Guttland Take the time to slow down
In the centre and west of the country lies the tourist region of Guttland. Delightful villages, imposing castles and fortresses, farms and restored country estates are set in a picturesque backdrop on the outskirts of the capital. Guttland is the perfect place for indulging in spot of slow tourism. Hundreds of kilometres of footpaths and cycle tracks criss-cross pristine landscapes, encouraging green mobility. Examples of the region's historical heritage are everywhere, whether in the Valley of the Seven Castles, at the many Gallo-Roman sites or in the fascinating rural museums. Easily accessible from Luxembourg City by public transport, this charming and varied region will delight walkers, cyclists, young people and families alike.
A journey through time
A trip to Guttland is like taking a step back in time. History enthusiasts will marvel at the many prehistoric and ancient sites that have been opened up for visitors. The Roman Villa Miecher, located in Goeblange, allows a journey from the beginning of its construction, in the 1st century AD, through its transformation into a civil fortification at the end of the 3rd century, to its abandonment towards the end of the 4th century, in the turbulence of the barbarian invasions. On the outskirts of Luxembourg City, near Walferdange, stands the Raschpëtzer qanat, an impressive underground aqueduct dating from the Roman period, which still collects water today.
The Eisch Valley, also known as the Valley of the Seven Castles, is one of the country's prime tourist attractions. It is named after its seven castles: Mersch, Schoenfels, Hollenfels, the old and new castles of Ansembourg, Septfontaines and Koerich. Nowadays, the historical castles in the Guttland region are regularly brought to life with markets and festivities held all year round. One example is the mediaeval festival near Useldange Castle, which also boasts a cultural trail developed under the patronage of UNESCO.
Natural surroundings that encourage sport and slow tourism
Those who enjoy walking and cycling can also explore the Valley of the Seven Castles via the national hiking trail, a 37km route linking Gaichel and Mersch through peaceful countryside. The region also has several themed trails that often reveal surprising secrets: art in the forest in Stafelter (Walferdange) and the Luxembourg stages of the Way of St James.
Cycling enthusiasts can also find their happiness in Guttland. Several cycle paths cross through the region, and fans of Charly Gaul, the Luxembourg cyclist who won the Tour de France in 1958, can even follow the path named after him.
Villages, traditions and innovation
Guttland offers a beguiling blend of ancient and modern, as reflected in the wide range of innovative, sustainable projects under way in the region.
The Thillenvogtei rural museum offers a glimpse of what it was like to live and work in the countryside in past centuries. Younger visitors can learn how to thresh grain, harvest potatoes and bake bread, or sit on the benches of an old school house. The Vitarium is a new experience for families: visitors can find out all about milk and see how different dairy products are produced at the Luxlait plant. The Beckerich mill offers guided tours about renewable energy sources and sustainable development. For the traditional Éimaischen, hundreds of Péckvillercher, typically Luxembourgish trilling clay birds, are on display and available to buy in Nospelt.
A local curiosity can be found in the canton of Redange, which has its own regional currency, the Beki. This project, set up to boost the local economy, promotes cooperation and social cohesion, as well as local production and outlets for regional products.
Guttland - a great place for an afternoon out
Guttland is also easily accessible for travellers coming to Luxembourg City for a business trip. A stone's throw from the capital, the Bambësch and Gréngewald together make up the country's largest area of woodland and are the perfect place for sport and relaxation. An afternoon stroll in the Bambësch is a great way for professionals to recharge their batteries and make sure they are on top form for the next day's work.
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