Why Luxembourg Surprises Everyone
Tiny but mighty, the Grand Duchy packs medieval fortresses, deep river gorges, vineyards and one of Europe's most cosmopolitan capitals into an area you can cross in under two hours. Here are the experiences worth your time.
Bock Casemates
Carved into the cliff where Count Siegfried founded the city in 963, the Bock Casemates are a 17 km network of underground tunnels and gun galleries. A self-guided visit costs around 8 euros and rewards you with sweeping views over the Alzette valley. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this is the single must-see in the capital.
The Old Town and Chemin de la Corniche
Walk the Chemin de la Corniche, often called "Europe's most beautiful balcony," a rampart-top path looking down on the Grund quarter below. Wander to the Grand Ducal Palace and the Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral nearby.
The Grund
Descend the cliff (or take the free lift from Plateau du Saint-Esprit) into the Grund, a riverside village of stone houses, microbreweries and the Neumunster Abbey cultural centre. Evenings here are the city's liveliest.
Vianden Castle
An hour north, Vianden Castle is a fairy-tale hilltop fortress above the Our river, one of the largest feudal residences in Europe. Ride the chairlift for the postcard view, then explore the cobbled town Victor Hugo adored.
Mullerthal Trail
Nicknamed "Little Switzerland," the Mullerthal region offers 112 km of marked trails through mossy gorges, sandstone formations and waterfalls like the Schiessentumpel. The day loops from Echternach are the most rewarding.
Echternach
Luxembourg's oldest town, Echternach is home to a UNESCO-listed Basilica and the famous hopping procession each Whit Tuesday. The nearby lake is perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
Moselle Wine Route
Along the German border, the Moselle valley produces excellent Cremant sparkling wine and Riesling. Visit cellars in Remich, Grevenmacher or Schengen, where the borderless-Europe treaty was signed.
MUDAM and Kirchberg
For contrast, the MUDAM modern art museum, designed by I. M. Pei, sits beside the Philharmonie concert hall on the futuristic Kirchberg plateau.
Getting Around
Luxembourg made all public transport free in 2020, so trams, trains and buses cost nothing nationwide. It is the easiest country in Europe to explore on a budget.
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