How about a bike tour this summer to explore the countless beauties that Luxembourg and the Greater Region have to offer? The Grand Duchy and its surroundings prove to be the perfect playground for sports and nature vacations alone or with the whole family. Get in the saddle!
The health crisis does not only bring disadvantages. Indeed, holidays far away must be set aside — for now… However, not all your plans will fall through. How about a slow vacation this year, which would also be more environmentally friendly?
Did you know? The Grand Duchy is a real paradise for cyclists and enthusiasts. Luxembourg offers numerous cycling paths that run within and outside the cities. The national cycling network alone covers approximately 950 kilometers. In addition, the Ministers of Mobility, SMEs, and Tourism announced three new measures in early June to encourage residents of the country and neighboring areas to go on bike tours in Luxembourg, starting with a free shuttle bus for transporting bicycles, with eight bikes and eight riders at a time. Several sections of the national roads will only be open to residents, RGTR buses, or cyclists in August. Moreover, bypasses will be set up to facilitate access to tourist attractions and compensate for the lack of cycle paths in all areas. There is no longer any argument against a cycling holiday!
Choosing the Right Gear
First and foremost, the bike must be carefully chosen. Since there are no good or bad bikes, one should probably follow their own preferences. Some prefer road bikes, others MTBs, to tackle the steepest paths and explore the countless forests of the area. For riding the diverse Luxembourgish roads and paths with the whole family, the best option is surely a trekking bike, offering a perfect compromise between performance and comfort. In a suitable seat, you can take children from the age of 18 months on the journey. For small children, the easiest solution is a trailer that can be attached to most bikes. Another option is a bike trailer that attaches to one of the parents’ bikes. Once your children are big enough and ride safely, they can use their own bike. Helmets are mandatory for the whole family, and the equipment is checked briefly before the trip.
Proper Equipment
When traveling by bike, one must also consider the luggage: Since every kilo counts, planning must be very clever so that nothing is missing, but one does not overload. You must think practically, simply, and efficiently: comfortable waterproof clothing, sunscreen… No backpack, but bags to attach to the rear or front luggage racks, baskets preferably on the handlebars. Also, think of a small repair kit for any problems during the ride: a few tubes, patches, tire levers, a pump, and a multi-tool are sufficient. Is the equipment complete? Then off to the adventure.
Discover the Müllerthal!
What luck to live in such a green country! You only have the agony of choice.
The inevitable Little Switzerland of Luxembourg is great for excursions into nature. However, many paths are only suitable for experienced MTB enthusiasts. To explore the region without risking a heart attack or a fall, numerous cycling paths have been created that are perfect for families and also captivate children. Another option is interesting bike tours like the “Vélotour Gourmand,” which focuses on regional products.
The Three-Country Point
Why not broaden your horizons and look around the three borders? This way, you can leisurely ride along the Moselle (Attention: The path is also used by pedestrians) and enjoy a beautiful tour. There are two options: in the north via Sierck-les-Bains towards Luxembourg and Germany or in the south via Uckange to Metz — this tour passes by some relics of the steel industry. The Charles Le Téméraire cycle path consists of about 70 kilometers of routes, of which 65 kilometers are completely secured and designed to make cycling enjoyable for everyone. Ideal for many exciting bike tours!
Towards Belgium
With numerous routes that can be traveled for a single day or several days, nearby Wallonia also offers great perspectives for beautiful tours. The region has various international and regional long-distance cycling routes, old railway lines or towpaths that have been prepared for the RAVeL network, signposted networks of cycle paths with junctions, or dizzying MTB trails suitable only for the most athletic. In short: There are suitable offers for every taste and level for a lot of cycling fun. The different routes also lead through rural areas and forests, past rivers and castles, through the most beautiful villages of Wallonia, enchanting cities…
