Diekirch March Day 2 - 12km - Jens

Attention:

• Preliminary time and information, please check for updates.
• There will be several groups starting at different times with different distances.
• Please check out the event of your favorite time and distance, and stay in contact with your favorite leader.

Hello Friends!

This weekend, the traditional "Marche de l'Armée" will take place in Diekirch.

Also known as the "Marche Internationale de Diekirch" or "March Militaire" or "Will I ever be able to walk on these feet again", it was initially an event organized by the Luxembourg Military, with participating groups from the French, Belgian, and German armies.
At some point, private citizens joined, and it became an event officially open to the public.
That's what the legend says, and we will probably not know much more, because even the "history of the walk" page on the official website only elaborates endlessly on the life of "John the Blind, count of Luxembourg", who was chosen for the emblem and logo of this event, but nothing else than that it took place for the first time in 1968 :)

Whoever knows more about the history of this event may comment in the comments or talk during the walk.

We're going to start at the official starting point at the "Cultural complex Al Seeërei“ close
to the train station.

There will be no trains this weekend, and there are not many replacement buses that go directly from somewhere. One of them is L10 from Limpertsberg, going directly, but stopping "everywhere".

If you don't mind arriving early and sneaking around a bit, I recommend arriving a bit earlier and not at the last moment, to avoid losing time finding your group.

Meeting Point:
We will meet at the Centre Culturel "Al Seeërei“.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/JMt9BcxYmFcxZQ4B7

Individual and more detailed meeting points may be announced by the leaders in the last moment

Registration:
If you want to support the organization of the overall event, need a stamp in your FLMP or IVV booklet, if you want to get a medal in case you finish in the top ranks, or a printed certificate (on demand), you need to register online and pay a fee of 25 EUR.

Tickets on official website

If you only come for the walk, don't want to enjoy the party or the band line-up, you may of course also join without a ticket, but be ready to be frowned upon (not by me, of course)

Public Transport:

• Bus L10, departure 9:10, 10:10, from Limpertsberg, bus stop "Batiment P. Eyschen" (goes until Diekirch but stops everywhere). This is around the corner from the "Theatre" bus stop, please check out the Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/btiZ6Wwp3yZ2Z45S9
• Bus L11, departure every 30 minutes from "Gare Rocade", stops only in Mersch, but ends in Ettelbrück. You need to take another bus to Diekirch, which might go more often, possibly an additional "Navette"
• There are multiple other combinations of buses to Diekirch, from Kirchberg and change in Echternach, or from Badanstalt and change in Junglinster

There is no "perfect timing" this time, like "we go right after the bus arrives" (and after Beatrice finally shows up).
Anticipate some waiting time due to early arrival rather than waiting for someone.

Car Pool:
If you come by car, you might offer a seat to a friendly co-hiker.
According to the expected parking "situation", please plan your arrival at least 30 minutes before the intended start

https://groupcarpool.com/t/qwaf3t

Passengers, please get into the cars of your favorite driver or place of departure, or on the waiting list if there's no free seat at the moment.
Don't forget to remove yourself from the waiting list when you find a seat in a car!

Disclaimer:
The hike is at your own risk, and please make sure to wear proper shoes and bring some water for yourself!

Looking forward to hiking with you!

Jens.