange might be the right thing for you.
As indicated by the name this short 500m trail is a sensory path that invites visitors to walk barefoot over different grounds.
The path consists of 19 different stations and is the longest in the country. You might want to bring a towel to clean your feet afterwards, because you will walk on grounds such as wood, pebbles, and sand.
Although this is only a small path and therefore not suited if you’re looking for a long hike, it is a good opportunity to get back in touch with nature and really feel the ground beneath your feet.
The poet’s trail that was only inaugurated in 2011 is also not your ordinary walking trail.
The path was set up with the National Centre for Literature and invites visitors to discover the beauties of nature through a literary lens. Along the way you’ll find 12 stations, each containing a forest-themed text written by a Luxembourgish author.
The trail has three starting points, providing you with three different routes that range from 3.9 to 6.9 km in length.
You can discover the history of Schifflange on the trail Um Réimerwee (On the Romans’ path). Walking in the Romans’ footsteps you’ll not only come across a former Roman military camp but also several churches, and natural scenery that has been shaped by the mining past.
As before, you’ll find more information about the different sights and plants on informative boards that are scattered along the way. At 9.5 km this trail is rather long, but perfect if you want to go on a longer hike and learn more about the history of the region at the same time.
Um Réimerwee / © Visitminett.lu
On the planetary trail you can enjoy scenic views and learn something about outer space. Again located in a former open-pit mine, the Lallengerbierg, this trail is scattered with bronze plaques representing the planets.
You’ll find a ton of information about space next to these, and in a way this trail combines a trip to a museum with a walk in nature, making it the perfect destination for families with kids who are active but also eager to learn.
The 4 km trail is also the home of a number of different bird species and if you’re lucky you might spot some.
Bike Trails
Due to its rocky landscape, the region is ideal for mountain bikers. You can pick between several so called RedRock trails that take you through the former mining grounds.
Among those the 36.5 km trail taking you from Lallénger to Gaalgebierg is said to be the most spectacular.
First you’ll bike through a nature reserve before getting to the cliffs, which provide many opportunities for jumps. In light of this, the trail is rather difficult and not suitable for beginners.
Ellergronn / © RTL Archives
Apart from its walking trail, the Ellergronn also has a mountain bike trail, that allows you to discover the same landscape and the mining past, while riding your bike.
In contrast to the previous trail, this path is much more accessible and you don’t need much mountain biking experience to manage it. In Ellergronn you’ll also find a mountain bike wash station if you want to clean your bike immediately after your adventure.
If you don’t like mountain biking, the Terre Rouge cycling path might be the one for you. Over a distance of 42.5 km (alternatively 20 km), this trail takes you from Belvaux to Tétange. Along the way you’ll not only come across the distinct red rock region but you’ll see also a variety of landscapes, ranging from forests to fields, and rocks.
These are only a small sample of all the trails that are available in the region, more information on the trails and the history of the region can be found here: https://www.visitminett.lu/en
