The idea of the Minett Trail was born during the process of the candidacy of the southern region of Luxembourg for the UNESCO label “Man and the Biosphere” (MAB). Its aim was to prepare and stage the exceptional and unique natural landscapes and industrial heritage of the former steel and mining region in such a way that it becomes a special sustainable tourism product worth visiting the Minett for.
At the end of 2020, the region, which consists of 11 different municipalities that joined together in the PRO-SUD syndicate of municipalities in 2003, was accepted by UNESCO into the MAB programme as “Minett UNESCO Biosphere“. This meant that no further obstacles prevented the Minett Trail from being created. In the following months, the Minett Trail was signposted and has been open since 2021.
© Visit Minett / ORT Sud
The trail offers a lot in its 10 stages. It runs right through the region and connects several hiking highlights along the way. You discover the small villages of the region, experience in the cities how steel industry has shaped the urban space and discover nature, which in part only developed as it presents itself today after the closure of the old open-cast mines.
More than a hiking trail
However, a simple hiking trail through the region would not have been enough for our demands – the project was expanded accordingly. Together with the “Ordre des Architectes et des Ingénieurs-Conseils” (OAI), an architectural competition was organised at the end of 2019. In view of Esch 2022, European Capital of Culture, the aim was to create an architecturally exceptional accommodation in each of the 11 municipalities participating in the organisation of Esch2022, forming together the “Minett UNESCO Biosphere”. From over 90 proposals, a jury has retained the 11 projects that will now become “Kabaisercher”. These are 11 works of art in, for example, former industrial buildings, a train carriage or new buildings, in which artistic and architectural highlights are set.
Aalen Arbed’s Büro © www.simpleviu.com
Overnight stays can be booked
The Luxembourg start-up SIMPLEVIU, with its managing director Philippe Freitas Morgado, is taking over the management and hotel operation of the 11 Kabaisercher. The first overnight stays have been possible since 1 August 2022.
2 of the 11 Kabaisercher are already bookable now: The “Floater” in Dudelange and the “Aalen Arbed’s Büro” in Tétange. By the end of the year, more Kabaisercher will open step by step. Bookings are possible all year round. Prices start from 150€/night.
The Kabaisercher are perfect for walking the Minett Trail in 10 stages and staying overnight along the way. The accommodations have different capacities (4 – 12 people), some can be booked as a whole, in others you can rent a room, or even a sleeping pod. The Kabaisercher are also suitable for families with children, 4 Kabaisercher are completely barrier-free.
Floater © www.simpleviu.com