A European cultural crossroads
Luxembourg - or to give it its official title, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg - is a tiny, landlocked country bordering France, Germany and Belgium. The capital is called the City of Luxembourg, which is part of a larger administrative division known as a ‘commune’, and features a historic UNESCO World Heritage listed centre. The City of Luxembourg is a very picturesque little capital, straddling several hills and valleys. The impressive architectural splendour of the city is interspersed with attractive natural open spaces such as parks and protected forested areas. While many of the cultural attractions such as museums and galleries are dotted around the city, the wider rural areas of Luxembourg offer plenty of other attractions, such as the rivers and valleys of the Ardennes and the café culture of the Moselle Valley wine region.
Why Go?
Luxembourg’s charming capital has a wealth of historical buildings, cultural attractions and attractive green spaces. The beautiful countryside of Luxembourg is a wonderful place to explore among the valleys, rivers and lakes, enjoying a healthy dash of the great outdoors and delightful towns and villages.
When to Go?
The best time to visit Luxembourg is in spring when the weather begins to warm up, shops and other cultural venues open up from their winter closure, flowers come into bloom and there are several civic festivals. Summer is the most popular tourist season but hotel prices and flights to Luxembourg become more expensive. Visit in December to enjoy Christmas markets in Luxembourg.
How to get there?
Airlines operating flights to Luxembourg City Airport (LUX) include Luxair and Air France from London City Airport, plus British Airways from Gatwick. With limited options for Luxembourg flights, it can sometimes be easier to fly from your local airport to another European city such as Paris (CDG) or Amsterdam (AMS) and travel by train to Luxembourg. Frankfurt Airport (FRA) and Charleroi Airport in Belgium are the nearest options.
Must see
In Luxembourg City wander through the cobbled streets and attractive parks, then stop for refreshments in one of the many cafés or bistros found in the city squares. There are several good museums in the city including the Museum of History and Art, and the Natural History Museum. Vianden Castle in the Oesling region is a magnificent 14th century structure, offering spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, which is a fantastic place for walking, cycling and camping. Visit the Moselle Valley in the spring and autumn for the annual wine festivals and to visit the Wine Museum in Ehnen.