In Schifflange, you can explore the solar system by strolling through an old mine.

Travel five billion kilometres in two hours?

Yes, it’s possible and you can do it without a spaceship!

Simply take the Schifflange Planet Trail (de Saturn, in Luxembourgish) in the Lallengerbierg – Brucherbierg Nature Reserve. You can discover the solar system by walking through a place where iron ore was once mined. Thirteen information panels located throughout the trail provide information on the Sun, the planets and other celestial bodies such as asteroids and comets.

The size of the planets is illustrated on a scale of 1:1,000,000,000 (Mercury is the size of a lead ball relative to Jupiter which is the size of a cannonball). The distance between the planets is illustrated on a scale of 1:2,000,000,000. This gives you an idea of how far the planets are from the Sun and how tiny they are compared to the Sun, which at the beginning of the journey is seen reigning over the solar system from a mine cart. The circuit is 4 km long.

Practical information for parents :

  • How to find the Planet Trail : the trail starts by the Jean Jacoby stadium at the end of the Montée du Cimetière, L-3815 Schifflange. It runs through the forest for a short distance and then takes you to the old mine.
  • Remember to bring a map or a book about the solar system with you.