Bordered by France, Belgium and Germany, it’s easy to overlook Luxembourg when looking at your map of Europe, trying to decide where to visit on your vacations, holidays or travels. Officially known as the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the entire population is under 500,000 and is the only country ruled by a sovereign Grand Duchy.
Nonetheless, Luxembourg is both notable, strong and a country full of sights, culture and history. Read on to find out about Luxembourg’s Five Tourist Highlights when you’re visiting, travelling to or planning your holiday in Luxembourg!
Be sure to check out Adventure Travel in Luxemborg: Hiking and Trekking Trails and Paths
5 Travel Highlights and Destinations in Luxembourg
1) The Capital And The Surrounding Area
The city of Luxembourg has been classified by UNESCO as a world heritage site since 1994. And this is not by chance: marked by the passage of the Burgundians, the Spanish, the Austrians and Vauban, its fortifications lend the city a cachet matched only by the charm of the old city and the beauty of its parks (1,000 hectares of green in all!).
Often referred to as the Gibraltar of the North, the city of Luxembourg also stands out thanks to its atmosphere, which is as once incredibly cosmopolitan and very cosy, where everyone feels at little as if they are at home.
From a cultural point of view, it is constantly developing. Visitors will have the choice between a visit to the recent Philharmonic society set up by Christian de Portzamparc, the Grand Duke Jean Museum of Modern Art designed by Ieoh Ming Pei, the city’s Grand Theatre and the festivals organised by the Luxembourg City Tourist Office (LCTO), not to mention all the other museums, theatres and cultural events held throughout the year.
2) The Luxembourg Ardennes
High plateaus covered in vast meadows, shale rocks and steep-sided valleys covered with warm colours in autumn and broom in spring – these are the Luxembourg Ardennes, a land of innumerable fortresses and wild nature reserves.
The lovely Ardennes city of Vianden is dominated by one of the most majestic castles to the west of the Rhine, home every August to a medieval festival that is well worth a visit.
The city of Clervaux is known chiefly for its exhibition “The Family of Man”. This collection of photographs, produced in 1955 by Edward Steichen (originally for the Museum of Modern Art in New York) is one of the most important of its kind in the world and has been awarded world heritage status by UNESCO.
3) Mullerthal, Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland
This region to the east of the Grand Duchy is ideal for hiking, with is landscapes marked by strange rock formations, forests and gorges. The medieval town of Echternach and its basilica are definitely not to be missed when visiting. Founded in 1450 by St Willibrord of Northumbria, it is now know for its “Dancing Procession” that attracts thousands of visitors and pilgrims at Pentecost every year.
In terms of culture, Echternach is famous for its International Music Festival, which from now on is to be held in the brand-new “Trifolion” that is to host concerts, events, congresses and seminars, opposite an extraordinary ancient architectural structure.
4) The Luxembourg Moselle
The Valley of the Moselle, which forms the border with Germany, is mainly known as a wine-growing region, producing quality white wines that are best enjoyed with fish fried in one of the famous restaurants along the picturesque Luxembourg Wine Route. This region is also home to the Grand Duchy’s only thermal spa, Mondorf Le Domaine Thermal, which lies in the heart of a magnificent, flower-filled park dotted with sculptures by famous artists.
5) The Land Of Red Rocks
Nature has long re-conquered the old iron and steel and mining sites. Hikers will discover mysterious and unsuspected witnesses of a prosperous past. The bright red of iron ore characterises these old industrial sites, which have now changed into biotopes.
Street theatre, pop and rock festivals and the young atmosphere of Esch-sur-Alzette (the country’s second city) contribute towards the dynamic scene in Luxembourg. On the other hand, bourgeois houses with Art Nouveau and eclectic facades lie in the wings of this bustling city.
Gastronomy, Dining and Wine in Luxembourg
Exquisite hotels, starred restaurants, but also charming bistros will all delight the most demanding palates in quest of international, local, exotic, vegetarian or nouvelle cuisine. The Haute-Sûre nature reserve specialise in offering local produce bearing high-quality labels, to add an extra touch to typical dishes of Ardennes ham or pike from the region’s lakes.
The Luxembourg Moselle vineyard produces delicate wines of great finesse. You will discover a wide variety of wines, from quality wines to the best vintages, as well as sparkling and cremant wines. Riesling, in particular (often considered the “king of wines” in Luxembourg, incidentally) is worth trying, with its fruity, distinguished and very refined bouquet.
When it comes to top-quality gastronomy, it is worth noting that in 2008 the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg has 12 starred restaurants displaying a total of 14 Michelin stars, making this the world’s top country in terms of Michelin stars per capita.
Tourist Admission Pass in Luxembourg for 2008
A special bonus for you! This passport offers you free admission to 58 tourist attractions and the free use of public transport through the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Available for one, two or three days, for individuals and families. The passes are on sale at most stations, tourist offices, accommodation agencies and tourist sites in Luxembourg. For more info, please visit: www.luxembourgcard.lu.