A Beginner's Guide to Visiting Luxembourg: Plan Your Trip to This Compact Nation

Nestled between France, Belgium, and Germany, the tiny nation of Luxembourg (population 655,000) is a unique gem and arguably the most quintessentially European country on the continent.

As a multilingual hub for business and trade, Luxembourg is also the world’s only grand duchy. Its capital, once a formidable fortress, utilized its dramatic landscape to fend off invasions by Spanish and French forces.

In summary, it's a fascinating destination. Yet, despite its intriguing reputation, its small size often causes it to be overlooked. Visitors discover lush hiking trails, serene wine regions, quirky local festivals, and one of the most distinctive capital cities in Europe.

Given its small size, Luxembourg has its own unique characteristics, so here are some tips to consider before your visit.

What’s the best time to visit Luxembourg?

Thanks to its relatively undiscovered charm, Luxembourg’s streets remain uncrowded, even in summer. While the busiest season runs from June to August, the pleasant weather makes it an ideal time to explore.

During fall (September to November), the lush greenery in Luxembourg City transforms into vibrant hues of orange, gold, and red. This stunning scenery, paired with lower hotel rates, makes it another excellent time to visit.

The Winterlights festival in Luxembourg City during the festive December season is enchanting. However, travelers in January and February should prepare for near-freezing temperatures and limited opening hours, with some attractions and restaurants closed.

What’s the ideal duration for a stay in Luxembourg?

Luxembourg City is perfect for a weekend getaway, offering plenty to explore from Friday to Sunday. If you have more time, the country’s compact size means you can easily travel between locations in under 90 minutes from north to south.

With four days at your disposal, you can visit the Moselle wine region and the unique museums in Esch, the 2022 European Capital of Culture. Extend your stay to seven days, and you can venture north to hike through the lush forests and gentle hills of Mullerthal.

How easy is it to navigate Luxembourg?

Luxembourg Airport is the sole international airport in the country, situated about 5km (3 miles) east of the capital, making for a quick bus or taxi ride into the city. While the city's ravines might seem daunting at first, Luxembourg is a compact place with just 132,000 residents, making it very walkable.

In a delightful surprise for first-time visitors, all public transportation in Luxembourg—including buses, trams, and trains—has been free since February 2020.

Must-see attractions in Luxembourg

Luxembourg is over 10 times smaller than its neighbor Belgium, making it a compact destination, with its capital city being the ideal starting point for any adventure. Begin your exploration by enjoying stunning views from the Chemin de la Corniche and the impressive Pont Adolphe bridge.

In the heart of the city, delve into Luxembourg’s tumultuous history at the captivating cliffside Musée d'Histoire de la Ville de Luxembourg. After immersing yourself in the city’s rich past, visit the Bock Casemates—an intricate network of underground tunnels and rocky fortifications, complete with cannons peeking through expertly carved openings. It’s no wonder this site earned the nickname 'Gibraltar of the North.'

Unwind in the evening with a stroll down to the vibrant Rives de Clausen neighborhood, a former 12th-century brewing district transformed into a lively entertainment hub filled with bustling bars and contemporary restaurants.

Today, Luxembourg's wealth is primarily tied to financial services, but its historical prosperity stemmed from the cast iron industry, exemplified by the imposing remains of Belval’s former blast furnaces in Esch. Guided tours allow visitors to climb these colossal structures, offering breathtaking panoramic views that extend into France.

At Minett Park Fond-de-Gras, the old mining railway has been transformed into a charming network of walking paths, with many historic stations and warehouses available for exploration at no cost.

In the serene southeast of Luxembourg, the Moselle Valley wine region is ideal for a delightful day trip, just 20km (12 miles) from the capital. The rolling vineyards are perfect for enjoying summer afternoons while sampling local whites like riesling, gewürztraminer, and chardonnay.

If you have some extra time, consider taking the train north to the stunning Mullerthal region. Often called Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland, you can hike parts or even the entirety of the 112km (70 mile) Mullerthal Trail, which offers exceptional summer hiking through rare sandstone formations, ancient fern forests, and breathtaking views of the Sûre River.

In the border town of Echternach, the striking twin-spired abbey stands prominently against the landscape, gazing into Germany. However, it’s also renowned for its unique tradition. If you visit on Whit Tuesday, you'll witness the Lechternacher Sprangprëssessioun, a lively hopping procession where participants in white shirts and black trousers leap like bunnies to a polka tune through the medieval streets, honoring St Willibrord, founder of the local Benedictine Abbey.

My favorite experience in Luxembourg

My first journey to Luxembourg was spontaneous, a last-minute escape from the drudgery of a mundane 9-to-5 life. Like many, I arrived with little knowledge or research about this intriguing country just a two-hour flight from the UK. I wanted the thrill of discovery.

And that thrill was undeniable the moment I stepped onto the Chemin de la Corniche in the capital. From this winding promenade, the expansive cityscape of Luxembourg unfolded before me, reminiscent of a scene from a classic Golden Age Hollywood film. Take your time here to immerse yourself in the rolling gorges, steep cliffs, winding roads, distant spires, lush greenery, and grand stone bridges—it's a breathtaking panorama that remains etched in my memory.

What is the budget needed for a trip to Luxembourg?

Ranked as the richest country in the world by GDP per capita, Luxembourg's visitor prices aren’t overly steep, unlike those in Scandinavia. While it’s not a bargain destination, those merely passing through will find it comparable to its neighboring countries.

As noted earlier, the complimentary public transportation in Luxembourg is a significant advantage for travelers and should be utilized as much as possible. Perhaps indulge in a hotel upgrade or enjoy a gourmet meal?

Hostel stay: €35 Double hotel room: €112 Public transport fare: free! Coffee: €0 Sandwich: €5 Dinner for two: €50–70 Pint of beer at a bar: €6

Commonly asked questions

What languages are spoken in Luxembourg?

Luxembourgish is the national language, reflecting its Germanic roots. Additionally, French and German are official languages, with French being more widely used. English is also commonly spoken due to the diverse international workforce.

What kind of cuisine can I expect in Luxembourg?

Luxembourg's culinary scene showcases its geographical position between France and Germany, merging elements from both cultures, with a stronger influence from the robust flavors typical of German cuisine. A quintessential Luxembourgish dish, Judd mat Gaardebounen, features smoked pork collar, potatoes, and broad beans, making it perfect for chilly weather.

What is a grand duchy?

A grand duchy refers to a territory or nation that has a monarch with the title of grand duke or grand duchess as its official head of state. In the 19th century, Europe boasted up to 14 grand duchies, but Luxembourg remains the sole example still adhering to this tradition.