Getting to Belvaux by public transport

In the former kitchen, items illustrate the domestic living and working conditions at the end of the 19th century. Numerous images and objects document the industrial past of the region; part of this fund is, among other things, a working blast furnace in the scale of 1:50. Special significance is placed on a space that reflects the history of the commune during the Second World War: various texts, images and objects illustrate administrative processes of the occupying power, the resistance of the population and the moving fates of evacuees, forced recruits, prisoners of war and deserters. This exhibition also deals with the history of former organizations, societies and associations, including a collection of old club flags and uniforms. Another heritage of the region, almost forgotten today, is also commemorated through various artifacts. In 1885, in the southeast of Belvaux (Bel-Val), a source of mineral water was discovered and merchandised worldwide for its exceptional quality. Other themes such as the noble family de Tornaco and the Sassenheim Castle, the political life of the community or the partnership with the French town of Chauffailles invite the visitor to discover this exhibition.

At the heart of this newly transformed quarter of the city, which comprises the modern campus of the University of Luxembourg, you can see the imposing remnants of the iron ore industry that drove the economy of Luxembourg more than 100 years ago. So much has changed since then, and the two disused blast furnaces of Belval have become a major cultural highlight not to be missed. During Esch 2022 Capital of Culture many cultural events are hosted in new venues specially created in the southern part of the terrace of Furnace A. There is even a treasure hunt designed for both adults and children. Here using a map as a guide, you can have fun looking for hidden clues about the history of the site. Groups of 3 to 10 participants, advance booking required, Children under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult.

South of Luxembourg lies the Land of Red Earth (Terre rouge), a former industrial region that experienced an economic boom in the mid-19th century after the discovery of iron ore deposits. Our cycling route invites you to explore this unique area, which derives its charm from visible industrial history on one hand and the renaissance of nature on the other. The deep green forests, red canyons, and unique biotopes will surprise you! Since the route partly runs on paved roads with car traffic, it is not necessarily suitable for families with small children. Immediately after starting in Bettembourg, the cycle path delights young and old with the "fairy tale park", where a puppet-animated fairy tale land, a large animal enclosure, many playgrounds, and floral displays can be admired. A tourist attraction you should definitely not miss, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Along the way, the viewer is constantly presented with a new, surprising backdrop: steeply dropping red rocks (which gave the area its name) alternate with abandoned mines, fields, towns, and forests. History lovers will find the ruins excavation site at Titelberg (near Pétange) with ancient Roman-era remains particularly interesting. In the Fond-de-Gras railway park, you experience historical insights into the world of railways from over 100 years ago. The route also takes you through Esch-Alzette, the country’s second-largest city. As a future university city, it offers a diverse cultural program (theater, numerous rock and pop concerts), shopping opportunities (the country’s longest car-free shopping street), and architecturally valuable buildings such as the many townhouses with Art Nouveau facades.

In the south of Luxembourg lies the Minett region, the land of the Red Earth (Terre rouge), named after the ore-containing rock in the soil that also stains it red. Through the entire region there will soon be a continuous, fully signposted cycling route: the «Minett Cycle». After 2023, the total of 150 kilometers (divided into three loops) of cycling infrastructure will invite discovery. Until then, you can already ride parts of the future «Minett Cycle» and discover the unique Minett region in sections. On this section, the path between Belvaux and Tétange goes along the "Piste Cyclable" number 8, and thus also along the border with France (and even for a few meters through French territory). Passing the new district Esch-Belval, through Esch-sur-Alzette and the nature reserve Ellergronn, past the "Leiffrächen" and the national miner monument, it continues to the border at Rumelange. Then it continues and climbs up to the "Schungfabrik" and the "Musée vun der Aarbecht" (MUAR) in Kayl.

At the beginning, an impressive view of Belval and the blast furnaces is offered. The route alternates between village idyll and historic places in the midst of the forests, such as the castle on Zolwerknapp. A great picnic spot is available towards the end of the route, where you can also explore the fully loaded carts (“Buggiën”). Along the trail, there are plenty of stops for lovers of local products; the inclusive shop "Eis Epicerie" in Soleuvre offers local and regional goods for purchase and tasting, and will also allow for dining from June 2026. Two freely accessible orchards with local fruit varieties, part of the "Tutti Frutti" project of the Minett UNESCO Biosphere, are located directly on or just a short walk from the trail: "Pakebierg" boasts an abundance of cherry, nut, pear, and apple trees, while the orchard at "Haus A Gadder" features 50 trees of various fruit varieties. Not far from the trail, and just a short drive away, you can admire the art of coffee roasting at "Torrefaction Knopes," fill up on milk at "Haff Tempels" in Oberkorn, or purchase fresh pasta products at "Pastificio Angelini" in Differdange.

In the Minett region in southern Luxembourg, the country's wealth was generated over decades, until after the steel crisis in the 1990s when mining stopped and nature was able to reclaim the landscape – leading to the creation of breathtaking nature reserves. A similar development occurred on the other side of the border. Both regions now have extensive natural areas perfect for hiking. Discover on this 22-kilometer circular hiking route how closely the history of both regions is intertwined; this cross-border hiking route was created in cooperation with the "Communauté de communes du Pays Haut Val d’Alzette" (CCPHVA) and loops through the former mining areas of both countries. On the Luxembourg side, the route leads from Belvaux to Esch-sur-Alzette and through the "Ellergronn" nature reserve, over part of the regional trail "Minett Trail". Along the way, the route also passes the Belval district with its impressive blast furnaces. Here you can enjoy a viewpoint nearly 40 meters high overlooking much of the region. On this side, you will particularly discover the history of the transport chain and steel processing. The extraction of the precious ore itself takes place beyond the border; here the route goes through Audun-le-Tiche, where you can visit an archaeology museum, then through an extensive forest area in the former mining region, and onwards to the small border village of Rédange. Discover here too how closely the regions are connected.