Minett Trail: Lodge in Mondercange

Nature and simplicity are the key words for the project from Claudine Kaell (Kael Architects), which won first prize for the “Beim Nëssert” site situated in Bergem. Her “Minetter Kabaisecher zu Biergem” are wholly prefabricated wooden cabins, easily transportable thanks to being made in two sections, which can be assembled in two days and are intended to blend with the recreation ground near where they are set. The lightness and seriousness of the project were what convinced the jury.

“The spirit of the project is that hikers can take advantage of the simplicity that they are looking for in their country walks,” explains the architect. The accommodation is therefore simple, but nonetheless fully equipped; it also has a higher number of beds than in a traditional building. The aim is to preserve the convivial atmosphere of hiking and being close to nature. What is more, maintenance of the surroundings is included in the concept, as the sheep of the village farms are going to be called upon. But simple does not necessarily mean austere: an outside sauna is planned for the well-being of visitors. Furthermore, the jury praised “the lightness and the seriousness of the proposed materials” and “the freedom of interpretation that the project permits”.

Calling to all hikers and nature lovers: the sign-marking of the Minett Trail, a hiking trail across the 11 Pro-Sud municipalities, has begun. This exceptional 90-kilometer trail, launched by the South Regional Tourist Office (ORT Sud) in collaboration with Minett UNESCO Biosphere and with the support of the Ministry of the Economy – General Directorate of Tourism, will connect the emblematic tourist spots of the Minette region. Crossing three national trails that have been in operation since the late 1930s – Sentier du Sud 1 (Engl. Path of the South 1) (from Budersberg to Polvermillen), Sentier du Sud 2 (Engl. Path of the South 2) (from Rodange to Hellange) and Sentier des mineurs (Engl. Path of the miners) (circular route departing from Lamadeleine) – the Minett-Trail will open up new routes. It will run through several natural reserves in the Minette region, which have been recognised as a biosphere reserve by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in October 2020, and will allow hikers of all ages to discover the South of Luxembourg in a unique way. More specifically, it will link several open-cast iron mines (for instance the ‘Prënzebierg – Giele Botter’), the Fond-de-Gras and the ‘Haard-Hesselsbierg-Staebierg’ nature reserve to Dudelange, as well as the new urban district of Belval, the city centres of Pétange and Dudelange, forest landscapes, etc.