Forest discovery trail “mam Robi”, Hosingen

Perhaps you already know Robi the forest elf? He lives in an idyllic forest in the north of Luxembourg and he loves to show families around his home. Since the current COVID-19 restrictions (max. 2 visitors per home) don’t apply to elves, we took our two youngest kids up to Hosingen to meet him.

Like all elves, Robi loves to have fun and he immediately makes his guests feel comfortable by playing a few games with them, like throwing pine cones through holes in a piece of wood, and a spot of jumping practice.

As the returning cranes honked noisily overhead to herald the beginning of spring, Robi explained to us that he is also passionate about wildlife; he enjoys nothing more than educating his young guests about the other – only slightly less magical – inhabitants of his forest. In the second game above, for example, the kids learned that they can jump as far as a pine marten. Later, they could climb a tower and use the telescope to look for wooden animal sculptures (and – who knows? – maybe real ones too if they’re lucky!).

In between the nine waypoints, Robi expertly guided us on a well-marked trail through tranquil forest, with plenty of places to stop, rest, test balance, climb and play.

And if that wasn’t enough, Hosingen’s favourite elf also proudly showed us his impressive arboretum, with a huge variety of trees to discover and learn about (information signs in German and French). Even in the leafless gloom of late winter, we couldn’t help but be impressed.

Honestly, the kids had so much fun that they completely forgot that they were out for a hike! A highly recommended family-friendly trail!! Thanks for the tour Robi!

PRACTICAL INFO

Plenty of free parking at 12, Parc, L-9836 Hosingen. Then walk towards the round buildings where you will see the beginning of the trail (see first photo) and an information board.
3km long, generally pushchair-friendly. Could be muddy after rain (it is, after all, a forest…)
Robi says that well-behaved dogs are allowed, but that goblins and trolls aren’t welcome unless they promise to stop eating the games.