Esch-sur-Alzette, many attractions

Visit Esch-sur-Alzette

Discover Luxembourg's steel-making past

Luxembourg has a rich industrial past. Its iron mines, now closed, were operated for nearly 100 years in the south of the country. Ironore contributed to the Grand Duchy's prosperity, thanks to the mining industry in the Terres Rouges region.

Industrial history of southern Luxembourg

Fond-de-Gras, near Differdange, is a site marked by numerous iron mines that were operated from 1870 onwards. The iron ore extracted from these mines was then transported to steelworks in Luxembourg or abroad. It was here that Luxembourg's last iron mine closed its doors in 1964.

It should be noted that the first forge was established in Dommeldange in 1609, not in Esch-sur-Alzette.

Today, you can relive a little of this history by visiting Minett Park. While having fun, you can gain a better understanding of the daily lives of the miners who descended into the underground galleries every day. By harvesting iron ore (Minett in Luxembourgish), they were able to feed their families, sometimes at the risk of their lives.

Visit the iron mines of Minett Park by steam train

Today, two mining trains still run at Minett Park Fond-de-Gras, thanks to the efforts of volunteers. A veritable life-size museum, Minett Park presents the history of iron mining in Luxembourg from the end of the 19th century onwards.

The 1900 vintage steam train will take you on the old Minières railway line that used to transport iron ore between Pétange and Fond-de-Gras (round trip).
The collection of the "Train 1900" association includes a dozen carefully restored steam and diesel trains.

To continue your journey through time and learn more about the reality of mining, take the "Minièresbunn" mining train on the narrow railway line between the former Fond-de-Gras mine and the workers' village of Lasauvage. The latter is also an exhibition space and tourist attraction. Don't forget to bring a sweater!

You can also visit buildings that bear witness to the former industrial activity: miners' housing, the picturesque Victor Binck grocery store, which was open until 1980, the power station in the Paul Wurth hall, the rolling mill train, the historic "Bei der Giedel" café-restaurant, the "hanging room," and more.

These historic sites and trains are open to tourists every Sunday and public holiday from May 1 to September 30.

Many events are organized as part of the Minett Park Fond-de-Gras, so don't hesitate to visit their website to discover this place before the end of the season!

You can also simply visit the nature park and explore the various marked trails on the former open-pit mining site "Giele Botter."

Every year, the official opening of the season reminds me of a similar tradition in my country, Poland. On Labor Day, celebrated on May 1, Poland's industrial regions proudly present their steam trains, offering the first trips after a long winter. It's a very nostalgic memory!

Joanna Gizewska, Poland

National Iron Mines Museum in Rumelange

At the National Museum of Luxembourg Iron Mines in Rumelange, you can discover Luxembourg's mining history from the late 19th century to the 1990s.

Relive the miners' extremely difficult working conditions and the technical evolution of ore extraction, first in underground mines and then in open-pit mines. Once extracted, the ore was then transported to blast furnaces to be transformed into cast iron or steel.

Don't miss a visit to a historic iron mine, the Langengrund gallery. It can be reached by a small train. You will walk through the underground galleries and iron extraction sites. The visit lasts 1.5 hours. Visitors are required to wear a helmet. Temperatures range from 10 to 12°C, so don't forget to bring a sweater! Former miners accompany the guided tour. Exhibition rooms display various objects from the past, including tools, machines, and fossils.

Check the opening hours, as the museum has different opening times depending on the season.

It is also possible to celebrate birthdays in the museum. Interactive tours are organized for children aged 6 to 14. Children learn about the hard work of miners by pushing carts, digging, or breaking blocks of ore!

Belval and its blast furnaces, witnesses to industrial history

To learn more about Luxembourg's industrial past, don't forget to visit Belval, near Esch-sur-Alzette.

The Cité des Sciences and the blast furnaces are open to visitors, including the platform overlooking the entire Belval area and its new neighborhoods. And to admire these magnificent buildings from an unusual angle, take part in the Fête des Hauts-Fourneaux (Blast Furnace Festival).

Still in operation in another part of the Belval area, Arcelor Mittal is now one of Luxembourg's leading employers.

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