Minett - the industrial past shapes the future
The Minett region is located in the south of the country and is also known as the Land of the Red Rocks. It owes its name to the bright red iron ore deposits which were at the heart of the success of the iron and steel industry in Luxembourg in the industrial era. The region, which has transformed its historical assets into resources for the present and future, boasts a magnificent industrial heritage. Today, it has become the country's hub for scientific innovation. In addition, its cosmopolitan cities are teeming with culture and the unspoilt countryside has been awarded the UNESCO label.
Minett: from industrial heritage to unexpected wonders
Minett is a region heavily influenced by its industrial past, notably the extraction of iron ore - the "minette" that lends its name to the region - and the production of iron and steel. Following the discovery of mineral deposits in the 1840s, Luxembourg embarked on its industrial revolution. The iron industry was the backbone of the Luxembourg economy until the crisis in the 1970s. This rapid industrialisation and subsequent de-industrialisation have left their mark on the landscape and towns. By making the most of the material traces of these changes, the region has gone from being an industrial enclave to an unexpected tourist destination, rich in industrial heritage and unique natural landscapes, which includes the Minett UNESCO Biosphere.
Immigration has played a key role in Luxembourg's economic boom, and immigrants still make up a significant share of the population, particularly in this region. This is clearly visible in its cosmopolitan and multilingual towns, as well as in the broad range of cultural offerings that draw their influences from the melting pot of the modern-day Minett region.
Explore the Minett
Uncover its industrial heritage
The Regional Tourist Office offers the Minett Tour, a unique selection of nine sites with close ties to Luxembourg's steel-making past. Here is a small selection:
- Minett Park Fond-de Gras. The Fonds-de-Gras, a small valley whose extremities were pierced by numerous mining galleries, is now a lush and peaceful landscape. It was one of the most important centres for ore exploitation in Luxembourg. These ores were transported to the steelworks via a railway line connecting the valley to the town of Pétange. The buildings, trains and even a mine have been saved and now form a unique industrial, natural and railway hub.
We highly recommend a trip on the Train 1900, with its steam locomotives, and the Minièresbunn mining train, which takes visitors through old galleries to Lasauvage, formerly a mining village. You can also enjoy a meal in one of the many bistros and brasseries. - National Mining Museum Located in Rumelange, the museum offers tours of an underground mine and the mine site. A mining train takes you through the landscape of the former open-cast mines, then into the mine's main gallery. The museum also holds a collection of documents, machinery and rock samples. A tavern has been opened in the former offices.
- The Belval district. This district of Esch-sur-Alzette has undergone several changes throughout history. In the 1850s, Belval was a leisure area, before becoming home to the first steelworks in the early 20th century. The site's importance was paramount and the first symbolic casting of the European Coal and Steel Community took place in Belval in 1953. The blast furnaces were modernised in the 1960s and 1970s, however they were shut down in the 1990s following the steel crisis. A last symbolic casting was made in 1997, marking the end of this landmark period for Luxembourg's steel industry.
Today, Belval is a mixed neighbourhood where residents, researchers and professionals live side by side. The University of Luxembourg has set up its campus in this town, along with several scientific institutes and research centres. You can visit the former blast furnace A and enjoy panoramic views of the district, the old factories and the regenerated landscape from 40 metres above ground.
LIBRE ACCÈS: Belval, an ambitious urban project on a European scale (Video/Audio YouTube)
Meet the people behind the industry: migration
Industrialisation has also changed the demographic and social fabric of the country. Following the discovery of ore deposits in the south, farmers in the north left their land to work in the mines and factories. However, the local workforce proved inadequate to meet the needs of the industry and Luxembourg became a country of immigration from the 1890s onwards. There are several waves of immigration: The first to arrive were the Germans, then the Italians and finally, in the 1960s, the Portuguese.
It was thanks to these immigrants that Luxembourg enjoyed its industrial boom and associated economic growth. If you'd like to find out more about the lives of these immigrants, here are a few tips:
- Visit Little Italy. Situated in Dudelange, this workers' colony, once wedged between the factory and the mine, was built at the end of the 19th century to house the new workforce.
- Visit the Documentation Centre on Human Migration which offers exhibitions and events throughout the year. Also, we recommend a guided tour of the Little Italy district.
Explore the local area on foot or by bike
In its transformation from industrial enclave to tourist destination, the region has also managed to showcase its unique natural landscape. It offers nature and adventure enthusiasts a chance to explore the great outdoors.
- If you are a keen hiker, the Minett Trail is a must! This 90km trail runs through all the region's major towns, tourist spots and historic sites. The route consists of around ten stages, with two trails starting in Esch-sur-Alzette. At the end of each day's walk, treat yourself to a good night's rest in one of the unique hiking lodges (the "Kabaisercher") along the trail.
- If you prefer mountain biking, then you can take advantage of the RedRock Mountainbike Trails. Minett's nature reserves have been transformed into adventure parks, and respect the delicate balance of the landscape. The routes range from medium to difficult - don't hesitate to contact a specialist guide if you want to improve your technique.
The former mines, which can be explored on foot or by bike, have flourished into biodiversity hotspots, and are now home to an astonishing array of orchids, butterflies, wild bees and birds. The importance of this ecosystem is such that it has been classified as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO: the Minett UNESCO Biosphere. Enjoy it responsibly and stay on the official paths to avoid disturbing the delicate balance of the flora and fauna.
Admire cosmopolitan cities and culture
Culture, innovation and the restoration of local heritage are intimately linked in the region. This concept is evident in the dynamic cultural life and the modern, alternative sites that encourage people to embrace culture and the arts. Here is a small selection:
- Kulturfabrik This multicultural centre located in Esch-sur-Alzette, in the buildings of the former municipal abattoir, offers an eclectic programme of events, including concerts, festivals, theatre, cinema, educational projects, literature and much more. It is a cultural melting pot that aims to raise awareness and provide training for a wide range of audiences.
- Konschthal. A contemporary arts centre also located in Esch-sur-Alzette, with not only exhibitions but also educational programmes to encourage a better understanding of the works on display.
- Centre de musiques amplifiées: Rockhal and Rocklab. The Rockhal is the country's leading concert venue and regularly plays host to regional and international artists. The Rocklab offers support to musicians and creative artists. If you like concerts, or if you're a musician, make sure you check out this venue in Esch-Belval.
- Escher Theater. This theatre in Esch-sur-Alzette is a modern classic and holds pride of place in the region. Since its inauguration in 1962, it takes a cross-border and multicultural stand through a multilingual programme. One of its key aims, dating back to 2018, has been to offer plays for young audiences.
- opderschmelz The site of the former Dudelange ironworks was brought back to life in 2007. It is the favourite spot for jazz fans in Luxembourg; it also showcases theatre, dance and literary events.
However, if you're looking for an open-air cultural treat, you can't beat the Esch-sur-Alzette architectural walk!
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