Cool stuff to do What’s on Warm at heart Autumn & winter Christmas markets Best coffee places activities & traditions & distilleries Guttland Stories AUTUMN-WINTER 2/2020 - ENGLISH Absorb the vibe of ’s calm heart 27

The region Member municipalities at a glance 693 km2 www.visitguttland.lu Area Luxembourg: 2.586 km2

Grosbous Wahl 24%

Number of inhabitants Ernz Blanche of total population Préizerdaul

Bissen

e Ell

Ernz Noir 6 rivers

Beckerich Wark, , Alzette, , Eisch & Syre

Lorentzweiler

Kehlen Heisdorf 10 railway Steinfort

Capellen e Kleinbettingen stations Mosell

Mamer LUXEMBOURG Munsbach Schuttrange

Oetrange > 10 castles

Ansembourg (2), Colpach-Bas, Weiler -la-Tour Hollenfels, Koerich, Mersch, Munsbach, Pettingen,

Alzette Schoenfels & Useldange…

< 1.000 km

Hiking trails

Railway Train station Motorway Watercourse > 130 km Cycle paths

2 GUTTLAND STORIES ABSORB THE VIBE OF LUXEMBOURG’S CALM HEART Content

4-7 Ah sou ! Surprising facts about the Guttland region

5 8-25 Cool stuff to do 29 Autumn & winter activities

26-41 What’s On Christmas markets & traditions

11 42-56 Warm at heart Best coffee places & distilleries

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54 3 Ah sou! Surprising facts about the Guttland region

Who can beat Josy? Modern archaeology pioneer

The track and field athlete Joseph Barthel (1927-1992) Georges Kayser (1916-1988), a pastor in Nospelt, was from Mamer is the proud and so far only Luxembourg also a passionate archaeologist. Obsessed with archaeo- Olympic champion. He won the gold medal in the logical research, he developed an extraordinary sense 800 m race at the 1947 military world championships for locating archaeological sites from an early age. The in Berlin. The absolute highlight of his athletic career most important of his discoveries include the now took place at the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki world-famous Celtic aristocratic tombs at Goeblin- where, with a magnificent final spurt, he won the 1500 gen-Nospelt. His work brought about a change of at- m run in 3‘45“2, an Olympic record at that time! titude among public officials and laid the foundations for professionalizing archaeology in Luxembourg. In the municipality of Préizerdaul, more specifically in Reimberg, a running track through the forest, has been www.gka.lu dedicated to Josy Barthel. www.preizerdaul.lu

4 GUTTLAND STORIES ABSORB THE VIBE OF LUXEMBOURG’S CALM HEART Rindschleiden, the small- est village in Luxembourg

Rindschleiden (Randschelt) is the smallest village in the Grand Duchy and had already captivated Saint Willibrord. Legend has it that he created a spring here with his pilgrim‘s staff. The church dedica- ted to him boasts exposed frescoes from the 15th and 16th centuries. After the meditation path and the visit to the Thillenvogtei living mu- seum, you should definitely stop by the smallest bistro in the country. You can count on an enchanting visit. www.rindschleiden.lu

The dean’s private “prayer house”

John E. Kleiner, dean in Mersch from 1781 until his death in 1790, enjoyed gardening but especially his regular dip in the river Mamer, at the edge of his garden. To be able to partake undisturbed, far away from the prying eyes of the population, he had a small, chic bathhouse built in 1789 in the baroque style, with a family crest (vine) above the entrance door. Accordingly, the name “Bethaus” is not derived from “beten” [praying] but from “baden” [bathing].

5 The mysterious Fautelfiels

6 GUTTLAND STORIES ABSORB THE VIBE OF LUXEMBOURG’S CALM HEART The mysterious Fautelfiels Schlammwiss nature reserve The name Fautelfiels is made up of 2 words Fautel (“faulde” – charcoal There is an exceptional nature area) and Fiels (rock). The prove- reserve in the Syr river called nance of the name of the mysteri- Schlammwiss, Natura2000 area. ous cave is not really known, nor The 375-hectare wetland is the who were the first people to be largest contiguous reed area in active there. It is hidden in the Luxembourg. This natural paradise woods of and has is home to a bird ringing station, only been home to a chapel here which plays an important role in since the French Revolution. The research and studies on biodiversi- plateau affords a magnificent view ty and nature conservation. Obser- Why Valley of of the Alzette valley. ving (migratory) birds and flower the Seven Castles? and plant species while hiking is a www.lorentzweiler.lu particular highlight here. A great It makes perfect sense. The valley way to discover the nature reserve has 7 castles! Originally they were is by doing a guided tour (advance counted only in the valley of the booking required). Eisch. But when the “Fockeschlass” in Koerich disappeared completely, www.birdringingstation- there were only 6 left! So the castle schlammwiss.com in Schoenfels from the neighbou- ring Mamer valley was added and the valley was complete again.

7 Cool stuff to do

Autumn & winter activities

8 GUTTLAND STORIES ABSORB THE VIBE OF LUXEMBOURG’S CALM HEART Key date 15 September. Rentrée! In Luxembourg, this means returning from holidays, back to work, school, and normal life. To rest? Absolutely not. People are looking forward to the upcoming period, with numerous festivals, traditions and customs on the slate. Most of them revolve around the physical well-being of the Guttlanders. The harvests are celebrated and ancient agricultural traditions are perpetuated. Social village events with a still genuine local character are eagerly anticipated! The first festivals of apples, plums, potatoes, beer, nuts and pumpkins are prepared.

9 Cool stuff to do

Thillenvogtei in Rindschleiden

From collection craving to living museum

A popular destination for school them also the technology, as well as excursions is the lively Thillenvog­ Anno 1900 the necessary working material. tei state museum in Rindschleiden. Work on this farm is still going on As in many localities, there was a Ney Jang from Wahl already had a as in the days of yore! Participation time in where whole village com- collector‘s zeal as a child. The war is a duty here too, and experience munities lived from agriculture in had not been over for long. Proud comes from doing. Bread is baked Guttland. Before 1900, there was as punch, Jang regularly brought together in the old wood-fired not much evidence of mechaniza- home American war scrap from the oven, the harvest is brought in on tion in Luxembourg either. It was “tip” (rubbish dump). His father the potato field and the school not until the 1930s that the first reminded him: “Wann‘s de näischt desk dates from 1900. machines were acquired. Then Besseres fënns, deen Dreck do häss many sought work de direkt kënnen do loossen!” (If you in the industrial sector in the 1950s. can‘t find anything useful, leave the They went either to Martelange in dirt where it comes from!) He po- the Leekollen or to the south to inted out to his son that he should work in the steel industry. In the be collecting material from dying 1970s the number of farms still ac- trades rather than material that is tive in the village could be counted only meant to be destroyed. “Du in one hand. Many professions fell wäerts gesinn, wann‘s de grouss bass, into oblivion slowly but surely: gëtt et kee Schneider a kee Schouster basket weaver, wainwright, tailor, méi am Duerf!” (You will see, when shoemaker, seamstress ... and with you are a grown-up, there won‘t

10 GUTTLAND STORIES ABSORB THE VIBE OF LUXEMBOURG’S CALM HEART be any more tailors or shoema- The apple does kers in the village.) This is how a not fall far from breath-taking collection came into being over the years. Various props the tree of old trades found a safe place in Jang‘s barn. At the end of the Today, Jang‘s charming daughter 1980s, there were props from about Elisabeth runs the museum with 40 almost or completely forgotten as much passion and talent as her trades. One day a retired school- father. In the meantime, not only teacher appeared on the farm. He school children but also groups gave Jang the idea to build a living of all ages are welcome. Time has museum for school children from stood still in the Thillenvogtei and his unique and valuable private col- that is precisely why it is often lection. After careful consideration, booked as a “location” for various and with the support of family and festivities. Stag and hen parties are friends, the museum was inaugu- particularly popular and ever so rated. But it still needed a name. A amusing. Elisabeth tests the future professor from Eschette analysed bride for suitability, just like in and deciphered documents from the past. Can the bride cook, bake, 1688 that were found in the attic sew, clean? The “custom-made” of the Thillenvogtei: “Thielen Vogtey offers of the Thillenvogtei are a zu Wahll under dem Hursten Hause “must do” and guarantee to remain daselbsten dem Hauss Everlingen mit unforgettable. schaaff, frondt, diensten zugethan Hatt scheuer, stallung backhauss und mist- www.thillenvogtei.lu platzen vor der thur…”

11 Cool stuff to do

Boxemännchen recipe

500 g flour 20 g yeast 2 tablespoons of sugar 250 ml lukewarm milk 10 g salt 2 eggs 100 g butter For the icing: 1/2 cup icing sugar

Sift the flour into a bowl and make a well in the middle. Crumble the yeast into it. Add 1 tablespoon sugar and some luke- warm milk. Mix with some flour to a smooth pre-dough and let it rise covered for 15 minutes. Add the egg, 1 tablespoon sugar, salt and the remaining milk. Mix all ingredients, add the butter and knead well. Cover the dough and leave to rise for 20 minutes. Knead well again. Form small cake men on a floured work surface and place them on a Please m(eat) Boxemännchen! baking tray covered with baking paper. Leave to rise for another Speaking of baking. Do you know school children even have that 20 minutes. Brush with the bea- the BoxeMännchen? The “Nek- day off (6.12) ! It is not uncom- ten egg and bake in a preheated losdag” is still the day of the year mon to see “parades” in various oven at 180 to 200°C for about that children most impatiently communities on these days. Father 30 minutes. You can garnish the long for. Already days before the Christmas and the Houseker, Boxemännchen with icing. To actual name day of St. Nicholas, “de accompanied by the Mayor and the do this, dissolve 1/2 cup of icing Schong” is sown. The little ones put Alderman, are on tour through the sugar with a little water and their shoes or slippers outside the schools to spoil the children with brush the finished pastry with it. door in the evening. If you‘ve been goodies. good, you get a little something to © Cookbook by Maischi Tibesart: E nibble on, for example a Boxe- Maufel Lëtzebuerg - Mit Maischi unter- männchenman, a brioche made wegs in der Luxemburger Küche [With of sweet yeast dough shaped like Maischi on the way to a little man. But if you have been cuisine], Editions Guy Binsfeld (2015) naughty, Santa‘s grim sidekick, “the Houseker” (Black Peter), would put a rod in the box. But the real gift is on the night of the 5th to 6th December. Luxembourg‘s primary

12 GUTTLAND STORIES ABSORB THE VIBE OF LUXEMBOURG’S CALM HEART Apple Festival in Steinsel

An apple a day…

… keeps the doctor away! The Gutt- land region was once more charac- terised by large orchards, with a remarkable variety of fruits, which used to play an important role in self-sufficiency. However, most or- chards in Luxembourg are nowadays located in the “Miselerland”, the climatically favoured area between the and the Syr. All over the country, the orchards that still exist are protected and cultivated. In the Guttland, the municipality of Stein- sel is known for its excellent fruit, in summer for the strawberries and in autumn for the juicy apples. The special feature: the popular “join-in weekends”. Everyone is allowed to pick the fruit and take it home. The whole thing is combined with a celebration, because: “if you can work, you can celebrate.” The famous apple festival is celebrated on three weekends around the “Stee- seler Bierg” and attracts hundreds of people. There are 25,000 trees with about 12 different apple varieties on 12 hectares. The organizers offer various apple specialities, press fresh apple juice, called “Viz”, not to be confused with the German Viez (apple ). There will be barbe- cues, apple wine, apple schnapps and apple to be enjoyed! The Apple Festival is usually on the last weekend in September and the first two weekends in October. www.eistuebstagemeis.lu (Everything is a bit different this year. Please inform yourself in ad- vance whether an event or activity takes place.)

13 Cool stuff to do

14 GUTTLAND STORIES ABSORB THE VIBE OF LUXEMBOURG’S CALM HEART Educational farm Freylinger-Klein in Hovelange

Feel Wonderwool - Hiking with Alpacas

Let‘s be honest. Walking the dog is really nothing special. Have you Warm the heart ever had an alpaca on a leash, let alone taken one for a walk? Dany If you feel cold after the hike, then and Jean-Marc Freylinger-Klein please just ask for “Wonderwool” from Hovelange in Schweecherdaul This is the name of the Freylingers’ have 6 of these shaggy, magical farm shop stocked with a great creatures on their educational offer of high quality products made farm: Charly Brown, Danny, Dona- of alpaca wool. Clothing made tello, Mister D, Wonder & Eldora- from alpaca wool was considered do. It seemed like a crazy idea at a sign of prosperity among the first when Dany told her husband Incas. It has some unique characte- that she wanted an alpaca. But ristics. For one, the fibres are very Dany didn‘t let up. In the begin- fine, which makes them very light. ning it was an unusual sight to see Furthermore, the soft alpaca wool alpacas grazing in the middle of the has very good heat insulating pro- village, but now the tufts of wool perties as a result. In summer, the are an integral part of the village wool repels heat from the outside community. Dany and Jean-Marc while providing good protection offer great hikes with the “pacos” against UV radiation. In winter it which stem from the South Ameri- keeps you warm. can Andes. Let’s go the whole hog: cheers. The delicious Pisco Sour aperitif will Does paco spit? also warm your heart! Jean-Marc always likes to conjure up his Have no fear. Alpacas are also used homemade Pisco bottle and knows in animal assisted therapy because how to regale his guests with his of their calm and peaceful nature. Peruvian drink. Even Jean-Marc could not resist their charm. After all, Dany‘s alpa- www.alpakatrekking.com ca wound up becoming 6! Lamas spit, alpacas spit too. They do this Tip: mainly among each other to get No hikes between Wonderwool is open every acquainted. This behaviour is very 15.11.2020 and 01.03.2021 1st Monday of the month, 5:00 to 7:00 PM. rarely directed against humans, ho- Sweet Christmas market on wever. And if it does, this shower the first Advent. does not hurt.

15 Cool stuff to do

Réidener Schwämm in Redange

Relax and submerge

You can relax and submerge your senses in Redange. The cosy “Réidener Schwämm” has carried out various modernization works in 2020. The result is really great and beckons you to relax. If you are more in the mood for action, you should give the fastest slide in the Great Region a go. Other- wise, you can have a less fast but no less exciting competition with 2 other slides on the Magic Twice duo slide. The sauna area is super cosy and downright inviting. There are several Finnish saunas spread around the park, surrounded by huge trees and hedges. In the main chalet, the largest sauna (made of wood, naturally) with bar is recom- mended. Not exhausted yet? Then off to the basement and the fitness room with you. Various infusions Tip: The Réidener are organized regularly in the main Schwämm sauna. The swimming pool building organizes theme boasts a steam bath, showers and a events in the sauna on a regular basis. lounge where you can relax. The dates are posted on the homepage. Réidener Schwämm 28, rue de la Piscine L-8508 Redange/Attert T +352 23 62 00 32 [email protected]

www.reidener-schwemm.lu

16 GUTTLAND STORIES ABSORB THE VIBE OF LUXEMBOURG’S CALM HEART Pidal in Helmsange

Wellness on demand

The PIDAL is highly recommen- te, first-class cosmetic and body ded. This more remote recreational treatments, tea stations, relaxation oasis of the Guttland is located in areas with open fireplaces and a Helmsange near Walferdange. A luxurious ambience in the single large pool and non-swimmer pool and double treatment rooms make are located on the first floor. The PIDAL SPA a unique refuge in the sauna area in the green setting is Great Region. very popular. PIDAL Stress is taken away on the 2nd and rue des Prés 3rd floor. The focus in the PIDAL L-7246 Helmsange (Walferdange) SPA is on peace and relaxation. T +352 33 91 72 1 “Wellness on demand”, feel good [email protected] à la carte! Weightless relaxation in the seawater pool, enjoying a www.pidal.lu sauna together with your partner or friends in a themed spa sui-

Tip: Reservations for the wellness area can be made online: shop.pidal.lu. On Thursdays the sauna area is reserved exclusively for the ladies. The restaurant “Aux Berges” is famous for its excellent salads!

17 Cool stuff to do

Syrdall Schwämm in Niederanven

Fantastic panorama and design

Modern architecture and futuris- tic design characterize this water world in Niederanven. The over- sized glass façade affords a fantas- tic panorama. Sufficient sitting and lying possibilities beckon you to linger. Two Finnish saunas, a bio-sauna, a steam bath, adventure showers and a wonderful sauna terrace, and other facilities make for a lot of variety in the wellness area. Admission is via online regis- tration.

Syrdall Schwämm 3, Routscheed L-6939 Niederanven T +352 34 93 63 1 [email protected]

www.syrdall-schwemm.lu

18 GUTTLAND STORIES ABSORB THE VIBE OF LUXEMBOURG’S CALM HEART Aqua Center Krounebierg in Mersch

Wellness and fun for the whole family

A diving platform, a water slide ments for massage are possible. Centre Aquatique Krounebierg and several water games inside Please ask for your appointment 14, rue de la Piscine and outside the swimming pool at the reception desk or via online L-7572 Mersch promise fun and relaxation for the reservation. T +352 32 88 23 1 whole family. [email protected]

The swimming facility boasts www.krounebierg.lu pools for every level, from todd- lers to competitive athletes. The wellness area is a source of elation with different saunas, steam bath, whirlpools and a roof terrace with a wonderful view over the wide val- ley. The wellness area is currently open by reservation only. Appoint-

19 Cool stuff to do

Bowling & dining in the dark in A Guddesch in Mersch

Weess d’nach, Kelebouf? Do you remember, bowling boy?

Bowling is one of the oldest sports, should come as no surprise therefo- to get used to the new surroun- with a tradition going back thou- re that many cafés in Luxembourg dings. It is difficult to find plates, sands of years to the high culture had a bowling alley called “Keele- knives, forks, spoons and glasses of Egypt and Rome. Archaeological bunn”! But many of them aged over and then have them find the way to excavations in Egypt unearthed the years and have slowly disap- your mouth when you cannot see, accessories for skittles games and peared. Modern, digitized bowling of course. But if something goes wall reliefs in ! Our skitt- alleys have replaced the old models wrong, nobody will see it. The great les may have originated with the and are still lots of fun. One of thing is the experience you will game of stone target throwing on them with 2 lanes is located in the have, because as soon as you get 3-, 7- or 9-skittle bones played by Hotel Restaurant “A Guddesch” used to the special environment, the Germanic tribes and did not in Beringen near Mersch, which is and this happens relatively quickly, have much in common with today‘s open from Tuesdays to Sundays by you will find that everything tastes skittles. Whereas bowling was often reservation. Another recommen- more intense, because your whole dominated by bets, brawls and al- dable bowling alley is the Hotel perception has changed and you eat cohol excesses in the Middle Ages, Jacoby in Kleinbettingen. much more attentively than usual. today European and even world All visual distractions are elimina- bowling championships are held. Enjoy blindly. ted! “A Guddesch” serves a 4-course The game of skittles lost its bad re- Dinner in the dark set menu, wine included, for putation only at the end of the 16th €65,00 per person. This highlight century and was again permitted Let us linger a while longer in Be- lasts 2 hours and starts at for entertainment, not least becau- ringen near Mersch in the restau- 8:15 PM. Guests are requested to se the nobility and the clergy were rant “A Guddesch”, where a special arrive at 8:00 PM. Reservation very enthusiastic practitioners! It highlight is offered during the win- required. ter months. At Dinner in the dark the lights are actually switched A Guddesch off, so you dine in total darkness! 1, am Kaesch Impossible? Well, you first have L-7593 Beringen/Mersch T +352 26 32 04 20 [email protected]

www.gudd.lu

Book the bowling alley in “A Guddesch” in combination with a buffet

20 GUTTLAND STORIES ABSORB THE VIBE OF LUXEMBOURG’S CALM HEART 21 Cool stuff to do

Hotel Jacoby in Kleinbettingen

Wish you were beer

known as passionate beer drinkers, have invented their own name for beer connoisseurs: beerologist. Makes sense, doesn’t it? Just like a sommelier, Ralph is a qualified beerologist, well-versed in the history, brewing techniques and taste of bier, so he is a “Sommelier de bière diplômé” [qualified beer sommelier]. So here you can learn first-hand which type of beer goes with which course. One of the top dishes is, for example, Zürcher Kalb Geschnetzeltes [Zurich style The Jacoby Hotel in Kleinbettingen fricassee] with “Westmalle Triple” has been owned by the family of (a Trappist beer) or Sauerkraut the same name since 1929. The for- with “De Bettener”, the in-house mer café became the present 4-star beer, which of course you cannot hotel with the well-known restau- get anywhere else. rant “De Bräiläffel”. Four genera- tions have been involved in this Custom made beer samples success story, and the succession is secured now that eldest daughter Ralph Schmitt loves to share his Fabienne has taken over the reins. passion and knowledge about the multifaceted topic of beer with The Leopard doesn’t like-minded people and therefore change its spots! offers custom made beer samples. It is therefore worthwhile to con- The father, Aloyse Jacoby, retired tact him in advance to arrange the chef, is still regularly to be found An aperitif in the garden topics and procedure. is highly recommended behind the saucepans and is still in winter! Mulled wine, passionately fond of swirling the Hotel Jacoby outside, by the fire! ladle, or rather his “Bräiläffel” 11, rue de la Gare (mash spoon)? L-8380 Kleinbettingen T +352 39 01 98 1 A passionate beerologist! [email protected]

Ralph Schmitt, Fabienne‘s hus- www.hoteljacoby.lu band, has brought another passion to the Jacoby family: beer! The French call a studied wine connois- seur “sommelier” but the Belgians,

22 GUTTLAND STORIES ABSORB THE VIBE OF LUXEMBOURG’S CALM HEART Jumpbox - Trampoline Park in Contern

Jump, Jump, Jump!

Jumping, bouncing, somersaults, Jumpbox just for fun or for a workout, the 8, rue de l’Etang Jumpbox in Contern offers enough L-5326 Contern space on 400 m² on 2 levels and T +352 2822761 inspires jumpers big and small to [email protected] let off steam on different trampo- lines. It is particularly important www.jumpbox.lu to peruse the website before you set off for Contern, as you must familiarize yourself with the rules without fail and also sign the wai- ver of liability online. Only then will you be able to book online. In a word, get the work out of the way first, for the sheer pleasure that is to follow.

23 Cool stuff to do

Vitarium in Roost/

The Vitarium by Luxlait

Luxembourg is home to one of the are also most welcome. A varied Vitarium by Luxlait most modern dairies in Europe. programme with a cheese tasting Am Seif The Vitarium by Luxlait visitor of Luxlait products can be reser- L-7759 Roost-Bissen centre in Roost - Bissen awaits ved. We would also be very pleased T +352 25 02 80 222/399 visitors not for a simple tour, but to help organize transport by bus [email protected] for an exciting discovery of the with selected partners. The large world of milk in all its facets. The banquet hall with terrace, which Opening hours: Wednesday to centre features interactive stations can accommodate 20 to 160 people, Sunday 09:00 AM to 5:30 PM where you can learn interesting is ideal for all family celebrations, facts about milk, dairy products from birthdays to weddings. www.vitarium.lu and agriculture.

The Vitarium is kicking off the au- tumn season with new programmes for private individuals and schools. Birthday parties, Halloween party, winter themes. The programmes are extended with cooking work- shops for children of all ages. The premises boast 10 cooking stations equipped with induction hobs, steam cookers, grills and woks. Senior citizens and travel groups

All current pro- grammes, prices and hall rental information are available online at www.vitarium.lu and can be booked on request.

24 GUTTLAND STORIES ABSORB THE VIBE OF LUXEMBOURG’S CALM HEART 25 What’s on

What‘s on

Everything is a bit different this year…

Numerous events are being cancelled or postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Please inform yourself in advance whether an event takes place. Current information can be found on the respective website of the event, on our website www.visitguttland.lu or on www.events.lu.

Some events have already been cancelled. We have decided to present them here anyway (with the reference that the event has been can- celled), so you can look forward to next year’s edition.

26 GUTTLAND STORIES ABSORB THE VIBE OF LUXEMBOURG’S CALM HEART From the beginning of the cold seasons, our ancestors in Central Europe met in markets to stock up on meat and winter necessities as soon as the cold season set in. A custom was established as of the 14th century to enable craftsmen such as toy makers, basket weavers or confectioners to set up stalls where toys and treats that children were given for Christmas were sold. Stands with roasted chestnuts, nuts and almonds were already there at that time.

27 What’s on

17.10.2020 21-22.11.2020

A nutty delight Luxemburg reads The Schëtter Nëssmaart The Walfer Bicherdeeg

Every year, the nut market in Schuttrange offers all The “Walfer Bicherdeeg” has since 1995 been bringing kinds of local nuts for sale: from fresh nuts to the together bookworms, publishers and writers from all “Nossdrëpp” or liqueur, oils, sausages and delicious over Luxembourg and the Great Region in November. pastries. The 70 or so stalls are occupied mostly by Many stands sell new and old books, and organize rea- associations from the community. Local music bands dings and book-signing sessions. Thousands of visitors & “friends” create a great musical atmosphere at this are drawn to the municipality of Walferdange every nutty folk festival. year. On the large sports ground “Prince Henri”, the 2 sports arenas and a tent city are transformed into a Tip: The railway station is very close by. If you arrive large book fair. The national television & radio are pre- by car, a Park&Ride service is offered. sent and broadcast live the very popular essay compe- tition, where celebrities are dictated a Luxembourgish Salle des fêtes text and then, once it has been polished, are judged on 185, rue Principale it. Another highlight since 2006 has been the Luxem- L-5366 Munsbach bourg Book Prize. www.schuttrange.lu www.walferdange.lu www.bicherdeeg.lu

28 GUTTLAND STORIES ABSORB THE VIBE OF LUXEMBOURG’S CALM HEART 25.10.2020 10:00 AM-5:00 PM

International model railway exchange Steinsel

The time has come. The whistle warbles, the Modu- le-Club Luxembourg sets the course and gives the green light for the opening of the 28th International Model Railway Exchange. Lots of participants and many visitors from Luxembourg, , , and the are on hand. The clock is ticking: Fans set off in search of a collector‘s model, others stroll leisurely through the rows. Everyone, big or small, is looking forward to fantastic bargains to complete their own model railway collection. Whether in the 1/87 scale or in smaller or larger scales, there is something for everyone.

Centre de Loisir Norbert Melcher rue de l’Alzette L-7305 Steinsel Admission: €4; children under 12: free www.module-club.lu

29 What’s on

Christmas Markets Tis the season to be jolly!

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30 GUTTLAND STORIES ABSORB THE VIBE OF LUXEMBOURG’S CALM HEART 1 Haut-Martelange (P. 32) 13 Steinfort (P. 33) Slate Museum 11-13 & 18-20.12.2020 27-28.11.2020 www.steinfort.lu www.ardoise.lu 14 Rindschleiden (P. 32) 2 Mertzig 05.12.2020 www.mertzig.lu www.rindschleiden.lu

3 Koerich 15 Gréiweschlass (Castle) Op der Millen 04-06.12.2020 12-13.12.2020 www.koerich.lu www.dmillen.lu

4 Kopstal 16 Steinsel 27-29.11.2020 1. Kulturhaus “Laval - Tudor” www.kopstal.lu 2. Centre de Loisirs “Nobert Melcher” www.steinsel.lu 5 Bissen www.bissen.lu 17  - Park 04-06 / 11-13 / 18-20.12.2020 6 Redange (P. 34) www.hesperange.lu Op der Schock 28.11.2020 18 Niederanven www.opderschock.lu www.niederanven.lu

7  19 Helmdange www.kehlen.lu www.lgslorentzweiler.lu

8 Mersch (P. 33) 20 Sandweiler 28-29.11.2020 www.sandweiler.lu www.mersch.lu 21 Schuttrange 9 Ell 11-13.12.2020 www.ell.lu www.schuttrange.lu

10 Garnich 22 Vichten www.garnich.lu Town hall www.vichten.lu 11 Useldange (P. 33) Castle 23 Helperknapp www.useldange.lu www.helperknapp.lu

12 Moutfort 24 Mamer Park 05-06 / 11-13.12.2020 www.contern.lu www.mamer.lu 31 What’s on

05.12.2020 27.11.2020 - 6 pm-11 pm 28.11.2020 - 11 am-11 pm Rindschleiden Advent market Haut-Martelange “Chrëschtmaart” The Christmas markets did not become established in Luxembourg until the last quarter of the 20th Another impressive winter backdrop is provided by century, usually in larger towns. Except in Guttland. the disused Leekollen (slate quarries) in Haut-Marte- Here, the smallest village in the country, the popular lange on the Luxembourg-Belgium border. Time seems Rindschleiden, has made a big name for itself with to have stood still at this historic site, nestled in a its “Adventsmaart” [Advent Market] in the midst of valley surrounded by forests. The remote area of the nature. As already noted on page 5, there is something slate museum is quite exceptional – in every season. magical about this place that casts a spell on people. More than 22 buildings and vestiges are spread over an There are many Christmas markets in Guttland during area of 8ha. The industrial buildings with the saw- the Christmas season. Practically next door. But if mill, the splitting houses, the smithy, locksmith‘s and you want to go to “Randschelt”, you must know that carpenter‘s shop, the underground mines, the office it is somewhat far away... For some people this means building, the workers‘ houses as well as the owner‘s having to reduce the number of glasses of mulled wine villa in the English park with hunting lodge form a drastically. But they are glad to make the sacrifice! unique homogeneous unity. On 27 and 28 November Even if it rains cats and dogs and it does not snow. the “Chrëschtmaart” is held here in and around the Every year hundreds of people are drawn to this cha- popular “Bopebistro” (Grandpa‘s Café). Many fairy rismatic Advent market with its many small stalls and lights, small wooden chalets and live music invite you great Christmas atmosphere. to linger. www.rindschleiden.lu www.ardoise.lu

32 GUTTLAND STORIES ABSORB THE VIBE OF LUXEMBOURG’S CALM HEART 28.11 & 29.11.2020 11.-13. & 18.-20.12.2020

Mersch Steinfort The Christmas market Christmas Market with a small town flair People flock to Steinfort on the second and third The shopping street, which is closed to traffic, the city weekend before Christmas. The Christmas market on centre lit up with Christmas lights and the decorated the Belgian border has its own charm and is ever so 40 wooden chalets make Mersch particularly cosy delightful with some 30 beautifully decorated wooden around the holidays. Only this small town can offer chalets, and its enchanting lighting. Particular care this unique atmosphere. Concerts of all kinds accom- is taken with the large Christmas tree by the church pany the events around St. Michel‘s Tower. Saturday that brings a special Christmas glow with its thousand evening is particularly exciting for the little guests. lights. Well-behaved children get a present. www.steinfort.lu www.mersch.lu

Useldange Castle

The Christmas market within the walls of Useldange Castle is very cosy and contemplative, as is the Käer- cher Niklosmaart. Here you will meet mainly people from the village community and discover many small stalls with homemade gift ideas.

Warm drinks, hearty food and music make Christmas something to look forward to.

www.useldange.lu

33 What’s on

28.11.2020

Op der Schock Redange Ideas are rather peculiar…

... and should be given some leeway! Founded in 1989, There is a lot of activity in the autumn and the sheltered workshops of Op der Schock in Redange pre-Christmas period, especially in the creative also started out as a small idea back then. People with studios. The intermingling scents of winter cand- intellectual disabilities were to be given permanent le aromas, fir brushwood or the busy hot glue gun, jobs in a plant nursery and, since 2000, in various complemented splendidly by the appetizing smell of creative studios also where they could work on their homemade Christmas stollen, biscuits and elderberry individual personality development under guidance syrup, make the hearts of customers as well as of all and support. The aim was to offer them a good quality employees beat faster with anticipation! of life and to promote their occupational and social inclusion. Op der Schock 34A, route de Reichlange These ideas and goals have been successfully imple- L-8508 Redange/Attert mented and today Op der Schock employs 58 people T +352 26 62 93 1 with intellectual disabilities in a total of 8 workshops; [email protected] other jobs continued to be created. Here, employees can work on ideas that give room to their own creati- www.opderschock.lu vity, skill and personality and act as fuel for the daily work routine!

In addition to creative studios such as ceramics, cand- les, floristry and photography, Op der Schock runs a kitchen, a washing and ironing workshop and a plant nursery with pesticide-free plant production, emp- loys several teams of landscape gardeners and offers various services.

34 GUTTLAND STORIES ABSORB THE VIBE OF LUXEMBOURG’S CALM HEART 35 What’s on

“Buergbrennen” tradition

36 GUTTLAND STORIES ABSORB THE VIBE OF LUXEMBOURG’S CALM HEART The “Buergbrennen” in Niederanven is particularly impressive, if only for the sheer size of the castle alone.

37 What’s on

Winter at the stake Niederanven

“Buergbrennen” is one of the oldest When the castle is on fire traditions in Luxembourg. The purpose of this fire spectacle is to burn the winter symbolically so as A thunderbolt strikes through the They dug the tree trunks a metre to welcome the spring. A castle is night, but the castle does not start deep into the ground and wrapped not literally set on fire, but rather to burn. The trigger has failed. them in thousands of pallets. They a large cross made of wood and Maybe because it‘s raining cats filled the cavities with old Christ- straw is burned. The word “burg” and dogs. We are in a field near mas trees, green cuttings and even (castle) comes from the Latin verb Niederanven. A castle made of old furniture remains. Bridges “comburo”, which means “to burn”. planks with four 20-metre-high were built between the towers. It “Buergbrennen” in Luxembourg towers stands in the meadow - a is a defiant structure erected to go takes place in all municipalities, huge pile of tinder, erected for the up in smoke. usually on the first Sunday after sole purpose of being ignited to Shrove Tuesday, and attracts burn and to drive away the winter “We only finished today”, says citizens of the villages that belong with its enormous heat. But the Ben Millmeister, secretary of the to it. According to a folk saying, fireworks in the tunnel under the Friends of the Castle. The group the winegrowers can predict the castle, which are supposed to set has existed for 15 years, and weather of early summer during fire to the petrol-soaked structure, officially as an association for 6 the “Buergbrennen”: “Wéi den Damp did not ignite. Then he presses the years. Forty-three men and women op Buergsonndeg geet, esou geet en de second trigger. It‘s now or never! take care of the “Buergbrennen” ganze Virsummer”. Again thunder blasts through the - together with the volunteer fire air, and suddenly a glow of fire brigade and the Niederanven awakens. The castle is on fire. scouts, who in the weeks running up to the event distribute adver- It took a dozen members of the as- tising flyers and collect donations sociation “Bu­ergfrënn Nidderaan- to finance the festival. Most of the wen” ten days to build the castle. pallets are donated by companies.

38 GUTTLAND STORIES ABSORB THE VIBE OF LUXEMBOURG’S CALM HEART Preparations get underway already He says it is difficult to find new me.” The organizers would really in October, for the “Buergbrennen” blood - not only among the friends put themselves to work. Domi- to be held in February or March on of the castle. The volunteer fire nik and Isa Herresthal even came the Sunday after Ash Wednesday. brigade has a similar situation. from Trier with their daughter “Not many people are prepared to Paula and dog Zoe. “It‘s an ever “In the past, each group used to take a week off to help out”, says so beautiful thing to see”, says Isa organize its own Buergbrennen”, Millmeister. “I don‘t want this Herresthal. The castle burns for says Millmeister. But they have tradition to die out.” more than two hours until the last been doing it together for about trunks topple over, but the embers ten years now. Instead of three That is not what it looked like continue to warm people until well small festivals there is one big that evening. Many guests showed into the night. one. The castle friends take care up despite the rain. Millmeister of the construction of the castle, expected 2000, or at least seve- The “Buergbrennen” in Nieder- the scouts man the cash desk and ral hundred of them. They stand anven always takes place on the sell drinks. The members of the crowded together in the glow of Sunday after Ash Wednesday - fire brigade roast grilled sausages the burning castle and sip mulled near the recycling centre on the and steaks. “Castle burning is a wine. Among them is Werner Vi- Bombicht industrial estate. beautiful Luxembourgish tradition dali and his daughter. He has lived and we all enjoy it”, says Millmeis- in the village for 26 years. “It‘s ter, who would go there with his raining as usual and it‘s good as parents when he was a child. He always”, he says. Michelle Hellor‘s has been helping out since he was visitor says: “The “Buergbrennen” twelve years old, in fact. But he is in Niederanven is the most beauti- a little worried about the future. ful thing in the whole country for

39 What’s on

Nospelt

Bid the Winter goodbye with a glowing fire

The crane raises the cross slowly Kevin Gebele, secretary of the until it rises 17 metres into the sky. castle burners, has been with us The two trunks that form the cross since he was eight years old. The were felled by the members of the castle burning tradition in Nospelt association “Nouspelter Buerg- goes back some 40 years, Mr Ge- brenner a.s.b.l.” one week earlier. bele estimates. The association was The trunk and the crossbeam are founded in 2001. “In former times covered with branches and straw everything was smaller.” There was held by wire. The four supporting a smaller tent, a smaller cross and beams form a cross wheel. It seems fewer visitors. “But the idea itself to be a Celtic cross, and this may has remained fully intact. The not be a coincidence, because the “Buergbrennen” is firmly on the tradition of castle burning is old calendar every year”, Mr Gebele and presumably goes back to the says. Celtic days of today‘s Luxembourg. In pre-Christian times, wheel Around 8:30 PM, two spectators or sun crosses symbolized the drawn by lot light the pile under day-night or the season cycle. The the cross, which catches quickly burning of this cross means the and burns brightly. The people end of winter - or rather the wish stand in the glow and sip their that winter will soon end. For it is drinks. Winter may not be over only February. yet, but the idea of spring is alrea- dy taking shape in people‘s minds. Kevin Gebele (28) and two dozen At 10 PM a DJ starts playing mu- members of the Nouspelter Buerg- sic. People are exuberant and party brenner have been collecting until three in the morning. Christmas trees since the begin- ning of the year to make the cross The “Buergbrennen” in Nospelt and a pile under the cross to ignite always takes place on the first it. The work took a whole day. On Saturday after Ash Wednesday - Saturday evening the work is done. in the Rue Leck near the water The visitors start arriving at 6 PM reservoir. and 400 of them, including many from the neighbouring munici- palities, ultimately show up. The grilled sausages are nice and hot on the grill, and there is cold beer aplenty to wash them down.

40 GUTTLAND STORIES ABSORB THE VIBE OF LUXEMBOURG’S CALM HEART The “Buergbrennen” in Nospelt attracts hundreds of visitors every year, with partying to the music of a DJ late into the night.

41 Warm at heart

Best coffee places & distilleries

42 GUTTLAND STORIES ABSORB THE VIBE OF LUXEMBOURG’S CALM HEART Dream of coffee, cake and caramel pralines. Whether the traditional baker or praline. paradise, there are extraordinary cafés waiting to be discovered in Guttland.

43 Warm at heart

Réidener Spënnchen Beim Bäcker Jos in Redange in Saeul

Where the villagers meet Traditional sweets

Charlotte Welfring took over the Réidener Spënnchen Marjorie Kayser-Koster still remembers when she at the age of just 26. Today she is 50 and she still raves bought Speckgromperen in a local shop as a child - a about her local shop with its coffee corner. “This is the chocolate kiss with white foam, covered with a choco- place for people from Redange young and old to meet”, late crust and coconut flakes. Today she runs a bakery she says, “Spënnchen” is the name of the Luxembourg in Beckerich with her husband Josy, which they took pantry and she tries to do it justice, with ham, vegeta- over from Josy‘s parents in 2001. In 2016 they also ope- bles or from Luxembourg: “You can find ned a bakery and café in Saeul. It is cosy, thanks also to everything at my place. And what she doesn‘t have, the wooden interior. “We do everything traditionally she orders on request, like fresh fish. Welfring gets her by hand”, says Mrs Kayser-Koster, including the ice coffee from Café del Mondo, a fair trade coffee roas- cream and cake. In addition, they sell products from ting company from . “Lotty”, as she is also Luxembourg: wine from the Moselle, pasta, honey and known, gets her own coffee blend from there, “Lotty‘s gift items. But the Speckgomperen are particularly Selection”, made from South American beans, “quite popular. “Word has got around.” strong and full-bodied”. By way of accompanying pud- ding, it is best to take a tasty morsel or a piece of cake. Bäcker Jos 14 Haaptstrooss Réidener Spënnchen L-8720 Saeul 59 Grand-Rue L-8510 Redange/Attert Open Tuesday to Friday 6:00 AM-6:30 PM Open Monday to Saturday, 7:00 AM-6:00 PM Saturday until 5:00 PM www.spennchen.lu

44 GUTTLAND STORIES ABSORB THE VIBE OF LUXEMBOURG’S CALM HEART Bar à Chocolat in Walferdange

Chocolate of the heart

Passion fruit with vanilla milk, black truffles, Williams pear caramel: just looking at the chocolate menu of the Bar à Chocolat in Walferdange will make your mouth water. “Les Chocolats du Cœur” is the name of the cho- colates, coated dried fruit and pralines, which are even listed in the Gault et Millau guide “Finest Chocolatiers in Belgium & Luxembourg 2020.” They are made in the Ateliers du Tricentenaire in Bissen by hand by people with disabilities with passion using fair trade chocola- te. The bar in Walferdange is minimalist modern, with 30 seats inside and 20 outside. Guests can also enjoy delicious coffee, tea and hot chocolate, accompanied by homemade pastries, sandwiches, quiche Lorraine, pancakes and ice cream. The bar also has a range of gift items.

Bar à Chocolat 50 Route de L-7220 Walferdange

Open from Tuesday to Thursday, 10:30 AM-6:30 PM, Friday, 10:00 AM-6:30 PM, Saturday, 10:00 AM-5:30 PM www.chocolatsducoeur.lu

45 Warm at heart

Kaempff-Kohler Chocolate House in Niederanven in Mersch

Traditional delicatessen Tasty chocolates

Christian Kaempff‘s grandparents Pierre Kaempff and The building of the Chocolate House in Mersch was Marguerite Kohler founded their delicatessen confec- erected around 1800. Tiles from that time are still tionery business in in 1922. Today preserved in one of the rooms. Up to ten people can the third generation is at the helm: Christian and Guill stay there at one table and enjoy a delicious breakfast Kaempff. Kaempff-Kohler is one of the oldest tradi- in a nostalgic setting. But guests at the other tables tional delicatessen and patisserie shops in the country. can be pampered also with chocolate spoons, home- Christian Kaempff is particularly proud of the house made unique cakes and tarts, delicious ice cream, speciality “Dacquois”: almond-nut macaroons with chocolate fondues and much more. The Luxembourg praline-butter cream - a creation of his grandfather. Chocolate House was founded in 2008 in Luxembourg In 2004 Kaempff-Kohler built a production facility in City by Nathalie Bonn. Then in 2015 came the branch Niederanven with a modern café-restaurant that can in Mersch which is run independently by Christian accommodate 150 guests. Twelve confectioners and Schockmel and his wife as a franchise. All chocolate 15 chefs look after the guests at both locations. “They products are “Made in Luxembourg”. There is also come to us because of the quality of our products”, says chocolate and cake for vegans or people with gluten Christian Kaempff. This also includes the large selec- allergies, of course. The range is completed with fresh tion of mature cheeses and the lunch menu. Particu- daily dishes as well as wraps, vol-au-vent, dumplings larly popular is the pâté, a nationally known and gromperenkichelcher [potato pancakes]. speciality invented by his grandfather in 1928. Chocolate House 17 Place Saint Michel Kaempff-Kohler L-7556 Mersch 40 Rue Gabriel Lippmann L-6947 Niederanven Open Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM-8:00 PM, Saturday, 10:00 AM-8:00 PM, and Sunday, 11:00 AM-8:00 PM Open Monday to Saturday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM www.chocolate-house-bonn.lu www.kaempff-kohler.lu

46 GUTTLAND STORIES ABSORB THE VIBE OF LUXEMBOURG’S CALM HEART 47 Warm at heart

With fire and flame Distillerie Adam

48 GUTTLANDGUTTLAND STORIESSTORIES ABSORBABSORB THETHE VIBEVIBE OFOF LUXEMBOURG’SLUXEMBOURG’S CALMCALM HEARTHEART Caroline Adam-Van Langendonck is one of the few distillers in Luxembourg. She learned the craft from her father-in-law, thereby continuing the more than 100-year old family tradition.

49 Warm at heart

When Caroline Adam-Van Langen- donck moved to Joël Adam‘s farm “a Lammesch”, she was immedia- tely fascinated by the distillery. She often looked over her father- in-law‘s shoulder when he was making brandy. He showed her everything and initiated her into the craft. Two years later, in 2015, she took over the distillery and bought a new still with a capacity of 350 litres. It is a free-standing water-bath distillery and is heated by wood fire. “It‘s a completely different atmosphere”, says the 48- year old. She likes the originality of distilling with fire. “I have to watch the fire all the time. It forces me to be there fully attentive. I am con- vinced that it makes the product better.”

Meanwhile, her husband spends Distillerie Adam in Kehlen his free time looking after the 1000 or so trees in the Adams orchards. Caroline, one of the few female distillers in Luxembourg He harvests 5000 kilos of Mirabelle plums alone every year. In ad- dition, he harvests apples, pears, plums and cherries. In the distillery Back in the summer of 2013, there tion. In 1907 his grandfather Jean in Kehlen there are hundreds of was no indication that Caroline Adam paid LUF 5000 (€124) for a bottles, including cherry brandy, Adam-Van Langendonck would distillery which was very modern wine yeast and strawberry brandy. one day run a distillery. She was on for the time. Farmhands would There are also kiwi, rhubarb and the verge of moving to New York stop by after work for half a litre walnut liqueurs. “My liqueurs are with her then husband, who had of schnapps to finish their day. At not as sweet, though”, says Mrs to go there because of his job. But that time there were distilleries Adam-Van Langendonck. “My then she met Joël Adam. The two all over the country - about 1000 liqueur drinkers tell me that they became a couple and got married. of them. But the number decli- wouldn‘t otherwise drink liqueurs, Caroline Adam-Van Langendonck ned over the decades. People now but they like mine.” Mrs Adam-Van moved to the Adams‘ farm, where bought spirits mainly in specialist Langendonck also distils exotic her new parents-in-law Robert shops and supermarkets. Never- schnapps made from celery or red Adam and Susie Adam-Stomp theless, Robert Adam continued beet. “I always enjoy trying out new lived. Robert Adam, 83 years old, to distil until old age. His son Joël, things.” She also uses herbs and flo- had been a farmer all his life. however, did not become a farmer wers, such as the three-thorn bush. He also distilled (fruit and corn) or a distiller, but a municipal “There are little berries on it, I put schnapps. It is an old family tradi- secretary. them on with apple brandy for a

50 GUTTLAND STORIES ABSORB THE VIBE OF LUXEMBOURG’S CALM HEART few weeks. It‘s a bitter schnapps, Adam. Together with his wife, he Brennerei Adam good for the digestion.” has collected a lot of things from 13, Rue d‘Olm flea markets. He is particularly Kehlen The distillation is carried out proud of a huge steam engine from mainly after the autumn harvest. 1899 and a phonograph (which still The Adam distillery is open on But that is not where the process works) made by Thomas Edison in Fridays from 2:00-6:00 PM, ends. The bottles still have to be 1900, a forerunner of the gramo- but can also be visited by sold. Mrs Adam-Van Langendonck phone, in which the music is stored appointment. travels to weekly markets and fairs on clay cylinders. to that end. But she does not sell www.distillerie-adam.lu over the internet. It is a deliberate Caroline Adam-Van Langendonck decision. “I like to get to know my likes all the old objects and the customers personally”, she says. stories they have to tell. Life on the They can also take the opportunity farm has grounded her - and the to visit the distillery museum. Susi history of the place has given her a and Robert Adam-Stomp opened future. it in 2007 on the occasion of the distillery’s centenary and have already had prominent guests such as Jean-Claude Juncker, former Prime Minister of Luxembourg and former President of the European Commission.

The letters “Adam” also stand for Anno 1907 Distillerie Artisanale du Musée. In the museum, which takes up over several rooms in the courtyard, you can see old post- cards depicting drunken men and scolding women. A priest‘s book deals with the “plague of brandy, its consequences and remedies”. Hundreds of old brandy glasses stand in cupboards and the old still from 1907 can also be admired. The museum also showcases dolls with clothes from that time, an old cooker, coffee grinders, dishes and much more. “We want to be transported back to the way life was 100 years ago”, says Robert

51 Warm at heart

The master distiller from Contern Distillerie Muller-Lemmer

52 GUTTLAND STORIES ABSORB THE VIBE OF LUXEMBOURG’S CALM HEART Jean-Claude Muller was a teacher in fact. In the end, however, the family tradition prevailed. Today he and his wife are not only farmers, but they also run a well-known distillery in Luxembourg.

53 Warm at heart

Distillerie Muller-Lemmer in Contern

precisely: had it distilled. But that became increasingly difficult. “The- re were fewer and fewer distilleries for it.” In 2008 Muller acquired state distilling rights and his own still with a capacity of 250 litres. It was to be a small operation. He and his wife wanted to produce a maximum of 500 litres per year. Today it is 6000 to 8000 litres per year. It accounts for one third to one half of the turnover. In 2014, Mr Muller decided to give up his job as a teacher and, together with his wife, to devote himself entirely to his own business.

The couple earn the other part of their income mainly from vegetable growing. They grow vegetables, fruit and potatoes on 16, 8 and 4 hectares respectively. They cultivate 40 hectares in total. They deliver 15,000 to 20,000 heads of lettuce Jean-Claude Muller tips the last to run the farm in Contern - and alone to the Cactus supermarket bucket of freshly distilled Mirabelle since 2008 they have also run their chain each week in the season. plum brandy into the tank, but he own distillery. But taking over “The advantage is that I can keep leaves the lid open a crack. He then the family business was not what my employees busy all year round.” wraps a cotton cloth around it. “So seemed at first. From spring to autumn they grow that the brandy can breathe”, says fruit and vegetables, in winter they the 45-year old. The Mirabelle plum The grandparents retired in 1991, distill above all - “from anything brandy is stored in the tank for at but their children, Mr Muller‘s that is not nailed down”, says least half a year, “so that the evil parents, did not want to continue Muller and goes on to list Mira- spirits can go out and it can settle the farm with livestock, milk and belle plums, plums, Williams pear, from the agitating distillation pro- potatoes. Jean-Claude Muller was apples, cherries, quinces, raspber- cedure.” This is how Muller learned still a teenager at the time. He ries, strawberries, elderberries. it from his great uncle Camille Me- eventually went on to become a “The beauty of noble brandy is the dinger. The brandy should actually primary school teacher, but he did spiritual art of preserving fruit.” become rounder as a result. “But it not abandon the farm. He also must be good right from the start. grew potatoes and wheat. “Rather In addition, there are typical A bad brandy does not get better as a pastime”, as he says. Another Luxembourg wine yeast and marc as it matures”, says Muller. He pastime was distilling schnapps. brandies made from pressed grapes. and his wife Annick Lemmer are “We‘ve always distilled our own Gin is of course not to be missed. the sixth generation of his family fruit”, Mr Muller says- or more With 17 different herbs, spices

54 GUTTLAND STORIES ABSORB THE VIBE OF LUXEMBOURG’S CALM HEART and citrus fruits, Muller sets his The Muller-Lemmer distille­ry Brennerei Muller-Lemmer Twin-Gin on a juniper base. “The produces 500 bottles every year. 1, Rue de Moutfort Mirabelle plum brandy is our best- That means: only one barrel. It is Contern seller”, says Muller. Then comes therefore a Single Cask Whisky, the gin. The degree of ripeness of which does not always taste exactly The opening hours of the farm the fruit is important for Mira- the same. “It should have its own shop are: Tuesday to Thursday, belle plum brandy. “The Mirabelle character from year to year”, Mr 4:00-7:00 PM, Friday, develops its flavour only when Muller says. In the meantime he 9:00-12:00 AM and 4:00-7:00 PM, fully ripe. And Mr Muller distils is also experimenting with port and Saturday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM. with a gentle aroma. The testers of casks and fresh Luxembourg oak the German Agricultural Society barrels. “I always have new ideas.” www.mullerlemmer.lu (DLG) evidently noticed this and Two years ago, they built more awarded the brand the gold medal. storage rooms and a tasting room for group tastings. Every now and For ten years now the Conterner then, Jean-Claude Muller goes to has also been distilling a whis- the tanks where the fruit brandy is ky made from rye - with a small maturing, pulls back the cloth and proportion of malted barley. It is smells the brandy. He covers the called “Éim Néckels”, named after cloth over again. The products of Nicolas Melchior, uncle of Néckels, the Muller-Lemmer distillery can Muller’s ancestor, who bought the be purchased at https://letzshop.lu/ farm in 1844.The whisky is aged de/vendors/muller-lemmer-sarl or exclusively in casks for five on the farm itself. years, which is considered a spe- ciality among whisky fans. But this also means that for the first five years Muller did not know whether his whisky would be any good and find favour with customers. He was successful, not least because of his great care during distilla- tion. The whisky already tastes as a so-called New Make, freshly distilled, without cask maturity. “It is a very mild whisky that ever- yone can make friends with”, says Muller, with fruity notes in the nose while being unusually smooth and full-bodied in the mouth for a such a young whisky - you would say that it was more than five years old. At 43% strong, it has a nice spi- ciness. The finish is medium long and mild. A successful product.

55 The Regional Tourism Office Central/Western Luxembourg offers guided tours all year round on request in the whole Guttland region.

www.dmillen.lu www.kinneksbond.lu www.kulturhaus.lu www.khn.lu ManuKulturaUseldange

56 GUTTLAND STORIES ABSORB THE VIBE OF LUXEMBOURG’S CALM HEART The Regional Tourism Office Central/Western Luxembourg offers guided tours all year round on request in the whole Guttland region.

Whether you are a fan of art, nature or sports, there is something for everyone.

Discover our guided tours elaborated for children and guests with special needs.

Table des matières Inhoud

LA RÉGION GUTTLAND EN UN COUP D‘OEIL NATURE, SPORTS & LOISIR DE REGIO GUTTLAND IN ÉÉN OOGOPSLAG NATUUR, SPORT & VRIJE TIJD P. 5 Retour dans le passé / Reis terug in de tijd P. 46 Randonnées & Découvertes / Wandel- & Ontdekkingstochten P. 6 Hits for Kids P. 57 Vélo & Découvertes / Fietsen & Ontdekken P. 7 Que faire quand il pleut? / Wat doen wij als het regent? P. 63 Parcs, jardins & attractions nature P. 8 Shopping Parken, tuinen & attracties in de natuur P. 71 Produits du terroir & fermes pédagogiques Producten uit de regio & pedagogische boerderijen P. 77 Sports & Loisirs / Sport & ontspanning

HISTOIRE, ART & CULTURE INFORMATIONS UTILES GESCHIEDENIS, KUNST & KULTUUR NUTTIGEFor INFORMATIEmore information and bookings: P. 10 Châteaux / Kastelen P. 85 OŽices du tourisme / Toeristische informatiebureaux P. 17 Musées & Découvertes / Museums & Ontdekkingen P. 85 Hébergements / Overnachtingsmogelijkheden P. 25 Sites préhistoriques / Prehistorische vindplaatsen P. 89 Géoportail national du tourisme P. 26 Sur les traces des Celtes, des Romains et des Francs Nationaal geoportaal voor toerism In de voetsporen van de Kelten, Romeinen en Franken www.visitguttland.lu ı [email protected] ı +352 28 22 78 62 P. 90 Visites guidées de A à Z / Rondleiding van A tot Z P. 31 Patrimoine religieux / Religieus erfgoed P. 93 Service de dépannage / Afsleepdienst P. 36 Patrimoine militaire / Militair erfgoed P. 93 Urgences / Noodgevallen P. 37 Centres culturels / Culturele centra P. 94 Transports publics / Openbaar vervoer P. 41 Galeries d‘art / Kunstgalerijen P. 94 Luxembourg Card P. 42 Fêtes & Traditions / Feesten & Tradities P. 96 Tableau de distances / Afstandtabel

2 3 Tourist Offices in GERMANY the Guttland region

FREE public transportation Useldange Steinfort in Luxembourg! MOBILITÉITSZENTRAL Tourist Info Mirador Naturschutzzentrum Atert-Wark 1, rue Collart The agents of the mobility Rindschleiden Wark Mertzig 1, am Millenhaff L-8414 Steinfort centre inform you about the Wahl L-8706 Useldange T +352 26 39 34 08 public transportation and Ernz Blanche T +352 23 63 00 51 28 [email protected] alternative mobility options Préizerdaul Vichten [email protected] www.nature.lu (sustainable transport, Bissen www.visitatertwark.lu carpooling, etc.) Find on the Boevange-sur-Attert Roost

Attert Mondays-Fridays: website a schedule research, Ell e Useldange Redange Ernz Noir Low season: Mondays-Fridays: 8:00 AM-12:00 AM & 1:00-5:00 PM which includes all means of Coplach-Bas Buschdorf 10:00-12:00 AM & 2:00-5:00 PM transport. Noerdange Mersch Beckerich Saeul Schoenfels T +352 24 65 24 65 Hovelange Hollenfels www.mobiliteit.lu Ansembourg Eisch Lorentzweiler Steinsel Koerich Nospelt Kopstal Heisdorf Walferdange BELGIUM Kehlen Oberanven Steinfort Kleinbettingen Mamer Niederanven e

Mosell Mamer Kahler LUXEMBOURG Munsbach Garnich Sandweiler Schuttrange Hivange

Oetrange Contern

Syr Syren

A3 Digital brochures A4 Weiler-la-Tour

Alzette

A13

FRANCE

Railway / Chemin de fer / Eisenbahn / Spoorweg

Train station / Gare / Bahnhof / Station

Tourist Info

Street / Route / Straße / Straat

Motorway / Autoroute / Autobahn / Snelweg

Watercourse / Cours d’eau / Wasserlauf / Waterloop

Rivers and Lakes / Rivières et lacs / Flüsse und 58 GUTTLAND STORIES ABSORB THE VIBE OF LUXEMBOURG’S CALM HEART Seen / Rivier en meren visitguttland.lu visitguttland.lu Forest / Forêt / Wald / Bos

Rural conglomeration / Agglomération rurale / Wohngebiet / Woonwijk

visitguttland.lu visitguttland.lu Publisher Regional Tourism Office Central/Western Luxembourg GERMANY B.P. 150 / L-7502 Mersch T +352 28 22 78 62 [email protected] VisitGuttland @visitguttland www.visitguttland.lu

© ORTCO All rights reserved. Rindschleiden Wark Mertzig Any entire or partial use, replication, reproduction, Wahl publication, transmission or distribution in any Grosbous

Ernz Blanche form, is not permitted without previous written Préizerdaul Vichten approval by ORTCO.

Bissen Layout Boevange-sur-Attert Roost Sandro Rosselli, artandwise.lu Attert Ell e Redange Useldange Ernz Noir Original Editorial Design Coplach-Bas Buschdorf Noerdange Mersch ampersand.studio for Luci.travel Beckerich Saeul Schoenfels Texts Hovelange Hollenfels Ingrid van der Kley, artandwise.lu Tuntange Ansembourg Jan Söfjer

Eisch Julia Schrell, www.opderschock.lu Lorentzweiler Steinsel Koerich Nospelt Translations Kopstal Heisdorf Trans@ Walferdange BELGIUM Kehlen Oberanven Steinfort Kleinbettingen Print Mamer Niederanven Capellen Imprimerie Reka s.a.e

Mosell Mamer Kahler LUXEMBOURG Munsbach Garnich Sandweiler Edition Schuttrange Total edition: 2.500 Hivange English edition: 500 Oetrange Contern Languages

Syr Syren English, French, German

A3 Photos A4 Weiler-la-Tour ORTCO, Elisabeth Ney, Oli Kerner Jim Schmitz, Alpaka Trekking Hovelange, PIDAL, Margaretha Maeyens, Syrdall Schwemm, Alzette Henri Krier, Marc Lazzarini, Christof Weber, Vitarium, Commune de Steinfort, A13 Commune de Walferdange, Module-Club Luxembourg a.s.b.l., Nico Lucas, Op der Schock a.s.b.l. & s.c., Jan Söfjer, Chocolate House Mersch, Tom C.V. Schintgen (www.foto-schintgen.lu), Sophie Margue, Nic. Molitor vu Bungeref (from the book « No 100 Joer un d‘Liicht »), Adobe Stock FRANCE

Railway / Chemin de fer / Eisenbahn / Spoorweg

Train station / Gare / Bahnhof / Station Tourist Info Tourist Info Railway Street / Route / Straße / Straat Train station Motorway / Autoroute / Autobahn / Snelweg Road Watercourse / Cours d’eau / Wasserlauf / Motorway Waterloop

Rivers and Lakes / Rivières et lacs / Flüsse und Seen / Rivier en meren

Forest / Forêt / Wald / Bos

Rural conglomeration / Agglomération rurale / Wohngebiet / Woonwijk Stay up to date www.visitguttland.lu facebook.com/visitguttland instagram.com/visitguttland