A new nature trail has opened in Luxembourg

The Säitert Forest in the municipality of Mertzig is home to a unique nature trail, the "Mardellepad", officially opened on 9 July 2025. This 2.5 kilometre trail is not just a walking route. It is an inclusive, sensory and educational project created in co-operation with the Luxembourg Ministry of Environment, Biodiversity and Climate and as part of the Natura 2000 European network of protected areas.

From design to realisation, the route was developed with special attention to accessibility. The design is adapted for people with mental disabilities, using visual symbols, clear inscriptions, brightly coloured animal images and a map with emergency points. The aim is to give a sense of self-discovery of nature to those who are usually excluded from such experiences.

The Seytert Forest itself is an example of European natural heritage. On an area of 45 hectares, oak forests, beech forests and a mosaic of water bodies are combined. It is home to rare species such as the crested newt (Triturus cristatus) and bats such as the Bechstein's bat and the Greater mouse-eared bat - species that need silence, humidity and old trees with dead wood.

This site covers a range of natural habitats recognised at European level: eutrophic water bodies (type 3150), Luzulo-Fagetum (9110) and Asperulo-Fagetum (9130) beech forests, and nationally protected forest and water body types.

Through initiatives such as the Mardellepad, Luxembourg demonstrates how nature conservation can be combined with inclusion and education by inviting everyone - regardless of ability, age or training - into the forest. The trail is open to the public at any time, and a full lap takes between one and two hours - enough time to realise what it means to be part of nature.