Circuit transfrontalier de l'Acier

In the Minett region in southern Luxembourg, the wealth of a small country was founded as for decades, the ore exploitation put the grand duchy on the map of heavy industry heavyweights. This was until after the steel crisis in the 1990s, when the mining was stopped and nature was able to reclaim the landscape - with the emergence of breathtaking nature reserves in tow. A similar development took place on the other side of the border in France. Both regions therefore have extensive natural areas that are excellent for hiking.

Discover how closely the history of both regions is connected on this 22-kilometer circular hiking trail. This cross-border trail was designed in collaboration with the "Communauté de communes du Pays Haut Val d'Alzette" (CCPHVA) and leads in a loop through the former mining areas of both countries. On the Luxembourg side, the path leads between Belvaux to Esch-sur-Alzette and through the "Ellergronn" nature reserve over part of the route of the regional hiking trail "Minett Trail". On the way, the path also leads past the Belval district with its impressive blast furnaces. Here, at a height of almost 40 meters, you can catch a glimpse of a large part of the region. On this side of the border, you will therefore discover the history of the transport chain and the processing of the steel.

On the other side of the border,  it is all about the mining of the precious ore itself; the path leads through Audun-le-Tiche, where you can visit an archeology museum, through an extensive forest area in the former mining area and on to the small border village of Rédange. Here you can also discover how closely the two regions are connected.