Minett Park Fond-de-Gras

About the museum

Fond-de-Gras was one of Luxembourg’s most important mining centers. Underground mining ended in 1955; in 1964, a landslide on the Fond-de-Gras–Pétange line brought all rail service to a halt. Soon after, volunteers came together to run a tourist train with historic steam locomotives: the first “Train 1900” whistled in 1973. A few years later, a former mine was reopened and can now be visited with the “Minièresbunn” mine train.

In the valley, which had been granted concessions to mining companies, tunnels, warehouses, workshops and offices were built starting in the last quarter of the 19th century. A railway line carried the iron ore to Pétange and onward to the steelworks in Luxembourg and abroad.

The Minett Park Fond-de-Gras of today is an open-air museum whose common thread is iron ore. It includes Fond-de-Gras, the village of Lasauvage, the former open-pit mining area “Giele Botter,” and the Celtic oppidum of Titelberg. The site is freely accessible year-round; museums and historic buildings such as the “Epicerie Victor Binck” general store, the Paul-Wurth hall, the Eugène Pesch museum and the Salle des Pendus are open when the trains are running.

Highlights

• Museum trains: Train 1900 and the Minièresbunn mine train
• Freely accessible open-air site in Fond-de-Gras
• Epicerie Victor Binck general store, Paul-Wurth hall and Walzstraße
• Village of Lasauvage with the Eugène Pesch museum
• Giele Botter nature reserve and Titelberg

Permanent exhibition

• Bergbau- und Eisenbahnlandschaft Fond-de-Gras und Lasauvage – Historic buildings such as the general store, the Paul-Wurth hall and the Walzstraße, the Eugène Pesch museum and the museological space in Lasauvage.

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Access to the site, the museums and the buildings is free. Trains, the mine, rail bikes and the treasure hunt are extra and are sold on site on the day of travel (no reservation, except for groups); the Kulturpass is not accepted for these.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Fond-de-Gras lies in a valley. The step up into the historic carriages is very high, there are cobblestones, and at some points you have to cross rails. According to the operator, this makes access more difficult for people with limited mobility.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly

The mine can be visited from age 3 (the decision rests with parents because of the cold, darkness and noise). Strollers can be used in the park, but a baby carrier is easier because of the cobblestones and rails; strollers do not fit on the mine train, while the Train 1900 usually has a luggage van. Holiday activities and school programs are available depending on age; the digital treasure hunt is for ages 7 and up.

Getting there & parking

By car on the A13, take exit 2 Niederkorn, then follow the “Fond-de-Gras” signs.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant

Food and drink on site: Bistro de la Gare (Fond-de-Gras, train days only), Bei der Giedel (Fond-de-Gras, Tuesday–Sunday 11:00–23:00), Chez Flavia, Presbytère and Brasserie de la Mine (Lasauvage); hours per the website for 2026.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties: not available
• Corporate events

Private parties are not possible, but company events are (renting buildings, train rides, guided tours on request); buildings are rented only through an event agency.

Plan your visit