Luxembourg Travel Guide

Plan your perfect trip to Luxembourg with our comprehensive travel guide, featuring top attractions, outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, food and drink scenes, accommodations, safety tips, transportation options, and more.


Introduction to Luxembourg

Nestled in the heart of Europe, Luxembourg is a landlocked country that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modernity. Although it is one of the smallest countries in the European Union, Luxembourg has a fascinating history that has left a lasting impact on its society and architecture. The country boasts picturesque valleys, rolling hills, and dense forests, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, Luxembourg has a cosmopolitan edge, with a plethora of upscale restaurants, cafes, and shopping destinations scattered throughout the urban centers.

List of Places to Visit in Luxembourg

There is no shortage of amazing places to visit in Luxembourg. Whether you’re a history buff, an adrenaline junkie, or a foodie, Luxembourg has something for everyone. Here are some top attractions that you don’t want to miss:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • National Museum of History and Art: This museum showcases Luxembourg’s rich history and culture dating back to the prehistoric era.
  • Bock Casemates: These underground tunnels and fortifications were built in the 18th century and played a crucial role in defending the city during numerous wars and conflicts.
  • Vianden Castle: One of Luxembourg’s most iconic landmarks, this castle dates back to the 11th century and has been fully restored to its former glory.

Natural Attractions of Luxembourg: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mullerthal Trail: This hiking trail takes you through some of Luxembourg’s most beautiful natural scenery, including rock formations, waterfalls, and forests.
  • Luxembourg Ardennes: This mountain range is a nature lover’s paradise, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, cycling, and rock climbing.
  • Moselle Valley: This picturesque river valley is famous for its vineyards, charming villages, and stunning river views.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Luxembourg

Luxembourg’s diverse terrain offers a variety of hiking and biking trails that cater to all levels of experience. Here are a few of the best routes to try:

  • Escapardenne Eisleck Trail: This trail covers 107 km across the Ardennes and offers breathtaking views of the countryside and forests.
  • Mullerthal Trail: Known as “Little Switzerland,” this 112 km trail covers Luxembourg’s eastern region and features stunning rock formations and waterfalls.
  • Vennbahn: This former railway line has been converted into a 125 km cycle trail that passes through three countries: Germany, Belgium, and Luxembourg.

Best Things to Do in Luxembourg: Activities and Tours

  • Wine Tasting: Luxembourg’s wine industry has been thriving for centuries, with some of the best vineyards located along the Moselle River. Sip on some local wines and learn about the region’s winemaking history.
  • Urban Exploration: Discover Luxembourg City’s old town and modern districts by foot, bike, or Segway.
  • Adventure Sports: Try your hand at rock climbing, kayaking, or caving in some of Luxembourg’s most beautiful natural settings.

Week-Long Itinerary for Luxembourg

Day 1: Explore Luxembourg City’s Old Town and National Museum of History and Art. Day 2: Hike the Mullerthal Trail and visit the town of Echternach. Day 3: Visit Vianden Castle and take a scenic drive through the Ardennes region. Day 4: Go wine tasting in the Moselle Valley and explore the charming villages along the river. Day 5: Cycle along the Vennbahn railway trail and explore the town of Clervaux. Day 6: Take a day trip to the neighboring country of Belgium and visit the city of Liege. Day 7: Relax and unwind at Luxembourg’s natural hot springs and spa, Mondorf-les-Bains.

Food and Drink Scene of Luxembourg

Luxembourg’s food and drink scene is a melting pot of European flavors and influences. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Judd mat Gaardebounen: Smoked pork neck in a creamy bean stew.
  • Bouneschlupp: A hearty bean and vegetable soup.
  • Gromperekichelcher: Fried potato cakes served with apple sauce.

Local Beverages

  • Riesling: The white wine produced in the Moselle River region is a must-try for any wine lover.
  • Crémant: Luxembourg’s sparkling wine is a delicious alternative to Champagne.
  • Diekirch: This is the local beer of Luxembourg and is a refreshing treat on a hot day.

Where to Stay in Luxembourg: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Luxembourg has a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and travel style. From luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostels, there is no shortage of places to stay. Some popular options include:

  • Sofitel Luxembourg Europe: A luxurious hotel located close to the European institutions.
  • Youth Hostel Luxembourg City: A budget-friendly hostel in the heart of the city.
  • Hotel Albert Premier: A boutique hotel located in a historic building in the Grund district.

What to Buy in Luxembourg: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Luxembourg is famous for its handicrafts, wine, and chocolate. Here are some souvenirs and local products to consider bringing home:

  • Porcelain from Villeroy & Boch: These high-quality porcelain products are produced in Luxembourg’s oldest factory.
  • Wine from the Moselle Valley: The region produces some of Europe’s finest wines.
  • Chocolate from Namur: Produced in a family-owned business, these chocolates are a delicious treat to bring back home.

Local Culture and Customs of Luxembourg

Luxembourg has a unique blend of French, German, and Luxembourgish cultures. Here are some customs and traditions that you should be aware of:

  • Respect personal space: Luxembourgish people value their personal space and may seem reserved or distant at first.
  • Language: While Luxembourgish is the national language, most people speak fluent French, German, and English.
  • Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated in restaurants and cafes.

Best Time to Visit Luxembourg

Luxembourg has a temperate climate with mild summers and cool winters. The best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall when the weather is pleasant, and crowds are fewer. Summer is the peak season, and although the weather is warm and sunshine is plentiful, it can be crowded and expensive. Winter is the off-season but can be a magical time to visit with the Christmas markets and snow-covered landscapes.

Do’s and Don’ts of Luxembourg

There are a few customs to keep in mind when visiting Luxembourg to avoid any unintentional faux-pas. Here are some do’s and don’ts:

Do:

  • Greet people politely with “Bonjour” or “Moien”.
  • Respect personal space and privacy.
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.

Don’t:

  • Wear shoes indoors unless indicated.
  • Smoke in public areas.
  • Expect shops to be open on Sundays.

Safety and Health

Luxembourg is considered a safe country, with low incidences of violent crime. However, petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas, so be vigilant with your belongings. As for health, Luxembourg has an excellent healthcare system and no major health risks for travelers. It’s recommended to have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) when traveling to Luxembourg.

Safety in Luxembourg

  • Be aware of your surroundings and belongings, especially in crowded areas.
  • Keep your passport and valuables in a secure location.
  • Use common sense when using ATMs and avoid withdrawing cash at night.

Health in Luxembourg

  • The tap water is safe to drink.
  • Luxembourg has an excellent healthcare system with modern facilities and qualified medical professionals.
  • It’s recommended to have travel insurance and a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) when traveling to Luxembourg.

Getting to Luxembourg: Transportation Options and Logistics

Luxembourg’s central location makes it easily accessible via different modes of transport, including:

  • Air: Luxembourg Airport is the main hub and is located just outside of Luxembourg City.
  • Train: Luxembourg has excellent rail connections with major European cities.
  • Bus: Several bus companies operate services to and from Luxembourg.
  • Car: There are several highways connecting Luxembourg to neighboring countries.

Airports Near Luxembourg

  • Luxembourg Airport (LUX): The main airport located 6 km from Luxembourg City.

Bus Stations Near Luxembourg

  • Luxembourg City is served by several bus companies, including FlixBus and Eurolines.

Other Options

  • Train: Luxembourg has excellent rail connections with Paris, Brussels, and Cologne, among other major European cities.
  • Car: Luxembourg is well-connected to neighboring countries via highways.

How to Get Around in Luxembourg

Luxembourg has an efficient public transportation system with buses, trains, and trams serving the cities and countryside. Additionally, cycling is a popular mode of transport, with many dedicated cycle routes throughout the country. Taxis are also available, but they can be expensive.

Where to Go Next from Luxembourg: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Luxembourg’s central location makes it a perfect base for exploring the neighboring countries and destinations. Some popular options include:

  • Brussels, Belgium: The capital of Belgium is just a short train ride away and is famous for its iconic landmarks, famous beers, and chocolate.
  • Trier, Germany: Just across the border in Germany, Trier is a historic city with Roman ruins and medieval architecture.
  • Strasbourg, France: The fairy-tale city of Strasbourg is known for its charming half-timbered houses, festive Christmas markets, and rich culinary offerings.

Conclusion

Luxembourg may be small, but it has a lot to offer. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, food, or outdoor adventures, Luxembourg has something for everyone. With this comprehensive guide, you are now equipped to plan your perfect trip to this unique and fascinating country.

One of the many dioramas in the Diekirch National Museum of Military History. One of the many dioramas in the Diekirch National Museum of Military History. CFL regional train CFL regional train View from the 'Grund' district in Luxembourg-city View from the 'Grund' district in Luxembourg-city Echternach Town Square Echternach Town Square Vianden Castle Vianden Castle ''Judd mat gaardebounen'', served with potatoes and washed down with a Diekirch beer ''Judd mat gaardebounen'', served with potatoes and washed down with a Diekirch beer The river Alzette in Luxembourg Pfaffenthal, as seen from the bridge called ''Béinchen''. The river Alzette in Luxembourg Pfaffenthal, as seen from the bridge called ''Béinchen''.


    Central Luxembourg
    Guttland
    Moselle Valley
    Mullerthal
    Éislek