Musée national des mines de fer luxembourgeoises

About the museum

The museum is located on the site of the Walert iron ore mine in Rumelange, which operated from 1891 to 1963. Visitors enter the large galleries on two levels, more than 70 metres underground, and see the vast cavities left behind by the mining. The machines and tools on display tell the story of iron ore mining in the region from the 1860s until the closure of the last Lorraine mine in 1997.

Above ground, visitors can explore the mine site (“carreau”) freely. In the former locomotive shed an exhibition traces the history of Luxembourg’s iron ore mines; remains of buildings, loading ramps and machinery can be seen on the site. The mine train connects surface and depth: it passes through the overgrown former open-cast workings into the main gallery, almost three kilometres long. The battery-powered locomotive and the modern carriages with large windows date from 2016.

The museum holds an extensive collection of books, documents, tools, machines and rock samples on mining history from the 1860s to the 1990s, of which only a part is on display. Researchers can view the storage rooms and archive by arrangement.

Highlights

• Guided tour of the Walert iron ore mine with mine train
• Galleries on two levels, more than 70 metres underground
• Battery-powered mine train from 2016, through the former open-cast workings and the main gallery
• Exhibition in the former locomotive shed
• “Adventure Mine” playground and brasserie on the site

Permanent exhibition

• Eisenerzgrube Walert und Geschichte des Erzbergbaus – Galleries on two levels with machines and tools, plus an exhibition in the former locomotive shed.

Founded

1973

Admission & discounts

The prices of €14 (adults), €10 (students) and €8 (children) apply when booked in advance; at the ticket desk each ticket costs €1 more. The tour includes the mine train and the visit to the mine.

Accessibility

• 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

According to the museum, the tours of the mine and the mine train are accessible to people with reduced mobility.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area
• Kids’ birthday parties

Children of all ages are admitted (from age 2, charged), but the tour lasts 2 hours at 10 °C. Interactive tour for children aged 6 to 14, “Mini-Mineurs” for ages 3 to 5, children’s birthday parties (booking at least 48 hours in advance). “Adventure Mine” playground.

Getting there & parking

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant

Brasserie du Musée with a terrace in a former mine office building, 20 metres from reception (table reservations at +352 56 70 08). “Adventure Mine” playground with a mini steam train on some weekends during the season.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 50 guests.

The Jean-Pierre Bausch hall in the reception building holds up to 50 people (celebrations, meetings), with tables and chairs; projector and loudspeakers on request; €200 surcharge for two hours.

Plan your visit