The October sun shines in all its glory. The rolling hills are painted in a green and yellow palette. The trees in the forests are slowly starting to show their autumn colors. In this beautiful setting, we are allowed to enjoy ourselves for two days. On invitation from the Luxembourg Tourism Office And in collaboration with our partner Etxeondo, we’re heading into the hills. Two beautiful routes, both starting from a shop. For today, Ostergaard’s Bike Shop is our starting point, where Jan Ostergaard has been running the shop for 21 years.
Don’t let Luxembourg fool you
As I look at the Wahoo, I see a graph with a climb. The graph starts green, then it quickly goes to yellow, and then it turns red. On the overview graph, it stays red, but on the ‘percentage’ box I see some shocking numbers. Rapidly, the meter climbs to double digits, and I really see double when I see the first number in a two. It eventually stalls at 22 percent. Two-and-twentieth. If I had only looked at the graph, I wouldn’t have been shocked. In front of and behind me, I see people barreling down the road. This is Luxembourg In a nutshell. Beautiful fields that suddenly present an Ardennes climb on a corner. Just four and a half hours drive from Utrecht, this is an often-forgotten gem. Great for a nice weekend of cycling with friends or girlfriends.
Luxembourg in a nutshell: tight bike paths
One thing you have to remember when you think of Luxembourg: infrastructure. Luxembourg is well-organized and for the lion’s share of the time you drive on well-maintained roads and cycle paths. Yes, indeed, cycle paths. There are so-called ‘pistes cyclables’ that run through the Grand Duchy. Free of traffic, no speeding maniacs, but enjoying two wheels. There is one slightly zealous official who sometimes has a fence drawn halfway on the path, but when you look at it, you see him coming and you can get well around him. Apparently it’s meant to get the speed out of you, but that doesn’t really add much. It sometimes causes confusion.
From steep to spiky in a fall dress
Luxembourg is sometimes very smooth and flat. However, in general it is a mix of steep climbs that make the Flemish classics pale in comparison. In fact, we drive over stretches with real hairpin bends and for a moment it seems as if we are 300 kilometers further south, in the middle of the mountain range. That is not true at all. This is truly Luxembourg and I keep repeating it: it is only four and a half hours from Utrecht. You are there in no time. The variety makes it possible for every cyclist, from beginner to trained professional, to create a route that suits them to satisfaction. That is also Luxembourg in a nutshell, with variation and therefore good for everyone.
Through the tunnel and over the bridge
Our route today counts almost 1400 meters of elevation gain and that is a real challenge over a distance of over 80 kilometers. But as mentioned, you can handle it just fine, even if you haven’t been cycling for a long time. Just keep in mind that you choose a resistance that is as light as possible. Then you will always climb higher. You can also adjust the route we rode a little and it will be a maximum of fun for everyone. We are still pleasantly surprised by the route when we get to cycle over a bridge or through an old railway tunnel. It yields beautiful pictures and driving in such a tunnel is always something special. By being elevated for a moment, you also get to climb up again a little towards the hill, with a beautiful view as a reward.
What to pack?
When you descend into the Grand Duchy, you should think carefully about what you put in your bag. The green surroundings betray a lot of rainfall throughout the year. In summer it can get really hot and in winter cool enough for winter gloves. Snow is no exception. We were there in autumn and we were lucky with the sun. If you stand still in the sun, short sleeves are nice enough. With a jacket or a vest, that’s plenty to think about. Today we rode with the Orhi pants, with a long Alde shirt and finally a Busti vest. That was perfect. Always check our Packing list, What you really need to take with you on a trip.
Day's route
The route starts and ends at Ostergaard’s BikeShop. What a nice start and friendly welcome from Deens former MTB champion Jan Ostergaard. He has owned the shop here for 21 years and it’s a pleasure to start in this bike haven. The route is perfect for the road bike with its tight asphalt. There is a
Stay
Since we are staying in Luxembourg for two days, we are also allowed to stay one more night. The beautiful Hotel Martha in Guddesch is our place to be!
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.