Full Steam Ahead into the Past

Summer holidays traditionally offer many people the opportunity to escape the monotony of everyday life. One does not necessarily need to travel far and wide for a refreshing change of scenery — the variety of local activities proves just that.

Not far from Pétange lies a hidden valley that was closely tied to the iron ore industry and underground mining until the mid-1950s: the Fond-de-Gras Valley. Even today, the open-air museum that commemorates the industrial extraction of iron ore continues to captivate railway and mining enthusiasts alike.

Travelling Full Steam into the Past

Upon arriving at Fond-de-Gras, many visitors experience a true leap back in time. From the depths of the valley, the distinctive whistle of the steam locomotive of the Train 1900 echoes — releasing steam to the delight of all. Moments later, the locomotive, with its grey-white plumes, adorns the deep blue sky, taking onlookers on a journey to an era when trains were powered by steam and iron ore mining was Luxembourg’s primary source of income. The steam-powered locomotive covers the route between Fond-de-Gras and Pétange in just under 25 minutes.

A few metres lower in elevation, one can spot the Fond-de-Gras station and its depot. On the descent, visitors cross the narrow-gauge tracks of the nearby Minièresbunn several times. This train, partially steam-powered, takes passengers underground into the world of Luxembourg’s iron ore mining and across the nearby French border. A unique experience that fascinates both young and old, offering an intriguing glimpse into the mining operations active until 1955, complete with extraordinary machinery.

Useful Information

• Access: Fond-de-Gras can be reached via diesel or steam train from Pétange station, or by car (follow “Train 1900” signs from Niederkorn)
• Tickets: Available at the Fond-de-Gras station counter or onboard the Train 1900
• Timetables: For the Minièresbunn [here] and Train 1900 [here] are available online
• Good to Know: The Festival Vapeur will take place on 6th and 7th September. More information available online [here]