Luxembourg City's Zichelchen tourist train has been delighting visitors and locals alike since 1986, offering multilingual tours, unique experiences, and even playing a role in weddings, festivals, and community events.

Luc Reis, director of sightseeing.lu, noted with a smile that the train is universally popular, except perhaps with motorists who end up stuck behind it.

From the depot in Merl, two trains set off each day for the Rham Plateau, where visitors enjoy striking views of the historic old town. Among the drivers is Marwan Hassan, who was busy preparing signs, tickets, and the information stand before welcoming the first passengers.

Hassan, who was born in Lebanon, recalled that his first experience of the little train was as a tourist in 2009. Today, he smiles as he says he's the one driving.

Before settling in Luxembourg six years ago, he had worked as a cameraman and played professional football. Now he divides his time between gardening and, since April, guiding the tourist train through the city.

As he drives, Hassan greets pedestrians with waves and horn toots, delighting children and exchanging friendly words with residents along the alleys of Pfaffenthal. He explained that what he enjoys most is the interaction, as Luxembourg attracts so many nationalities, and people often turn their heads in curiosity when the train passes, giving him the chance to invite them on board.

Tourist impressions

An American mother from New Jersey, travelling with her two children, said her family chose Luxembourg during a visit to relatives in the Netherlands, curious about its culture and history. After the train tour, she remarked that the fortress and old castle were far more beautiful than she had expected.

A group of Spanish visitors were equally enthusiastic, saying that they appreciated the availability of an audio guide in their own language. They commented that Luxembourg was small enough to explore in just a few days, with their small child adding that it was full of charm, greenery, and open space.

The tour lasts around 40 minutes, and as one group steps off, another quickly climbs aboard.

The passengers are not just tourists: a Belgian couple recently marked their 14th wedding anniversary with the ride, while a local family used it to show friends around the city.

Among them was a little girl called Charlotte, who explained that this was her second time on the train, the first having been with her school, and that she loved the chance to see the city.

A bit of history

The train itself has adapted over the years. Originally launched in 1986 as the Péitruss Express running through the picturesque Pétrusse Valley, both its route and equipment have since been modernised. Passengers now receive headphones and can choose between seven languages, with Spanish the latest addition.

The train runs daily from March to October, often extending into November thanks to milder autumns.

Beyond regular tours, it has also become part of special occasions. Reis explained that the train is much more than just a sightseeing attraction, as it has carried St Nicholas through the city, transported a newly married couple from the town hall to their wedding reception, and once a year offers residents of local care home Op der Rhum a dedicated outing.