Guttland: the land of slow tourism and hidden treasures

Guttland, an invitation to slow down

Slow travel is the antithesis of traditional tourism. Instead of rushing from one famous landmark to another in a crowd of tourists, the idea of slow travel is to explore the areas off the beaten track in a more conscious, unhurried manner.

Slow tourism has become the motto of this region, which offers slow cycling tours, slow trips and the (re)discovery of the hidden treasures and traditions.

In Guttland, slow travel also means high-quality gastronomy. Local produce from the region's fertile soils is given pride of place on menus. There is a wide range of culinary options, including small brasseries as well as Michelin-starred restaurants.  

Exploring Guttland

Discovering nature on foot

A host of walking trails await you. Here's a small selection below:

• Two circular walks have received the "Leading Quality Trails – Best of Europe, Day Walk" label:
  • Siwe Brécke-Wee Trail: this route takes you past small ponds, along bark mulch paths, a stream winding through the Schankegriecht valley, numerous narrow wooden bridges and other delights. The trail is 5.15km long and can be completed in 1h30m. It starts in Reimberg, near the chapel of St. Rochus.
  • Fuussepad Trail: this route includes forests, rock formations, vast fields and the historic ruins of a Roman temple dating back to the 1st century AD. J.-C. The 11.61km can be covered in around 3h30m. Departure point: Steinsel Bei der Antenn forest playground
• Meditation path Randscheleider Pad: an open invitation to indulge in a little peace and quiet as you follow its 12 stations. The 1.5km route starts in Rindschleiden, the smallest village in Luxembourg.
• Mamerleeën: this trail is a regional classic with its unique rock formations and caves carved out of Luxembourg sandstone. 7.53km long, it takes 2h30m to complete.

Cycling through Luxembourg's heritage and landscapes

Explore the scenic landscapes and fascinating culture of the region via one of the many leisurely bicycle paths. Here is a small selection, all starting at Useldange castle:

• Slow cycling – Hidden treasure:​ gentle climbs and picturesque pathways, with a surprise at the end of the tour: the Turelbach castle, situated on an island in the middle of a lake. Distance: 31.23km. You can opt for a shorter route of 23.78km by taking a short cut, but you won't be able to visit the castle.
• Slow cycling – Forgotten train tracks: cycling along old railway lines, you'll travel through rural areas, stopping off at the old stations of Niederpallen and Noerdange where you can delve into Luxembourg's railway heritage. Distance: 24.49km. It is also possible to take a shorter route of 17.95km.
• Slow cycling – Flow and pedal: a relaxing cycling experience along the streams which lead to Attert. Distance: 16.62km.
• Slow cycling – Sunseeker tour: the route takes you past Luxembourg's oldest oak tree in Saeul, where we recommend you take a break in the shade. It's the ideal spot for a picnic along the way! Distance: 13.43km.

Castles and Roman villas: a journey through time

A trip to Guttland is a journey through time, from the prehistoric to the present day.

History enthusiasts can visit:

• The Miecher Roman villa: located in Goeblange, the tour takes visitors 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, during the unrest of the barbarian invasions.
• The Raschpëtzer Qanat: located in the Helmsange forest is an underground aqueduct system that supplied drinking water to an area once inhabited by the Romans, in what are now the communes of Walferdange and Steinsel.
• Celtic aristocratic tombs: a circular route leads to the grave mounds of Goeblingen-Nospelt where four Celtic knights and a princess were buried in the 1st century BC.

Guttland is a dream come true for castelophiles! The Eisch Valley, also known as the Valley of the Seven Castles, is one of the country's major tourist attractions. It is named after its seven castles: Mersch, Schoenfels, Hollenfels, the old and new castles of Ansembourg, Septfontaines and Koerich.

Even today, these castles regularly come to life during the various markets and festivities held on site throughout the year.

The Valley of the Seven Castles can also be explored by car in one day. You can immerse yourself in 1,000 years of history, concentrated in an area of 25km, and enjoy a vast array medieval architecture, which is hard to find anywhere else in Europe.

Villages, traditions and local cuisine

Did you know that one of the country's most popular crafts originated in Guttland? The Péckvillercher are earthenware whistling birds made from clay and are displayed in Nospelt for the Éimaischen folk festival on Easter Monday.

There are also a number of museums where you can discover the region's traditions, which are often linked to local produce and rural life:

• Thillenvogte rural museum: the museum organises activities based on the life and work of farmers in times gone by, such as threshing grain or harvesting potatoes. The museum is located in Rindschleiden, a small village where you will also find the St. Willibrord church, famous for its 15th and 16th century frescoes.
• Kulturmillen mill: this former mill organises workshops on life and crafts in centuries past. It is located in Beckerich.
• Luxlait Vitarium: discover the world of milk in all its forms. It is located in Roost.

If you're a fan of local beer and cuisine, take a culinary tour of Kleinbettingen, a village renowned for its cereals, which are exported across Europe. If you prefer your spirits or eaux-de-vie (in moderation, of course!), then try Luxembourgish Drëppen, a name derived from the word Drëps, which means drop or small quantity of liquid in Luxembourgish.

In the 27 municipalities which form the Guttland, traditional local culture and modernity go hand-in-hand. We invite you to take a leisurely tour through this region and experience some unforgettable moments.