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Luxembourg

Luxembourg

Continent

Europe

Best States to Visit

  • Luxembourg
  • Esch-sur-Alzette
  • Diekirch
  • Wiltz
  • Echternach

Best Cities to Visit

  • Luxembourg
  • Esch-sur-Alzette
  • Differdange
  • Dudelange
  • Ettelbruck

Size

2,586 KM2

Population

633,622

GDP

$66,848,000,000

Spending Budget

$541 - $2,496

Famous For

  • It has the second-highest GDP in the world
  • Luxembourg has three official languages
  • The cuisine is a fusion of French and German
  • Luxembourgers own the most cars
  • The first EU leader to marry a same-sex partner
  • Luxembourg produces award-winning wines
  • The Grand Duchess's birthday was changed

Best Time to Visit

  • May
  • June
  • July
  • August
  • September

History

The first traces of settlement in what is now Luxembourg are dated back to the Paleolithic Age, about 35.000 years ago. From the 2nd century BC, Celtic tribes settled in the region between the rivers Rhine and Meuse, thus settling in the region which constitutes today's Grand-Duchy. A few centuries later, the Romans would name the Celtic tribes inhabiting these exact regions collectively as the Treveri, and multiple archeological evidence of their existence in Luxembourg have been discovered, the most famous being the "Oppidum of the Titelberg". In around 58 to 51 BC, the Romans invaded the country when Julius Caesar conquered Gaul and part of Germania up to the Rhine border, thus the area of what is now Luxembourg became part of the Roman Empire for the next 450 years, living in relative peace under the Pax Romana. Similarly to what happened in Gaul, the Celts of Luxembourg adopted Roman culture, language, morals and a way of life, effectively becoming what historians later described as Gallo-Roman civilization. Evidences from that period of time include the Dalheim Ricciacum and the Vichten mosaic which is on display at the National Museum of History and Art in Luxembourg City. The territory was infiltrated by the Germanic Franks starting from the 4th century, and was abandoned by Rome in 406 AD. The territory of what would become Luxembourg now became part of the Kingdom of the Franks. The Salian Franks who settled in the area are often described as the ones having brought the Germanic language to present-day Luxembourg, since the old Frankish language spoken by them is considered by linguists to be a direct forerunner of the Moselle Franconian dialect, which later evolved, among others, into the modern-day Luxembourgish language.

Present Day

The Grand-Duchy became a founding member of the United Nations in 1945. Luxembourg's neutral status under the constitution formally ended in 1948, and in April 1949 it also became a founding member of NATO. During the Cold War, Luxembourg continued its involvements on the side of the Western Bloc. In the early fifties a small contingent of troops fought in the Korean War. Luxembourg troops have also deployed to Afghanistan, to support ISAF. In 1951, Luxembourg became one of the six founding countries of the European Coal and Steel Community, which in 1957 would become the European Economic Community and in 1993 the European Union. In 1999 Luxembourg joined the Eurozone. The steel industry exploiting the Red Lands' rich iron-ore grounds in the beginning of the 20th century drove the country's industrialization. After the decline of the steel industry in the 1970s, the country focused on establishing itself as a global financial center and developed into the banking hub it is reputed for. Since the beginning of the 21st century, its governments have focused on developing the country into a knowledge economy, with the founding of the University of Luxembourg and a national space program.

Future

Luxembourg's economic growth is largely seen as something positive, creating more jobs, more wealth, higher GDP and generally a good business climate in the country. But growth can also have its side effects, both positive or negative. Recently, the European Commission published its forecast on Luxembourg's population growth. The country's government uses the same figure of 1.1 million people by 2050, for its multi-annual budget. This has prompted the resurfacing of the discussion about the future of Luxembourg, what it may look like and what it should look like. The series kicked of on Monday, November 7, with a debate at the University of Luxembourg in Belval, featuring Minister for sustainable development and infrastructure François Bausch as well as organisations such as Caritas Luxembourg, the Luxembourg Business Federation and the “Mouvement Ecologique”. A questions and answers session at the end of the debate allowed for the general public's participation. One of the first questions that has to be answered of course is, what qualitative growth means. This will ultimately be a political question as there is a broad range of factors that need to be considered. The Luxembourg statistics office STATEC for example recently published a statement, outlining its own understanding of qualitative growth, stating that pure GDP growth is not enough. Matters such as the environment (CO2 emissions per unit of GDP for example), inequalities in society, the general standard of living and health are among the elements mentioned.
Must Visit Places ------------

The Old Quarter of Luxembourg City

There's no better place to begin exploring beautiful Luxembourg City - often referred to locally as simply "d'Stad" - than in its historic Old Quarter. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, the city's ancient fortifications have ensured its place as one of the most important of Europe's cities. The fortress was so impregnable, it was dubbed the "Gibraltar of the North," and although the original fortress was dismantled between 1867 and 1883, its impact upon the Old Quarter is evident everywhere. Today, the old fortifications have given way to beautifully laid out parks and gardens, while its cobbled streets are lined with charming old homes and buildings. It's a great place to spend a few hours exploring as you cross its many bridges - including the spectacular Adolphe Bridge, considered a city landmark - and traverse its many alleyways, preferably without a map (just follow your nose and see where you end up!). While there's ample above-ground and underground parking, if you're arriving by car, consider using one of the city's excellent park-and-ride facilities. Better still, arrive by train and book a stay in an Old Quarter hotel.

National Museum of History and Art, Luxembourg City

If you were to judge Luxembourg City on the quality of its museums - never mind its status as one of Europe's most historically important cities - it would still rank extremely high on the list of the continent's must-see cities. Topping the list is the National Museum of History and Art (Nationalmusée fir Geschicht a Konscht, or (MNHA). Located in the historic Fish Market area (the old town center), the MNHA's collections - art objects, archeological finds, furniture, tools, coins, arms, and documents dealing with the history of the country - are housed in a stunning new building. There's a particular emphasis on the Gallo-Roman period, with numerous fine displays illustrating the artistic, social, religious, and intellectual life of Luxembourgers from the 16th to the early 20th centuries. The contemporary art section is also a must-see, and is furnished with works by many of the most important artists of the 20th century. Am Tunnel is also worthy of a visit for art lovers. Located in, as the name suggests, an old tunnel, this contemporary art gallery with its first-rate collection of visual arts offers a pleasant respite from the many larger, busier museums and galleries in the city.

The Bock Casements, Luxembourg City

Luxembourg's Bock cliff (Bockfiels), with its fortifications and cannon-loopholes, is where you'll find the entrance to the famous Casemates (Casements du Bock), a 21-kilometer network of underground passages hewn from solid rock. Capable of sheltering thousands of defenders, as well as equipment and horses, it also housed workshops, kitchens, and slaughterhouses. All told, the Casements - some of which date back to Spanish rule in 1644 - cover an impressive 40,000 square meters. Today, much of these remarkable fortifications can be explored on foot, while organized guided tours are available for those wanting to learn more about the tunnels' fascinating history. On the Bock plateau itself are the remains of the old castle, discovered in 1963. There are beautiful views of the suburb of Grund and the Rham Plateau, the old 19th-century barracks, and the big towers and remains of the Wenceslas wall dating from 1390.

Grand Ducal Palace, Luxembourg City

A must-see landmark in Luxembourg City, the Grand Ducal Palace (Groussherzogleche Palais) is a gorgeous Renaissance building dating from 1572 that serves as the official residence of the country's reigning monarch, Grand Duke Henri. It was built as the city's original city hall in 1572 - a role it served until 1795 - switching eventually to its present use as the Grand-Ducal Place in 1890. While it's still the full-time home of the Duke, the public are permitted an opportunity for a peek inside during special organized tours made available from mid-July to the first week of September, when it becomes one of the city's most visited attractions. Nine tours are available daily, and are conducted in a variety of different languages, including English. Tickets are made available through the Luxembourg City Tourist Office from their office in Place Guillaume II. Highlights of the tour include a chance to see the plush, elegantly furnished interior, including the ceremonial rooms used on significant occasions, such as visits by foreign dignitaries.

The Walls of the Corniche, Luxembourg City

The spectacular Walls of the Corniche (le Chemin de la Corniche) in Luxembourg City have been called "the most beautiful balcony in Europe," towering as they do over the old city in the river valley below. It's here you'll find the big Gate of the Grund dating from 1632. Its ramparts reveal several aristocratic houses and refuges, as well as the ancient convent of the Dominicans and St. Michael's church (AD 987). In the suburb of Grund itself is a large cluster of buildings with the church and ancient Abbey of Neumünster, notable for its 17th-century cloister of Limoges, an organ dating from 1720, and a 14th-century "black virgin." The adjacent buildings are part of the ancient Hospice St.-Jean, founded by Emperor Henri VII, Count of Luxembourg, in 1309.

Place Guillaume II, Luxembourg City

Luxembourg's Place Guillaume, one of the city's largest open spaces, is the former site of a Franciscan convent that has since been converted into a pedestrian zone. In the center is the equestrian statue of William II, King of Holland and Grand Duke of Luxembourg. It's also where you'll find the lovely Town Hall and the famous Trémont's lions, as well as the city's popular weekly market, famous for its flowers and plants, as well as local produce. Nearby is the 16th-century House of Raville with its beautiful façade, well-restored balcony, and spiral staircase. Other notable landmarks are the Spanish Turret with its superb views of the Pfaffenthal suburb and the old cavalry-barracks of Vauban, dominated by Fort Thüngen, also known as the "Three Acorns" for the three acorns that adorn each of its three towers. And be sure to take your time exploring this beautiful area. It's a delightful spot to stop for a meal or beverage at any one of the many fine cafés and restaurants located here.

Grand Duke Jean Museum of Modern Art (MUDAM)

Fans of modern art (and ultra-modern architecture) must visit the superb Grand Duke Jean Museum of Modern Art (Musée d'art moderne Grand-Duc Jean, or MUDAM) with its contemporary art collections from world-renowned artists. Since its opening in 2006, MUDAM has drawn consistent rave reviews for its contemporary collection, which includes works from such well-known artists as Bruce Nauman, Andy Warhol, and Julian Schnabel, to name but a few. In addition to its many fine permanent artworks on exhibit, the museum features many visiting and temporary displays, too. Also available to the public are a variety of first-rate educational programs and workshops, including some geared specifically to kids. Guided tours are also available in English.

Echternach and its Benedictine Abbey

The beautiful town of Echternach lies on the bank of the River Sûre, which forms the border with neighboring Germany. The Mullerthal and Germano-Luxembourg natural park are nearby, and the surrounding woods are crisscrossed with hundreds of footpaths leading to spectacular rock formations, waterfalls, a lake, and numerous lovely viewpoints. The town itself is well known for its centuries-old dancing procession, which takes place on Whit Tuesday and attracts visitors from around the world. The old aristocratic houses, narrow streets, and ancient ramparts have helped Echternach maintain its medieval appearance. A must-see is the seventh-century Benedictine Abbey and its superb museum, its four long wings built around a large square courtyard. The basilica, considered the most important religious building in the country, is home to a crypt with a magnificent white marble sarcophagus containing the remains of St. Willibrord, the founder of the abbey, and its vaults are painted with frescoes dating back to the 10th century. Echternach is also famous for its international music festival, which runs from late May to late June. The town also offers great dining at its many restaurants, as well as numerous boutique shops and galleries, a variety of top-rated hotels, and camping.

The Luxembourg Ardennes

Standing in stark contrast to the rather flat landscape around Luxembourg City, the Ardennes is where you'll find high forested plateaus, sheer cliffs, wooded hills, and hidden valleys, as well as countless impressive views. The area - famous as the place where Hitler staged his last major campaign of WWII - boasts numerous castles, fortresses, and fortified farms rising out of the hilltops. One of the prettiest towns, Wiltz, consists of an upper and lower town and is famous for its open-air theater and music festival. There's also a Battle of the Bulge Museum in Wiltz Castle. Another WWII-themed museum of note in the Ardennes is the General Patton Museum and monument in Ettelbruck. The quaint village of Clervaux is also worth checking out. While the village lies amid a deep and narrow valley beside the river Clerve, its Benedictine Abbey of St. Maurice and St. Maur (also known as Clervaux Abbey) was built in 1910 in Romanesque-Burgundian style and dominates the valley. Visitors here can enjoy exhibits relating to the monastic life, as well as Gregorian masses.

Luxembourg City History Museum

One of the newer attractions in Luxembourg, the Luxembourg City History Museum (Musée d'histoire de la Ville de Luxembourg) was opened in 1996 and provides a fascinating insight into the rich 1,000-plus-year history of the city. The building itself is a stunning mix of the old and new, combining a number of old homes dating from the 17th and 19th centuries - some with even older medieval sections, such as recently discovered vaulted cellars - with striking modern extensions. Exhibits deal with the early settlement's first inhabitants and its growth and development through the centuries right up to the present day. In addition to its many fine exhibits and displays, the museum is home to a huge elevator and viewing area, which offers wonderful views over the city's historic Grund district. If you're planning on doing some museum-hopping during your stay, be sure to also visit the National Museum of Natural History (Nationalmusée fir Naturgeschicht) with its exhibits dealing with the natural world, both locally and globally.

Bourscheid Castle

The village of Bourscheid stands high on a plateau and is bordered by the rivers Sûre and Wark. Here, you'll find excellent views and many pleasant hikes to other quaint villages, including Michelau in the Sûre Valley, Welscheid in the Wark Valley, and Kehmen on the plateau. For sun bathers, there are two river beaches at Bourscheid-Plage and Dirbach. This region of the Ardennes is very much dominated by the ruins of the fairy-tale Bourscheid Castle, which looks down from a rocky peak 137 meters above the Sûre. Dating from the 10th century, the castle has been largely restored and is accessible to visitors (self-guided audio tours are available, with guided tours available upon request). If you are looking for for something interesting to do at night, view the castle in the evening when it's lit up - a truly memorable experience, particularly from the village.

Mondorf-les-Bains and the Moselle

The Moselle region of Luxembourg occupies much of the eastern part of the country and features slopes flanking the majestic Moselle River. The many picturesque villages tucked along the banks of the Moselle recall an ancient charm and are fun to explore and renowned for their varied cuisine produced from locally grown products. It was also an area much favored by the Romans, and as a result many archaeological remains can be found dispersed throughout the region. One must-visit is Mondorf-les-Bains, a small town famous for its thermal springs. One of the top tourist attractions here is Mondorf le Domaine Thermal, a large spa complex that houses a health center, sports and leisure club, and hotel. The complex's thermal installations are fed by springs supplying a mineral water of 24 degrees Celsius that is well known for its medicinal qualities. Afterwards, stroll through Mondorf Park with its large collection of trees, shrubs, and flowerbeds. Other highlights include 18th-century St. Michael's Church, with its furniture and frescoes; the Castel, a little Roman fortress transformed into a hermitage during the Middle Ages; and the Art Nouveau houses.

Upper Sûre Natural Park and Esch-sur-Sûre

Upper Sûre Natural Park (Naturpark Uewersauer) consists of plateaus, narrow valleys with wooded slopes, and the lake of the Upper Sûre dam. It's a popular destination for its leisure activities and water sports, as well as for its wildlife and ecotourism. Numerous walking tours - whether guided or self-guided - include everything from pleasant circular tours to more arduous treks around the lake. A fun sculpture trail has also been added, as have excellent solar-powered boat tours across the large reservoir. Other things to do include fishing, swimming, sailing, and diving. The area also possesses a rich cultural heritage, and the Nature Park Centre - located in an old cloth mill - includes a museum with interesting artifacts and exhibits relating to both the park and the local area. A number of regular events also take place here, the largest being the biennial Water Art Festival, which attracts more than 200 musicians under a theme of "Rock meets Classic." A must-visit nearby is Esch-sur-Sûre. This spectacular small village set in the mountains and skirted by the river Sûre and widely regarded as one of the most outstanding sites in the country. The village is dominated by its ruined manor house, built in AD 927 and by the cliffs looking down to the river. The mansion is open year-round with free admission.

Walferdange and its Castle

Walferdange Castle (Château de Walferdange), the Grand Ducal residence until the end of the 19th century, lies at the entrance to the Grunewald Wood. Located on one of Luxembourg's principal tourist routes, it makes for a great day trip, as it's just a short distance from Luxembourg City (it's now a part of the University of Luxembourg). The village of Walferdange itself boasts picturesque scenery due to its location at the junction of the Alzette Valley with its lovely wooded heights. In addition to its great views, the village is well known for its roses, as well as a large archeological site that includes a Roman villa and an underground aqueduct. Walferdange is also become a popular shopping destination, too, since the opening of the Walfer Shopping Center.

Notre-Dame Cathedral, Luxembourg City

The Roman Catholic Notre-Dame Cathedral (Kathedral Notre-Dame) in Luxembourg City was built in the early 17th century in late Gothic style, with a number of attractive Renaissance features added later. Notable features of what is the country's only cathedral include the two original choir bays, dating from 1621, along with its three distinctive towers, one of which (the west tower) dates from the same period. Also of interest are the intricate sculpted Baroque angels around the organ tribune, also dating back to the early 1600s, as well as a monument dedicated to the country's WW2 resistance movement and victims of deportation (it's located in the cemetery). Visiting Catholics will want to consider attending the cathedral's Sunday evening mass, which usually includes the involvement of the Archbishop of Paris.

Larochette

Larochette is a quaint old market town that lies in a narrow, rocky valley surrounded by woods. The town is dominated by two old and partially rebuilt castles that stand on a crag high above the valley of the White Ernz. The town boasts a superb medieval square, a museum of industry that offers a fascinating look at the area's past as an important textile base (free admission; open year-round), and a number of historical monuments dotted along its many old streets. Be sure to pop into the Neo-Roman church for its Art Nouveau frescoes. The village is a hiker's haven, with walks for all abilities heading through the woods and countryside and leading to notable viewpoints such as the castles of Meysembourg and Nommerlayen, with the remains of a Roman camp at Aalburg. In addition to its fine old hotels and inns, there are also numerous campsites that are welcoming to backpackers.

Berdorf

Berdorf is one of the main tourist areas in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and lies on a vast tableland overlooking the valleys of the Black Ernz, the Sûre, and the Aesbach rivers. Numerous well-kept footpaths and hiking trails crisscross the valleys and chasms, where you'll find tall rocky hills with fine views and more than 300 acres of forest. It's also a tremendously popular area for rock climbers, hiking enthusiasts, and campers.

Beaufort Castle

Beaufort lies on a plateau in the Mullerthal region and is well known for its near perfectly dimensioned 12th-century castle, as well as a Neo-Gothic church. Although much of Beaufort Castle (Buerg Beaufort) is in ruins, it is still wonderful to explore. Be sure to bring your walking shoes with you. There are a number of footpaths leading through the wooded hills to great views of the surrounding countryside, through spectacular rock formations and the gorges of the Hallerbach and the Saueracht towards Grundhof and Dillingen in the Sûre valley.

Vianden Castle

Vianden is an extremely picturesque town straddling both banks of the River Our. Its fine feudal manor, Vianden Castle (Buerg Veianen), dates back to the ninth century and is unrivaled in the Ardennes and Eifel for its architectural significance. Also of note is the medieval outer wall encircling the town with many impressive guard towers. If you can, try to time your visit to coincide with the annual Vianden Medieval Festival, held the first weekend of August. This popular family-friendly event is well-known for its jousting and sword fighting tournaments, its market, and knights' camp. Also worth seeing is the parish church with its two naves. Built in Gothic style in 1248, it has since been completely restored. The former Trinitarian cloister, dating from 1250, houses a lapidary museum, and a small art museum in a former mansion has a number of notable works from 18th- and 19th-century painters. The house where author Victor Hugo lived during his exile in 1871 now houses a collection of souvenirs of his various visits to Vianden. A large network of walking paths, well maintained and signposted, offers access to the beautiful countryside of the Our Valley, and a chairlift climbs to a height of 440 meters where visitors can enjoy splendid views.

Parc Merveilleux

Located in the picturesque town of Bettembourg, just six miles from the capital city and three miles from the French border, Parc Merveilleux attracts thousands of visitors each year. This amusement center, with its fairy-tale themed attractions and rides, features a game enclosure, playground, mini-train, pony express, mini-golf, restaurants, and concerts, all of them fun for all ages (but especially the kids). There's also an interesting zoo component that houses a large collection of exotic birds, reptiles, and numerous cute and cuddly mammals.