The ‘Millebunn’ is a new miniature railway with a track length of approximately 350 metres, running between ‘Al Millen’ and ‘Brasserie Monkel’ in Olingen. It was put into operation in 2025 and is an attractive leisure activity aimed primarily at families with children. The idea is based on the concept of the historic miniature railway in Luxembourg City and is being revived in Olingen in a modern form, with the aim of offering both locals and visitors an intergenerational experience.
The project is part of a comprehensive strategy by the municipality to develop the town centre and the area around the Roudemerbaach as a high-quality local recreation and leisure area. The route and tracks for the railway were already planned during the early stages of the Roudemerbaach renaturation project, as the desire for such an attraction also emerged from public participation. The project thus demonstrates how sustainable local development and participatory planning go hand in hand.
The route runs through natural areas with meadows and waterways and follows a scenic route along the Roudemerbaach, which flows into the Syre. It is designed to create synergies with existing hiking and pilgrimage trails, including the future ‘Wollefswee’ fairy tale trail, a nature education adventure trail, and the well-known Way of St. James, which passes through the village.
The facility is deliberately integrated into a coherent leisure concept: In addition to the water playground and a classic playground, there are two restaurants directly on the route, which offer the perfect culinary complement. Here, visitors can enjoy Luxembourgish food and drinks, among other things. In addition, the ‘Brasserie Monkel’ offers a bed & bike package with studios and secure bicycle parking, making the location particularly attractive for cyclists.
The technical implementation was planned with a view to future expansion and flexibility. A garage for several trains was built under the ‘Brasserie Monkel’ to enable additional operation, e.g. during festivals or high visitor traffic. There is a storage siding and a sliding platform, which facilitates the use of several trains. A traffic light system for control during multiple operation was also installed.
The design of the entire area emphasises natural materials, minimal land use and harmonious integration into the green space. Lighting elements were planned with a view to protecting fauna, especially nocturnal animals such as bats. The construction itself was carried out using durable and ecological materials, supported by local craftsmen and service providers.
The Millebunn is operated every weekend and when weather conditions are suitable, and is also available for hire (e.g. clubs, festivals, private parties). Bookings can be made conveniently via an online form on the municipal website. This digital solution simplifies organisation and administration, ensures predictability and makes the offer attractive to external groups.
The project is particularly significant due to its role as an intergenerational attraction: parents and grandparents can now share this experience with their children or grandchildren. At the same time, the Millebunn project brings a new quality to the municipality’s tourist offering and strengthens Olingen’s position as an attractive local recreation destination for the whole family.
With Millebunn, the municipality is pursuing sustainable tourism development: short travel distances instead of distant destinations, promotion of local gastronomy and accommodation, integration into cycle paths and hiking infrastructure, and the creation of a new attraction for guests from the region and beyond. By linking up with projects such as Wollefswee, the Way of St. James and the old mill complex, a diverse, attractive and sustainable excursion destination is being created, which is also characterised by active citizen participation and cooperation with local stakeholders.
With the implementation of Millebunn, the municipality of Betzdorf is demonstrating that even smaller towns in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg are capable of developing high-quality, sustainable and innovative leisure activities. The project contributes to vibrant, family-friendly tourism while strengthening social ties in the village, the local economy and the protection of the region’s natural and cultural heritage.