Luxembourg Travel Guide

Introduction

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (Lëtzebuerg in Luxembourgish, Luxemburg in German) is the 2nd smallest country in the European Union (after Malta). It is one of the most prosperous countries in the world, with a GDP per capita three times higher than the EU average.

Luxembourg is a trilingual country, having Luxembourgish (a Franconian dialect of High German), French and German as official languages. Luxembourgish is the mother tongue of the indigenous population and the main language spoken at home. School education is in German and French. In everyday life, German is the main language of the media, while French is used for government affairs and business. A lof of people also speak English fluently.

Luxembourg is a founding member of NATO and of the European Union. The city of Luxembourg is the seat of several EU institutions and agencies, notably the European Court of Justice and the Court of Auditors. The Schengen Agreement, which abolished border checks and introduced a harmonised visa policy for member states, was signed in the eponymous village at the southeastern tip of the country.

Luxembourg cuisine artfully blends elements of French, Belgian and German cuisines. It has recently been influenced by the numerous Italian and Portuguese immigrants to the country. As of 2025, Luxembourg City has 10 Michelin-starred restaurants, which is one of the highest ratio of most Michelin stars per capita (73 stars per million people) of any city in the world.

Famous people from Luxembourg include (chronologically): the physicist and inventor Gabriel Lippmann (Nobel prize), the EU "founding father" Robert Schuman (who also served twice as Prime Minister of France), the politician Gaston Thorn (former Prime Minister of Luxembourg and EU Commission President), the politician Jacques Santer (former Prime Minister of Luxembourg and EU Commission President), the current Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker (former President of the European Council and President of the Eurogroup).

History of Luxembourg
Explore Luxembourg's rich history from its founding in 963 to its modern prosperity. Discover how this strategic territory evolved through Roman, medieval and Habsburg rule to become a wealthy European nation.

Luxembourgian Cuisine
Discover Luxembourg's unique cuisine: from hearty Judd mat Gaardebounen to delicate F'rell am Rèisleck. Explore traditional dishes influenced by French, German and Belgian flavours

Attractions

Luxembourg City

Luxembourg City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts one of Europe's most formidable historic fortresses with an extraordinary 23km network of underground tunnels called the Casemates1. The city's old quarters feature the grand ducal Palace, which serves as the official residence of the Grand Duke, and the Chemin de la Corniche, nicknamed 'Europe's most beautiful balcony'. A quarter of the city comprises green spaces, whilst its 24 districts reflect a multicultural atmosphere with over 170 nationalities. The local cuisine features distinctive dishes such as 'Judd mat Gaardebounen' (smoked pork collar with broad beans), and the city maintains a rich brewing tradition dating back to medieval times. The city centre seamlessly blends historical charm with modern elements, particularly visible in the Kirchberg district's avant-garde architecture, and houses several significant cultural institutions including MUDAM (Museum of Modern Art) designed by architect I.M. Pei.

Clervaux

Clervaux is a picturesque town centred around its 12th-century castle, which houses three remarkable exhibitions: the UNESCO-listed 'Family of Man' photography collection featuring 503 photos from 273 photographers across 68 countries, a museum dedicated to the Battle of the Bulge, and a collection of models showcasing Luxembourg's castles. The town played a significant role during World War II's Battle of the Bulge, with a Sherman tank from the conflict still displayed at the castle entrance. The town's coat of arms, granted in 1896, features three blackbirds on a gold ground atop a red shield. The River Clerve meanders through the town, offering scenic walking paths, whilst the surrounding Ardennes landscape provides extensive hiking and cycling trails. Traditional Luxembourgish cuisine can be sampled in the town's restaurants, and the pedestrian zone features small shops and cafés. The town is also known for its Benedictine monks who gained recognition for reviving Gregorian chant traditions.

Vianden

Vianden is a charming medieval town dominated by its stunning castle, built between the 11th and 14th centuries on the foundations of a Roman castellum and Carolingian refuge. The town's history dates back to Roman times when the valley was covered in vineyards, and in the Middle Ages, it was renowned for its skilled craftsmen including tanners, drapers, weavers, and goldsmiths. Notable attractions include Luxembourg's only chairlift offering panoramic views, the Victor Hugo House where the famous French writer stayed in 1871, and one of Europe's largest pumped-storage hydroelectric plants. The town hosts an annual medieval festival at the castle featuring battle demonstrations and period entertainment, whilst in October, the traditional nut market showcases local walnut products including cakes, confectionery, and liqueurs. The town's medieval character is preserved through its narrow streets, city walls with watchtowers, and historic buildings.

Esch-sur-Sûre

Esch-sur-Sûre is a small town situated in a dramatic meander of the River Sûre, dominated by Luxembourg's oldest fortified castle which dates back to 773 CE. The castle ruins, now floodlit at night, were partially destroyed by French troops following Louis XIV's capture of Luxembourg City in 1685. The town features a fascinating cloth factory museum showcasing traditional woollen blanket-making, whilst a 380-hectare lake created by a 1961 dam serves both as a hydroelectric power source and a recreational hub. The surrounding area offers 90 kilometres of marked trails for walking and mountain biking, and visitors can explore the lake via solar-powered boats. The town's unique geography required creative engineering solutions, including two road tunnels built in 1850 and 19541. The medieval character remains visible in the narrow streets, with some houses still backing onto the original 15th-century defensive walls that were 1.5 metres thick.

Echternach

Founded around 695 CE, Echternach is one of Luxembourg's oldest towns and features a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site - the Abbey of Echternach - which showcases both Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. The town is encircled by scenic landscapes, including Echternach Lake where visitors can enjoy boating and picnicking, whilst numerous nature trails wind through the surrounding hills for hiking and cycling. The local gastronomy blends German and French influences, and the town hosts several cultural events throughout the year, most notably the UNESCO-recognised Dancing Procession. Beyond its historical centre with cobblestone streets and medieval architecture, visitors can explore various museums including the Abbey Museum and the Prehistory Museum1. The town square, Place du Marché, serves as a hub for local markets where visitors can find fresh produce and traditional crafts.

Müllerthal

Known as Luxembourg's Little Switzerland, Müllerthal features a stunning landscape of sandstone rock formations, narrow ravines, and mysterious caves spread across its renowned 112-kilometre trail system. The area achieved UNESCO Global Geopark status in 2022 and is divided into three main routes, each offering distinct characteristics such as rock formations, enchanted valleys, and romantic castles. The region's largest town, Echternach, is Luxembourg's oldest settlement and hosts the famous Hopping Procession, recognised as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage since 2010. Notable landmarks include the remarkable Roman villa, which once boasted 70 ground-floor rooms, lakes, mosaic pavements, and a Roman garden with medicinal plants. Bourglinster Castle stands out with its medieval fortifications and houses La Distillerie, an acclaimed restaurant that has earned a green Michelin star and recognition as the world's best vegetarian establishment.

Other attractions