Minett Park
Journey to the heart of Luxembourg's mining heritage
Discover one of the largest industrial and railway sites in the Greater Region.
Just a few kilometres from Fort Fermont, Minett Park Fond-de-Gras offers a spectacular immersion into Luxembourg's mining and industrial history. Located in the southern Luxembourg mining basin, this vast open-air museum allows you to discover over a century of iron ore extraction through historic trains, mine galleries, workers' villages, and landscapes shaped by industry.
Between industrial heritage, preserved nature, and human history, the Minett Park is today one of the most original visits in the Greater Region.
An old mining centre turned open-air museum
It is difficult to imagine that before the 1960s, the Fond-de-Gras valley was one of the main mining centres in Luxembourg. For decades, thousands of tonnes of iron ore were extracted and then transported to the region's steelworks.
When mining gradually ceased and railway activities came to an end permanently in 1964, the site seemed destined to disappear. Fortunately, passionate volunteers decided to preserve this exceptional heritage. The first tourist train ran as early as 1973, giving rise to what would become the Minett Park.
Today, the site brings together several emblematic locations around a common theme: the history of iron ore.
The famous Train 1900
One of the most popular attractions at Minett Park is undoubtedly the Train 1900.
This authentic steam locomotive allows you to travel along the old mining line connecting Pétange to Fond-de-Gras. Opened in 1874 to transport iron ore, this line today offers visitors a true journey back in time.
On board the historic carriages, young and old alike discover the landscapes of the Luxembourg mining basin while reliving the early 20th-century railway atmosphere.
The Mines Railway: descend into the world of the miners
Another must-do experience: the Minièresbunn.
This old mining train allows you to travel through the galleries where wagons laden with iron ore once circulated. The route connects Fond-de-Gras to the village of Lasauvage, passing through an old underground mine.
This immersive visit provides a better understanding of the working conditions of miners and the importance of mining activity throughout the region.
For fans of industrial heritage, this is a unique experience in the Greater Region.
The village of Lasauvage
Minett Park isn't just about trains and mines.
The charming village of Lasauvage is also a must-see stop. Developed around the mining and iron industries, it still preserves a remarkable heritage today with its worker's houses, its church, its industrial buildings, and several museums dedicated to the lives of the miners.
Among the places to discover:
- The Hall of the Hanged ;
- The Eugène Pesch Museum ;
- The Lasauvage Museum Space; ;
- The old workers' dwellings. ;
- The industrial heritage of the Count of Saintignon.
Nature, industry and archaeology
The Minett Park also surprises with the diversity of its landscapes.
The former industrial site is now surrounded by vast natural areas where flora and fauna have gradually reclaimed their territory. The former Giele Botter open-cast mine has become a nature reserve of almost 100 hectares.
Older history enthusiasts can also discover the Titelberg, an important Celtic oppidum that was once one of the main centres of the Treveri.
This unique combination of industrial heritage, nature and archaeology makes Minett Park a particularly original site.
Why visit Minett Park?
Visiting Minett Park allows you to:
- to discover Luxembourg's mining history; ;
- to travel aboard Train 1900; ;
- to explore an old mine with the Minièresbunn; ;
- to visit the historic village of Lasauvage; ;
- to discover a unique open-air museum; ;
- to explore industrial landscapes reclaimed by nature; ;
- to complete the discovery of the historical heritage of the Greater Region.
Frequently asked questions
The Minett Park is located in Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.
The Minett Park is located at Fond-de-Gras, in the south of Luxembourg, near Pétange and the French border.
What can you visit at Minett Park?
The site includes the Train 1900, the Minièresbunn, the village of Lasauvage, the former open-cast mine Giele Botter, as well as several museum spaces.
Can we visit a mine?
Yes, the Minièresbunn allows you to discover an old mine gallery and the world of miners.
Is Minett Park suitable for families?
Yes, the historic trains, natural spaces, and interactive tours make it an ideal destination for the whole family.
Le Minett Park et le Fort de Fermont sont tous deux situés dans la région du Pays-Haut. Le Fort de Fermont est un musée de la Première Guerre mondiale. Le Minett Park est un parc industriel et touristique qui présente le patrimoine minier de la région.
These two sites tell the story of the iron ore basin of the Greater Region and allow you to discover both the industrial heritage and the military heritage that have shaped the territory.