Squeezed in between France, Belgium, and Germany, tiny Luxembourg (pop. 655,000) is something of an oddity, yet is arguably also the most European of the continent’s many nations. A multilingual global hub of business and commerce, Luxembourg is also the world’s only grand duchy. Its cinematic capital city, once an imposing fortress, used its dramatic topography to battle waves of Spanish and French armies.
In short, it’s an intriguing place. Despite its alluring accolades, Luxembourg is often overlooked due to its small size. However, those who venture here will discover dense hiking wildernesses, languid wine regions, bizarre local festivals, and arguably the most distinct capital city in Europe.
When Should I Go to Luxembourg?
Luxembourg’s relative mystique means that its streets won’t be clogged with tourists, even during the summer months. Although summer (June to August) is indeed the busiest time, the pleasant weather makes it the best period to visit.
The thick foliage in Luxembourg City explodes into orange, gold, and red during fall (September to November). These delightful scenes, coupled with slightly lower hotel prices, make fall another fine time to visit. The Winterlights festival in Luxembourg City during December’s festive period is magical; however, travelers passing through in January and February may face near-freezing temperatures and reduced opening hours, with some attractions and restaurants closed.
How Long Should I Spend in Luxembourg?
Luxembourg City is an ideal weekend break destination, providing plenty to see and do from Friday to Sunday. If you have more time, you can take advantage of the country’s short distances between locations, as it takes less than 90 minutes to drive from the northern to the southern end of Luxembourg!
With four days available, you can spread out to the wine region of Moselle and explore the unique museums of Esch, the 2022 European Capital of Culture. If you expand your trip to seven days, you’ll have enough time to head north to hike in Mullerthal’s dense forests and gentle hills.
Is It Easy to Get In and Around Luxembourg?
Luxembourg Airport is the country’s only international airport, located around 5km (3 miles) east of the capital, meaning a relatively short bus or taxi ride into the city. While the ravines of Luxembourg City may appear intimidating at first, it’s a small place with only 132,000 residents, making it easily walkable.
Moreover, in news that delights first-time visitors, all public transit in Luxembourg (buses, trams, and trains) has been free of charge since February 2020.
Top Things to Do in Luxembourg
More than ten times smaller than neighboring Belgium, Luxembourg is compact, with its capital being the best starting point for any journey. Begin by taking in magnificent views of this picturesque city from the Chemin de la Corniche and the mighty Pont Adolphe Bridge.
In the city center, you can delve into Luxembourg’s tumultuous history at the fascinating cliffside Musée d’Histoire de la Ville de Luxembourg. After soaking up the city’s vibrant past, see how Luxembourg defended itself at the Bock Casemates – a complex network of subterranean tunnels and rocky fortifications. No wonder it was once nicknamed the “Gibraltar of the North”.
In the evening, unwind by walking down to the lively Rives de Clausen neighborhood, a regenerated 12th-century brewing district transformed into an eclectic entertainment area filled with bustling bars and modern restaurants.
While Luxembourg’s current wealth is driven by financial services, its historical riches were built on the cast iron industry. Nowhere is this showcased better than at the monumental remains of Belval’s former blast furnaces in the southwestern city of Esch. Here, guided tours allow you to climb the massive steel structures, offering sublime panoramic views stretching into France.
At Minett Park Fond-de-Gras, the old mining railroad has been converted into a network of tranquil walking trails, granting access to several historic stations and warehouses. Additionally, the Moselle Valley wine region, located about 20km (12 miles) from the capital, is ideal for a delightful summer afternoon, sampling local whites such as Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Chardonnay.
How Much Money Do I Need for Luxembourg?
Luxembourg ranks as the world’s richest country by GDP per capita, yet its prices for visitors aren’t exceptionally high – making it somewhat comparable to its neighbors. Although it isn’t particularly expensive, it’s prudent to keep budgeting in mind.
As earlier mentioned, Luxembourg’s free public transit is a tremendous advantage for visitors and should be utilized as much as possible, potentially allowing you to indulge in a hotel upgrade or a fine meal.
Hostel room: €35
Hotel room for two: €112
Public transport ticket: Free!
Coffee: €3.50
Sandwich: €5
Dinner for two: €50–70
Beer/pint at a bar: €6
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Languages Are Spoken in Luxembourg?
Germanic in character, Luxembourgish is the national language, complemented by two official languages: French and German. While French is more prominent than German, English is also widely spoken, thanks to Luxembourg’s large multinational workforce.
What Type of Food Will I Find in Luxembourg?
Luxembourg’s cuisine reflects its geographical location between France and Germany, blending ingredients and styles from both. A classic Luxembourgish dish, Judd mat Gaardebounen, made from smoked pork collar, potatoes, and broad beans, is perfect in colder months.
What’s a Grand Duchy?
A grand duchy is a country whose official head of state is a monarch bearing the title of grand duke or grand duchess. During the 19th century, there were as many as 14 grand duchies in Europe, but Luxembourg remains the only one upholding this tradition.
