Clemency, Henn

The Minett Trail is a 90-kilometer hiking route that runs across the Minett region. In ten stages, you can experience smaller and larger towns as well as eight nature reserves. These impress with old forests and former open-pit mining areas. Due to the steep rock faces, red soil, and mine entrances, they are unique in Luxembourg. On this section, you hike between the two stations of Pétange and Clemency. Admittedly, no trains currently stop at the old station in Clemency, but the building has been transformed into a good inn where you can recover from the efforts of the hike. This section is a good start to the entire 90-kilometer stretch of the Minett Trail. Along the way, you traverse a shady forest that eases the hardships of the route. You might even stop at the pond along the route, which is always full of surprises. In Pétange, you will find the city park, which you walk through on the Minett Trail.

The region in southern Luxembourg carries more than just its name due to its industrial past. For decades, this is where the country's new wealth was brought to light: the “Minette” iron ore and the steel industry shaped the country and the landscape to this day, equally transforming nature and society. Those who hike the region today will discover its unique characteristics and enjoy its rich diversity. It can be advantageous to be aware of the rich history. And don't despair: those who want to learn more details will find them in several museum stations along the hiking trail. The "Minett Trail," spanning 90 kilometers, leads through several former open-cast mining areas that have been gradually renatured over the past 40 years after mining stopped; whether on one of the ten official trail sections, each between 7 and 15 kilometers long, or on a self-planned route – the "Minett Trail" will reward its hikers with wonderful views and great experiences.

The path starts in the village center of Clemency near the former train station. Although no trains run here anymore, the station building has been converted into an inn. The route partly passes through open land and partly through the forests around Clemency. The entire route follows well-walkable paths. Just follow the blue diamond on a white background; the route is marked in both directions.

The Attert cycle path is the perfect route for family outings. This exciting group adventure starts in Pétange and then follows the tracks of the old Attert line, the railway line that used to connect Pétange and Ettelbruck, for most of the route. Now you ride literally on the border between Belgium and Luxembourg. Soon the route adventure takes a new turn. You follow the traces of the famous Charly, an old narrow-gauge railway that leads towards the sept châteaux (seven castles). Intrepid cyclists now cross a valley with mighty castles and fortresses—here, nobles once built their strongholds, such as the château-fort de Hollenfels or the baroque château d'Ansembourg. Further along the path, one encounters another magnificent structure—a 700-meter long illuminated tunnel through Luxembourg sandstone—and experiences a surprising and interesting twist.