The best MTB trails around Großhettingen

18th century lock bridge or covered bridge

An exciting relic from the days of ore mining. Spectacular with a fantastic view!

Funny Captions to Read on the Bulletin Board

🛡️ **Ouvrage de Kobenbusch – Mighty Fortification of the Maginot Line** The **Ouvrage de Kobenbusch**, located south of Cattenom near the Luxembourg border, is one of the large underground fortifications of the **Maginot Line**. It was built between 1930 and 1935 and consisted of several combat blocks, underground connecting tunnels, a barracks, ammunition depots, and machine rooms – on several levels, anchored deep in the limestone. ⚙️ Particularly noteworthy: The technical systems were designed to be self-sufficient for months – including power generation, ventilation, a kitchen, and a hospital. The fort was occupied without a fight during World War II, continued to be used in part after the war, and is now privately owned. 🚷 It's **not open to the public**, but some ventilation towers and blockhouses are still visible in the forest near the D64 road (between Cattenom and Berg-sur-Moselle). **Tip:** For Maginot fans, a walk through the forest is worthwhile – with a little research, you'll find several bunker remains. Respect barriers, as some entrances are unstable or secured.

🛡️ **Ouvrage du Galgenberg – A Deep Look into the Maginot Line** The **Ouvrage de Galgenberg** is a large underground fortification of the **Maginot Line**, located south of Cattenom. It was built between 1930 and 1935 and served to defend the French border against Germany. The complex consists of several **combat bunkers**, **barracks**, **tunnels**, and **supply facilities** located deep underground. During the Cold War, the fort was modernized and remained in active use until the 1980s. 🔦 Today, it is accessible for guided tours (registration only), including a view of the original equipment: rails, power supply, ventilation systems, and gun emplacements. **Tip:** Ideal for military and history buffs – bring warm clothing, as it's chilly inside! Guided tours with former soldiers or experts are particularly impressive.

🚧 **Barrage du Lac du Mirgenbach – The Technical Heart of the Lake** At the southern end of **Lac du Mirgenbach** is the **dam (barrage)**, which serves to regulate the water and cool the nearby **Cattenom Nuclear Power Plant**. The facility is not open to the public, but is easily visible from the paths around the lake. 🌊 The dam marks the transition between technology and nature: Here, the water flows in controlled channels, creating an exciting interplay of industrial function and scenic tranquility. **Tip:** Those who walk the circular path around the lake have a good view of the dam from the eastern shore – particularly interesting for technology enthusiasts and landscape photographers.

🌅 **Lac du Mirgenbach – Quiet Lake near Cattenom** The **Lac du Mirgenbach** is an artificially created cooling water lake near the Cattenom nuclear power plant, south of Thionville. Despite its technical function, it is now a popular local recreation area – with hiking trails, fishing spots, and quiet shorelines. 🐦 The lake is surrounded by forest and reed beds and is considered a refuge for many bird species. It is also popular with photographers and nature lovers – especially at sunrise or sunset. **Tip:** Ideal for a quiet walk or bike ride. Note: Swimming is not permitted here – but the atmosphere by the water is still worth it!

🏰 Thionville – A Border Town with History on the Moselle Thionville (German: Diedenhofen) is located in northeastern France, not far from the borders with Germany and Luxembourg. The city looks back on a turbulent past – between the Romans, the Lorrainers, the Prussians, and the French. Numerous buildings still bear witness to this turbulent history: the medieval fortress, the Tour aux Puces (a former keep, now a museum), and the neoclassical buildings in the city center. 🚶‍♂️ Thionville is a starting point for exploring the Moselle Valley, visiting castles like the Château de Malbrouck, or natural sites like the Stromberg with its caves and rock formations. 🛤️ Due to its location on the Moselle River and its proximity to Luxembourg, Thionville is also an important transportation hub today – but as soon as you leave the city, you're immersed in a tranquil, green landscape full of cultural and historical discoveries.