Discovering the Biodiversity of the Minett Biosphere as a Family

If you’re still looking for family outing ideas for this or future weekends, here are six short but interesting hikes that are especially interesting for children and give you a first glimpse into the diversity of nature and habitats of Luxembourg’s only biosphere reserve.

Didactic trail Dumontshaff (Schifflange)

This trail, starting and ending at Schifflange’s football stadium, allows the whole family to discover the renaturalized Alzette Valley on a very informative educational trail against the impressive natural backdrop of this wetland. Along the trail, you learn more about floods and their benefits for this special natural area. You’ll also encounter numerous protected bird species whose sanctuary is part of the European Natura 2000 network.

The nearly 5-kilometer circular trail begins at a public parking lot. From Schifflange train station, you can reach the starting point in less than 10 minutes.

For more information on this trail: click here

© Commune de Schifflange

Parc Le’h – Childrens didactic hike (Dudelange)

Along the circular trail through one of Dudelange’s green lungs, children will find 11 different stations where they can playfully learn about Dudelange, its history, and the diverse nature of the Minett region. Two playgrounds along the way invite climbing and swinging. After the hike, both young and old can refresh themselves at the kiosk.

The hiking trail for young explorers is about 1.5 kilometers long and can be completed without difficulty.

For more information on this hike: click here

© ORT Sud / VisitMinett

Lauschter-Wanderwee Butschebuerg (Dudelange)

The Mont St. Jean, rising next to Budersberg, is a place of myths and legends: an enchanted princess, bells, a strange snake, and embers that turn to gold are part of Luxembourg’s treasure trove of legends.

The trail begins at Place Gymnich and features 10 stations where you can listen to Dudelange’s legends in 4 different languages via QR code. The destination is at the summit of Mont St. Jean with its impressive castle ruins and spectacular view over southern Luxembourg.

For the entire circular trail with its 10 stations and length of nearly 2.5 kilometers, you should plan about 90 minutes.

For more information on this audio trail: click here

© Ville de Dudelange

De Ris geet op d’Rees (Bettembourg)

With its height of 10 meters and colorful costume, the giant of “Parc Merveilleux” has been welcoming visitors since the animal and fairy tale park opened in 1955. A few years ago, the “Ris” went on a journey of discovery. This journey, which can be read in a specially drawn comic, can be undertaken with the whole family.

You follow the giant’s tracks on a circular route through all of Bettembourg, discovering history at augmented reality stations (a smartphone with internet connection is required), encountering sculptures and other artworks on a route of about 6 kilometers or a longer circular route of 10 kilometers. Start and finish is at the Bettembourg football stadium.

For more information on this interactive trail: click here

De Märchewee (Differdange)

Children’s hearts beat faster on this approximately one-kilometer path. Along the way, various fairy tales are told at six stations with original wooden sculptures. From Pinocchio to the “Klenge roude Léiw” by local author Mireille Weiten-De Waha, fun is the focus at each station. The little ones must master various challenges and can really let off steam.

Start and finish of the small circular path is at the Differdange “Vëlosschoul” on the summit of Metzkimmert, from where you can overlook the entire city with its impressive steel plant.

For more information on the fairy tale path: click here

Circular trail “Sentier de la Crosnière” (Lasauvage)

In a somewhat remote valley, right on the border with France, lies the village of Lasauvage, which has preserved the charm of a mining village to this day. The Crosnière circular trail follows the small border stream that formed this valley. Along the way, there are numerous short branches that each offer interesting information about the nature of Lasauvage and its stream.

The nearly 4 km long path is easy to walk, and after the hike, you can strengthen yourself in one of Lasauvage’s restaurants.

For more information on this trail: click here