Adding to the experience is the fact that all public transport in Luxembourg is free. While we wait on the platform, we share our impressions of public transport in our home countries and other places we’ve lived. We all agree that investment in public transport is one of the aspects we appreciate most about Luxembourg.

From the moment we step onto the platform, a symphony of sounds greets our ears. The announcements over the speakers, the passing trains, and the whistle from the train assistant all create a unique auditory experience. Everyone knows the familiar rhythm of a moving train: a sort of diddly-dum beat, four quick beats repeated over and over. Modern railways have made that sound almost obsolete, yet the essence of that “music of the train wheels” still lingers.

We find the bicycle carriage, marked by a white bicycle symbol on a green background. Amid the train station sounds, we board and leave the capital city. Conversations flow, turning the journey into an exchange of experiences. Before we know it, we arrive at our destination.

Navigating through the stations to find our various routes, it’s evident how well everything is designed to accommodate cyclists. We were particularly amused by the lateral grooves on the stairs, allowing cyclists to easily roll their bicycles up or down. It’s important to remember, however, that cycling on the platforms is strictly prohibited.

The idea of combining trains, cycling, and photography came to me during a wonderful morning spent around Bourscheid Castle with my good friend Eric Engel. Eric, a Luxembourger, is an inspiring individual – a professional musician, an excellent photographer, and an avid cyclist. We share many passions. I have always enjoyed photography, hiking, and cycling. There is so much to appreciate: the train journey, cycling through the beautiful Luxembourg countryside, capturing castles and landscapes with our cameras, and sharing enjoyable moments and great conversations along the way.

As we cycle past serene fields where cows and horses peacefully graze, we reach Schoenfels and its distinctive castle, steeped in history since the 12th century. We take a break here for photography, exchanging questions and tips on capturing the castle with our cameras. One piece of advice I share is the importance of slowing down when photographing, avoiding the most cliched viewpoints where everyone stands to capture the same image. Moving around to discover different and unique angles, unhurriedly, is key to creating more personal and memorable photographs.

As we ascend towards Schoenfels Castle, my friend Nuno Fontes jokingly reminds me of my earlier claim about the route not being too strenuous. We catch our breath as we pause halfway up the hill to admire the impressive view of the castle from below.

We plan to take a break in Useldange, but upon arrival, we encounter a WWII artillery gun and notice Gritta’s bike has a puncture. “It’s a tubeless tire,” Gritta explains. Fortunately, George diagnoses the issue as a loose valve, which just needs tightening. We share a laugh, as most of us are more familiar with traditional inner tubes and find the tubeless system a bit mysterious.

After fixing the bike, we enjoy our planned break at Useldange Castle, snacking and exploring the grounds to find the best angles to capture the castle’s impressive architecture. During our journey through the Valley of the Seven Castles, we’ve discovered several stunning spots. At Hunnebuer, legend has it that Attila the Hun watered his horses during his conquest of Western Europe in the fifth century. We’ve also encountered charming old stone bridges, which I must admit I have a fondness for.

Marienthal deserves a brief stop to admire its picturesque surroundings and the setting of the old monastery, now repurposed as a home for asylum seekers and a centre for the National Youth Service. The castles of Ansembourg, both old and new, are impressive landmarks dating back to the 12th and 17th centuries respectively.

Taking a short break near Septfontaines Castle, we engage in a conversation about different ways people appreciate nature. Kamilė Vaupšaitė, from Lithuania, shares an intriguing story with us. “Have you ever heard of the ‘Claude glass’?” she asks. None of us have. Kamilė explains that in 18th-century England, the Claude glass, popularised by poet Thomas Gray, was used to view scenery artistically. Users would turn their backs to the landscape, finding the reflected image in the mirror more painterly. This reminds me of modern tourists taking selfies with their backs to iconic landscapes. Kamilė adds that this way of “enjoying” nature was satirised at the time, reflecting some people’s attitudes towards nature.

Koerich’s baroque church, historic houses, and its castle are another significant stop on our journey through the valley. Returning to Mersch train station, we feel invigorated by the wonderful cycling, cultural experiences, and personal exchanges. We decide to enjoy a delicious coffee at the station’s restaurant, where we had admired the mouth-watering dishes carried by the waiters. The coffee is exceptionally good, and we all opt for a second round.

Passion Synergy

Using Luxembourg’s public transport network reduces our carbon footprint. Engaging in a sport I’ve loved since my teenage years brings joy and keeps me physically active. It allows me to appreciate the stunning outdoors and discover some of the country’s prominent landmarks. Lastly, capturing beautiful scenes and cherished moments with my camera creates lasting memories. It’s an all-encompassing experience that I highly recommend to anyone seeking fulfilling and enjoyable activities, along with the numerous attractions Luxembourg has to offer.