Parc Merveilleux

The Parc Merveilleux at Bettembourg opened in 1956 and has stayed largely what it was: a wooded park with a small animal collection, a set of fairy-tale dioramas in wooden houses along the paths with figures that move when a button is pressed, playgrounds, a miniature railway and a pony ride. It is aimed squarely at young children and Luxembourgish families have brought several generations through it.

Background

The Parc Merveilleux is an amusement park just to the east of Bettembourg in the south of Luxembourg, laid out first and foremost for children. Its attractions take in exotic birds, animals in natural-habitat settings, a pony ranch, a miniature railway, small cars that children drive themselves, adventure playgrounds and scenes from fairy tales, along with a restaurant and a cafeteria. It opens daily from Easter until early October.

Source: Wikipedia, "Parc Merveilleux"

What's there

• The fairy-tale dioramas - moving figures in wooden houses along the paths.
• The animal collection - the small zoo of birds, primates and farm animals.
• The miniature railway - the train circuit through the grounds.
• The 1956 layout - a park that has kept much of its original character.

When to go

April to October is the season; it closes for winter. School holidays and weekends are busiest. Booking helps at peak times.

Before you go

It is aimed at young children and adults without them will find little. The animal enclosures are dated and small in places. It closes entirely over the winter.

Nearby

Bettembourg is adjacent, and Luxembourg City is north.

Key facts