CFL Tour M Differdange - Belval-Université - Esch-sur-Alzette - Rumelange - Bettembourg

The south of Luxembourg is characterised by the former iron ore mining and the steel industry, which is still active today. A trip to this region is definitely worthwhile, especially since Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg's second largest city, was European Capital of Culture in 2022.

Opposite the Differdange train station, at the sculpture on the left side of a shopping centre (OpKorn) is the starting point of this cycle tour. The nearby Luxembourg Science Center is a fun and entertaining discovery center dedicated to science and technology. You should plan a visit.

Initially, you will follow a cycle path uphill in the direction of Belvaux, which follows the route of a former cable railway, that over 13 km, used to transport iron ore between the ore mines of Ottange in France and the blast furnaces in Differdange. On the way, you will enjoy the panorama over the Minett (iron ore) region.

In the centre of Belvaux, leave the roundabout in the direction of Redange. After 500 m, turn right at the sign up to the cemetery (Cimetière), close to an old mining train. Along the railway, you will reach the underpass at the Belval-Rédange railway station. The 1.2 km from the roundabout to the underpass are not marked as a cycle route on the LBC map.

Cross under the tracks and turn left. From the car park go up the “rue J. Welu-Scherer” to the main road. Turn left and 150 m further turn left again onto the national cycle path PC8 Piste cyclable de la Terre Rouge.

This path, which follows the border between Luxembourg and France, offers some beautiful views of the iron industrial wastelands of Belval-Université. Here, a new district is being developed for several years now, where contemporary architecture forms a symbiosis with the cultural heritage of the iron industry. You should take some time for a tour through this quarter.

Behind Belval-Université station, in front of the multi-storey car park, you will come back onto the PC8, which you take to the left in the direction of the service station to reach Esch-sur-Alzette.

The PC8 leads past the centre of Esch-sur-Alzette and you leave the town through the rue J.-P. Bausch. The subsequent climb through the forest area is demanding and after two kilometers on the plateau, you’ll reach a car park. In front you find the viewpoint Léiffrächen (hidden by hedges). From here you can enjoy a panorama over the south of the country with a distant view all the way to the capital. Here you should also pay attention to the national memorial dedicated to miners who died at work.

Afterwards, between Léiffrächen and Rumelange, the cyclist is offered impressive views of former open-cast mining sites, on whose red earth a magnificent biotope landscape now thrives. At the entrance of Rumelange, a visit to the national mining museum is recommended.

After passing the parc at the end of the downhill section, take the second street on your right (Rue Nicolas Pletschette) and then the mainstreet to the left. Straight ahead of the roundabout, you’ll find the signage of PC8.

From Rumelange, the PC8 and PC6 leads, alternately through urban and rural areas via Tétange, Kayl and Noertzange to your destination for the day, Bettembourg. In front of the supermarked, pass the bridge and turn right twice. Now follow the railway through residential roads and a short gravel section up to the police station, where you’ll find the railway station to your right. An elevator can be found at the end of the platform.