Esch-sur-Alzette, Neiduerf

Bâtiment4 is a bubbling laboratory of creative expression, a place for sharing, participation, amateur activities and debate about the environment, and the role of art in improving our lives. This 3000m2 former Arcelor Mittal office headquarters hosts exhibitions by both Luxembourgish as well as internationally known artists, and is also home to organizations such the artists collectives Richtung22, as well as Hariko, which enables young people from all walks of life to access and engage in art and creative activities. Furthermore CELL (Center for Ecological Leaning Luxemburg) and Independent Little Lies which is an interdisciplinary theatre collective are also based here, together with the headquarters of the LGBTQ+ Pride association. Open to all, the building offers the possibility of participating in either regular or occasional activities. If you fancy seeing art in unusual spaces, or if you prefer to listen to a debate about how we can tackle the climate crisis through the circular economy, this is the place for you!

The route offers views of the former industrial area Esch-Belval, once the center of Luxembourg's steel production. Today, Belval is a new business and service center, also hosting Luxembourg's university. The associated state-of-the-art Belval-Université station is reached after the first 3.5 km of this hike. In the final section, from around Belval-Rédange station, the path rises by about 100m. The latter station is close to the French border. It serves the towns Belvaux (L) and Rédange (F). This hike ends at Belvaux-Soleuvre station. © Editions Guy Binsfeld

The Minett Trail is a 90-kilometer-long hiking route that crosses the Minett region. In ten stages, you can explore smaller and larger towns as well as eight nature reserves. These captivate with old forests and former open-pit mining areas. Their steep rock faces, red earth, and mine entrances make them unique in Luxembourg. The approximately 12-kilometer stage begins at the foot of the “Gaalgebierg” (translated as Gallows Hill), a grotesque name for a hill hosting the city park and a wildlife park. The “Escher Déierepark” wildlife park is publicly accessible and free of charge, where you can observe 25 different animal species or take your first break at the “Bamhauscafé”. The café also includes 3 treehouses where you can stay overnight. Just don’t forget to continue walking! The nature reserve “Ellergronn” surrounds the Gallows Hill, which you will now enter. You will pass by old mine entrances, a small mining museum, and the Ellergronn Nature Centre. Here you can get detailed information about this nature reserve. The Cockerill mine museum sheds light on the living and working environment of the miners of the past. Entry to the nature centre and museum is free of charge. Before reaching the village of Kayl, continue towards “Léiffrächen”, a well-known and popular pilgrimage site in Luxembourg. A small chapel in a grotto, where “Léiffrächen”, the patron saint of miners and pit workers, is laid out, has become an important pilgrimage destination over time and is inseparably linked to Luxembourg mining and the mining families living here. Right next to the pilgrimage site is the “Monument National des Mineurs”, a monument honoring miners who lost their lives in their hard work. Upon close inspection, you can see that some of the deceased miners were not even 14 years old. From the observation tower, you can enjoy a view over the entire area.