Chilly's Journal - Stage 8

Chilly's Journal

Author:ChillytheBunitt

MINETT TRAIL MINETT TRAIL

Year:2023

Origin: Minett Trail

The Minett Trail was at first just an idea. The "Minett UNESCO Biosphere" wanted a regional trail connecting it's cities, hubs, historical and natural sites.

Work for this trail started in 2017

Walk through former opencast mines and discover the industrial past! Witness how nature has reclaimed its former territory!

The Minett Trail is a 90km long trail that expands its wings all across the south of Luxembourg. Due to its enormous length the trail is split into 10 stages which can be explored individually.

More info: https://www.minetttrail.lu/

The stages are rated with a difficulty. Are we in a video game now? If so GAME ON

Easy = great for beginners and families.

Medium = great for occasional hikers and it includes narrow pathways and stairs.

Hard = only sporty hikers or people with good physical fitness should tackle these routes.

Sidenote: Unfortunately, not all the stages are barrier-free.

POW

Promotion and education of the southern region in Luxembourg.

Minett Trail: Esch- sur-Alzette -

Schifflange

Distance: 8,92 km

Duration: 2h35

Difficulty: medium

Highlights:

Gaalgebierg, Kabaischen

Schifflange is a municipality in south-western Luxembourg and it is part of the canton of Esch-sur-Alzette.

Fun fact:

Gaalgebierg not only has an animal park, but also a playground for children and a tennis court.

START! Adventures wait for no one

I return to the well-known red bridge, which is the best way to reach Gaalgebierg.

Why are there these panels? That wasn't there last time? Anyway, I shake it off and keep walking.

This can't be happening..

...

The panels are getting more numerous and I feel like I'm going to be ambushed by them at any moment, but the worst happens when a guard stops me. He looks at me and says: "You can't pass here".

You

shall not pass!

But sir, the Minett Trail sign leads me past here.

You shall not pass!

What now? Should I cancel today's hike? NO! I have been through much more difficult challenges. Let's see what I can come up with.

The diversions turns out to be the right choice. I am so happy!

This little passage leads me to a sign that confirms I am going in the right direction.

The nature reserve "LallengerbiergBrucherbierg" is not far 3,4 km to go

This park certainly has some beautiful flowers. And great places to take a nap.

There are quite a few bees in these flower beds, I even have to duck my head away from one.

Oh shoot. Duck formation!

Out of my way, bzz!

Chilly's note: Luckily, no one got hurt.

Chilly's fun fact: Bee dance? Did you know that honey bees have two different dances, the "waggle dance" and the "circle dance"? This is their way of communicating with each other.

The waggle dance does two things. It tells them about the flower patch's distance and the direction it lies from the hive.

The circle dance or round dance tells the bees one thing. The flower patch is close to the hive. (Not its directions) https://askabiologist.asu.edu/bee-dance-game/introduction.html

This charming little restaurant is right next to a tennis court. The worst part is that I can smell them cooking food. Oh, I'm getting hungry!

This weird contraption is the newest addition to some communities. It is a self-serving sun cream machine, and it can be used by anyone.

Chilly's note: Whenever you go hiking don't forget your sun cream. It can save you a sunburn.

I find my personal favourite spot. Oh, I could stay here forever.

Look at this! I feel like a real adventurer right now! Let's climb it up I can't wait.

Hihihi, all the way up into the darkness let's go! I wonder what I will see at the end!

Oh wow! It is...well compared to the previous scenery, it is kind of disappointing. But, it amazes me how quickly the environment changes around these parts.

Climbing action!!!

Alright it's official now. This forest is a magician. The environment now shifts between dry grassland and cooling forest.

A random but beautiful bridge shows me the way. Unfortunately, there is no water below me, but I can see a hole in the distance. Maybe water only flows here when it rains a lot OR because of the change in the world, the river has disappeared altogether!

Chilly's note: I am more than happy that my family decided to join me for this trip. On the left, we have my mother, and on the right, my friend/sister.

Once again, I find myself in a dire situation. I need to cross the street, and I am not fond of that idea, especially with the speed at which vehicles pass me.

Help me!

Chilly's

Somehow, I manage to cross the street of death, and I walk up to the sign. How far is it to Schifflange?

This is the moment when I nearly take the wrong turn. The path ahead continues, but there is also a Minett trail sign on the right side, which would lead back to the street of death.

note: It would be a great idea to use two different signs for both ways.

Here we go! This is the entrance to the nature reserve. I hope, it is as beautiful as the previous forest.

A bit anti-climatic if you ask me, but the interesting thing is that we found a tree that fell over, but refuses to give in. Inspiring!

Unfortunately, this part is filled with rocks, and they are quite pointy. My poor paws!

A small panorama view and a teaser of what is to come, I guess.

We will cross an ocean of dry grass and the path leads us to a mine and to Schifflange which is still 3,8 km away.

Chilly's note: I didn't know that dry grass stabs a bit.

Dry grass ocean

The cliff that we saw before is back, but not in a normal way. Now we are on top of it, walking freely. This is so cool!

Some large rocks will not stop me from my goal!

En garde

We pass under this tree and the path becomes a bit narrower. The good thing is that we are not really close to the end of the cliff. It is in the middle range.

Aha, it seems, that the nature reserve is the magician's apprentice. I also want to be a mage

We go even further up. It doesn't look that high, but it is an impressive height and not for people who are afraid of heights.

We reach a crossing and we all can imagine what happens here, but first we will take a little detour in order to visit the "Waasserbaseng". I wonder if it is a pool in the middle of the forest.

DETOUR TIME!!!

It seems like a planet wants to join our hiking session. There are a lot of panels that talk about the solar system and its planets. I wonder if Pluto is still on those panels?

Well, it is nice and all, but I thought it would be more adventurous. Turns out it's just a generic old swimming pool.

Chilly's note: The worst part is that I have to go the entire way back again without feeling rewarded. Why put in some effort if there's nothing waiting for me? Such a shame.

Backtothe crossing:

Analysis: This crossing has the same problem. The sign is not placed well. On the contrary, it is hidden behind an army of leaves and branches.

Chilly's note: Since I have learned from my mistakes, I make sure to always take my time now to assess the situation properly.

The path reveals some stairs. I don't know who designs those stairs or how old these are.

Minett Trail sign, well hidden on a tree

This section is one of my favorite. It is saturated with colors, shady and easy to walk on. This place wants to share its mysteries with me and I feel as if I am in a mythical world.

Is this Schifflange?

Welcome

The passage on the right leads to a calm place which is perfect for walks and it has a parc, a big hut and a Kabaischen, we're going to explore now.

Chilly's note: I though that these were salads that I could eat.

We find this on our way and I am not certain why all these trees have a blue color on them. Are they sick?

With pleasure

Please, help me!

Oh! This was my entire childhood! Chilly launches to the sky

A slide!! Let's play on the slide!

This is the perfect spot for a small scale summer festival. People could enjoy some music while drinking in the shade. I would be

I love this place, because it would be a great hideout.

is

WOW!!!

Important note: This Kabaischen is only temporarily which I find a shame it will be replaced within the year 2023. The new Kabaischen will be in a former water pool 4 meter underground.

Info: https://www.minetttrail.lu/de/jugendherberge-und-vermietung/kabaisercher-waasserbaseng

Past the mechanical spiders we walk further until we reach a familiar sign and it tells us to go downhill. Chilly's note: These spiders do remind me of the game Pikmin 2 .

Schifflange is a city I have visited multiple times because my grandparents live there. I must say, though, that Schifflange has become more beautiful, especially the train station. But I want you to take a look at it for yourself

Schifflange Gare up ahead!!

The heart of Schifflange is occupied with a lot of cars, but the passageway to the train station is one of the most beautiful ones I have ever seen so far.

This is, as you can see, the train station. It even has a fancy bridge. Chilly's note: I know that sounds rather dumb, but every time I see a bridge and I have to walk under it I am scared that it would fall on my head. I am not even certain where this fear comes from.

Fun fact

Schifflange was formed on 15 August 1876, when it was detached from the municipality of Esch-sur-Alzette. A steelworks in Schifflange was founded in 1871 by the Metz family. Unfortunately, it is not in use anymore and visits are not allowed.

Conclusion: Minett Trail: Rumelange - Dudelange

This section is great for hobby hikers and sportive people and families. The stage has a lot to offer, since it is so versatile in its ecosystem.

Additional Info:

Time: It took me around 3 hours to complete. My time deviates from the average 2 hours and 35 minutes, due to my photos and multiple breaks. (I always exclude my arrival and departure on public transport)

Travel with Public Transport: Train (Esch-sur-Alzette Gare & Schifflange Gare)

Important app: https://www.mobiliteit.lu/en/ (Public transport)

Cultural: Minimal, it has the nature reserve "Lallengerbierg-Brucherbierg," but other than that, it can only score with its red rock formations and views.

Path: Mediocre, the path starts strong with the Gaalgebierg, which is always steep, and there is only a second large climb up. However, after these are conquered, the rest is a piece of cake.

Accessibility:

Last note: Even though there was not as much history then in other stages. This one surprised me with its adventurous air.

Last picture of this part of the Minett Trail. I am lucky enough that the train that you can see here is the one that brings me home. With a bright smile I hop in and enjoy the ride.