© Pierre Weimerskirch / RTL Archiv
The Manternacher Fiels hiking trail is set to be shortened from nine to seven kilometres following a fatal accident last year and ongoing safety concerns linked to weakened forests.
The tragedy occurred on 20 October 2024 on the popular trail near Lellig, when a 40-year-old Frenchman was struck and killed by a falling tree. His partner, who was with him, was unharmed and immediately called for help, but the man died at the scene.
Two days later, the Manternach municipality closed the two-kilometre section of the trail, which had only recently been subject to forestry works aimed at improving safety.
According to Mayor Jean-Pierre Hoffmann, the chances of reopening the closed stretch through the Schlammbaach gorge are slim. He explained that one of the six private forest owners is firmly opposed to keeping the trail signposted on that section. Alternative routes have been considered, but none proved feasible, he said.
Hoffmann explained further that a potential diversion was recently inspected with technical staff and the local tourism syndicate, but that the terrain was inaccessible for the machinery needed to lay a safe path, forcing the idea to be abandoned.
As a result, the renowned Traumschleife circular trail would be reduced from nine to seven kilometres. The Ministry and the regional tourism office have already been informed.
Effects of climate change
The difficult state of Luxembourg's forests has only made matters worse. Years of climate change have left many trees in poor condition, and Manternach is no exception. Hoffmann noted that numerous trees in the area are weakened, and while the forester and his team have carried out extensive work in recent years, it has become increasingly challenging to keep up with the necessary felling and maintenance.
Following the fatal accident, the victim's family filed a complaint against the municipality. This investigation was closed by the public prosecutor's office in April. However, the municipality has since received a new letter from the family's lawyer.
Hoffmann underlined that the municipality is taking the matter very seriously, consulting with the nature and forestry administration on the way forward, and checking whether the family might receive support from insurance, even though the forestry law does not impose any legal obligation to do so.
The trail is currently partially closed due to renovation works. It is scheduled to reopen after the summer break, featuring new signposting.
