When you turn 28, you deserve a treat, right? In the case of Ruben, who celebrated his 28th birthday in beautiful Luxembourg, we have reversed the roles. The treat was a beautiful ride through the Luxembourgish countryside, with start and finish at Andy Schleck’s impressive shop! At least, the plan was to make it a complete celebration. But as with so many plans, execution is not always what it seems. How did it turn out? We take you on a journey through castles and Luxembourgish hills. A cycling holiday in Luxembourg should be high on your bucket list.
Bike Hall of Fame Schleck
The wide door to Andy Schleck Cycles’ shop swings open. Shop manager Denis greets us with a smile. We are led towards the back of the shop, where Benoit warmly welcomes us. My eyes wander to the collection of jerseys on the wall. Among others, Andy’s white jersey and Fabio Cancellara’s yellow jersey adorn the interior of the shop. It is absolutely a feast to be here today, as not only Ruben, but also Benoit is celebrating his birthday. Cake, croissants and chocolate biscuits are on the menu, and with a delicious espresso it is complete. Could a day start better? I am drawn to a display case in the middle of the shop, where Andy’s old bikes are displayed. Brilliant cycling history and that just south of the city of Luxembourg.
Unfortunate
Back in time again. Andy Schleck is perhaps Luxembourg’s most famous athlete. He wore the yellow jersey in the Tour de France for several days in 2011 and, together with his brother Fränk, he decorated the podium of that Tour. In those years, they brought color to the peloton, alongside the gray Cadel Evans and the rugged Alberto Contador. As early as 2008, he won the white jersey in the Tour, but in 2014 he decided to end his career. Like many former pros, he started a shop in Hesperange, a few kilometers outside Luxembourg City. For this trip, we agreed to meet at the shop. A cherry on top of the birthday cake. In the end, it turned out to be sour grapes because on the weekend before our trip, we received the message: ‘Andy has broken his leg and is in the hospital.’ They say that’s acceptance and adaptation. Was this a harbinger of this trip? Who knows. We will definitely return again.
Through tunnels along castles
Luxembourg is a grand duchy. The Duke and Duchess of Luxembourg can (with a little effort) still be seen in real life. Henri is currently the duke of this country, which is the third smallest in the world (after Malta and Vatican City). Luxembourg is also known for its castles. Don't expect big chateaux in the style of Louis the 14th or the 16th, but rather castles that exude atmosphere and history. On our route we encounter quite a few of them. Interestingly, we also see a lot of beautiful viaducts. Old bridges, new overpasses. The ratio of beautiful viaducts to castles is almost 1:1. This is unusual for a country that is not internationally renowned for its architecture or infrastructure. We enjoy it no less. We are also staying in a beautiful hotel: Hotel Martha in Mersch
Bloom
Coffee and cycling are one. If you are in Luxembourg anyway, you better go for good coffee. After being spoiled already by Andy Schleck, it was an absolute must to go to Café de la Ville in Luxembourg-Stad. Bloom Specialty Coffee To stop. Ruben celebrated his birthday and that should be celebrated with good coffee and cake. The stories beforehand were of such a nature that the expectations were high. Frankly: it didn’t disappoint. The only point was the receipt. The big city expansion has also landed here. But for good coffee and a decent piece of cake, I pay a little more than average.
Autumn colors are in fashion
Back to the bike. Because on our first day we were already surprised by the beautiful surroundings and the beautiful colors. The day began gray today, cool, and that meant especially warmer outfits for most of us. Gradually, the air began to open up. With that, the beautiful autumn colors came back to life. Even while riding along the river, it’s a fairytale-like setting. The steep climbs are the icing on the cake of a cycling holiday in Luxembourg.
Planning and execution
That not everything is rosy comes to the fore in this trip. So first we hear about Andy’s broken leg. Then we drive on Day 1 off at Ostergaard When Wouter gets his car into trouble. A screeching noise indicates a problem in the Skoda. A tense game of interest ensues between the local ANWB, the garage, and the leasing company. This results in a trip to the garage, then to the car rental company, and then back again for one of us. As a crowning touch, we have a nasty crash during this ride. Iza slides into a sharp, steep, and wet curve, falling hard and crashing into the guardrail. Dennis can’t avoid her and falls with her. The result: a broken steering wheel, a few bruises, and a torn shirt. But above all, a change of plan. Things happen. Accept and adjust. This in no way affects our judgment of this beautiful cycling area.
Cycling holidays in Luxembourg
If you are planning a cycling holiday in Luxembourg, be sure to check out the two routes we have cycled. One starts at Ostergaard’s Bike Shop in Mersch, the other at Andy Schleck Cycles in Hesperange (just below Luxembourg City). Both routes take you over lovely asphalt, right through the beautiful Luxembourg countryside. A good start to your trip is therefore our hotel in Mersch, hotel Martha.
Also useful for a cycling holiday in Luxembourg
Want more inspiration about Luxembourg? Then read, for example, these two stories about great routes:
- Luxembourg Ardennes – Cycling in Luxembourg
- Luxembourg – from a three-country point of view to a three-country point of view
- Basic packing list
- Luxembourg in a nutshell
Where to stay
- We were very pleased with the hotel. Hotel Martha The hotel is spacious, luxurious, with a good breakfast buffet; we were able to store our bikes safely and it was perfect for our routes. The adjacent restaurant of the hotel served a delicious three-course meal for less than 35 euros (!).
Other useful links? You can find them on the site of Visit Luxembourg!
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.