Cycle path de l'Attert (PC 12)

PC 12 Pétange - Colmar-Berg

Start: Pétange

The Attert cycle route is the perfect course for family expeditions. This exciting group adventure starts off at Pétange, and then for most of the journey it follows the tracks of the old Attert line, the railway branch that used to connect Pétange and Ettelbruck.

Now you literally ride on the border between Belgium and Luxembourg. Keep your eyes peeled! There are many visible signs around you demarcating the border as you ride through the forest. Soon the tour adventure takes a new turn. Follow the tracks of the famous Charly, an old, narrow-gauge railway line heading in the direction of the sept châteaux (seven castles). Now intrepid cyclists pass through a valley of mighty fortresses and castles – this is where the nobles of old used to build their strongholds, such as the château-fort de Hollenfels (Hollenfels stronghold), or the baroque château d’Ansembourg. The valley is a marvellous living record of different historic periods.

Further on, things take a surprising and interesting turn as you encounter another mighty man-made construction - a 700 metre-long lit tunnel through the Luxembourg sandstone.

Next up is Useldange, a picturesque little village with a rich and proud rural heritage, and yet another castle: this time it is the magical ruins of a 12th-century stronghold. After that, our cycle explorers follow the course of the Attert River until they reach the end of the official route at Colmar-Berg, where the skyline is dominated by the castle where the Grand Duke’s family still lives!

From here, the hardiest adventurers can extend their journey as far as Ettelbruck, or even Diekirch, the gateway to the Ardennes. These two towns offer many shopping facilities, and a variety of fascinating museums, such as the National Museum of Military History, the General Patton Memorial Museum, or the National Conservatory for Historic Vehicles.