On the way with the train and guideOn the first Wednesday of every month, a different scenic highlight is on the agenda. Together with a guide and travelling by train, it is the ideal opportunity to discover the multiple facets of the Grand Duchy. The hiking trails have different degrees of difficulty and so there is something for everyone. On average, the tours are between 6 and 12 kilometres long.

To keep it a surprise, the national rail company only reveals the destination on their website www.cfl.lu 10 days before. The hiking tours lead through an array of different landscapes and together with the guides, who share interesting stories and anecdotes; a great day out is guaranteed. The language of each tour is agreed with the

participants, who can choose between German, French or English.

In the north of the country, the Ardennes and its nature parks are characterised by a hilly scenery, romantic villages, architectural heritage from the Middle Ages and by trails with impressive panoramic views. The train journey between Luxembourg and Clervaux/Troisvierges is a great way to take in the scenery and relax while gazing out at the hills and valleys wrapping around the train tracks. Some rock spurs are graced by castles and fortresses, which is a characteristic of the towns of Bourscheid, Wiltz and Clervaux. The town of Clervaux is home to the exhibition “The Family of Man”, curated by the former Luxembourg born MoMA Director Edward Steichen. The photo collection is also part of UNESCO World Heritage.

Hiking in conjunction with the train is synonymous with the great hiking trails and offers many interesting photo opportunities. A popular trail is the “Escapardenne Eisleck Trail”, which was awarded the “Leading Quality Trails – Best of Europe” award and crosses into the neighbouring countries.

Another great destination not to be missed is the region of the “Red Rocks”. Belval is now home to the University of Luxembourg and it hosts a town that architects

© Claudine Bosseler

designed from scratch. The area, which was former industrial wasteland, has seen a major overhaul with pedestrian areas and shopping streets springing up. Creative, surprising and home to an array of art nouveau and art deco house-fronts can be found in the city of Esch-sur-Alzette. The former strip mines, famous for red ore, have left a rather unusual scenery behind. Today, a walk through the area is reminiscent of wandering through a green canyon. The region owes its name to the red ore that was behind the success of the mining industry in Luxembourg.

The day trip lasts between 6 and 7 hours (including the journey and hike). Walking boots are strongly advised and, unfortunately, prams are not allowed. The 12 € package includes a delightful picnic and cost of the tour guide, who will share exciting anecdotes and interesting information on sights and facts that you would have missed otherwise. The “Luxembourg Card” enables you to use public transport in the country for free and of course it can also be used to cover the costs of the train journey.

The maximum number of those who can take part in the day trip is limited to 25 people, so don’t forget to book your place at least 24h in advance (excursions@cfl.lu / Phone: +352 4990-3838). Even if the number of participants is small, the guided hike will take place.

Meet at 9.45 am in the hall of the central train station in Luxembourg!

>>> Hiking in Luxembourg