Welcome to this little country with tons of interesting things to see and do: Luxembourg!
Located in Western Europe, surrounded by some of the biggest countries of the continent, Luxembourg is a true hidden gem. Get ready to dive into a land of fairytale castles, beautiful hiking trails and more chocolate than you can handle. Despite being a small country, there are so many interesting places to visit. That is why we have listed our favorite places for you in this blogpost. We can assure you that a visit to this country will give a whole new meaning to the phrase 'small but mighty'.
Overview
Tips for visiting Luxembourg
The visit Luxembourg App
The VisitLuxembourg app is the official travel application of Luxembourg. It is a super handy tool for everyone visiting the country.
In the app, you will find detailed information about popular attractions, historical sites, museums, and cultural events in Luxembourg. It provides maps, audio guides, and suggested itineraries to help you navigate and explore the country effectively. The app also offers practical information about accommodations, restaurants, transportation options, and shopping locations, making it easier to plan your trip.
And in our opinion the best part of the app? You can even save your favorite attractions, restaurants, and points of interest and create your own customized travel itinerary. Super easy, right?
On top of that you will also get real-time updates on events, festivals, and special promotions happening throughout the country, so that you stay informed about the latest happenings during your visit.
The luxembourg card
The Luxembourg Card is a travel pass that gives you free access to more than 90 places of interest in Luxembourg. It allows you to explore the country’s museums, castles, and other tourist sites without extra entrance fees. You can purchase a Luxembourg card for 1, 2 or 3 days and for multiple people. On top of that, you can easily access your Luxembourg Card in the VisitLuxembourg app on your mobile phone. It is the most cost-effective way to experience the best of what Luxembourg has to offer. We were very happy that we had the Luxembourg Card, because it probably saved us quite a bit of time, effort and money.
Get your Luxembourg card here
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Public transportation
What we really love about Luxembourg, is that all public transportation in Luxembourg is completely free for everyone. This initiative was implemented in 2020 to encourage the use of public transport, reduce traffic and promote sustainability. Whether you’re traveling by bus, tram, or train within Luxembourg, you can easily use public transportation without the need to purchase tickets or pay fares. It is a great benefit to explore the country in an efficient way.
Read more practical information about Luxembourg here!
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Vianden
- 49° 56′ N, 06° 12′ E
Vianden is a small and charming town in Luxembourg, not far from the border with Germany. Surrounded by beautiful hills, it feels like stepping into a fairytale. You can stroll around the narrow streets and soak up the medieval atmosphere of this picturesque town. The highlight is Vianden Castle, a grand fortress on a hill, rising above the rest of the city.
What to do in Vianden
Visit Vianden castle
Practical
Adults: €10
Students (13-25yo): €5
Free entrance with Luxembourg Card
Every day from 10am
Closing time depends on the season.
You can find the current closing times on https://castle-vianden.lu/nl/besuch/.
Stroll Through The city center
Strolling through the city center of Vianden is like stepping into a charming postcard. You can walk through the narrow, winding cobblestone streets lined with colorful houses and shops.
The city is filled with several historical attractions, cozy restaurants and local artisans selling handmade crafts. Throughout the city, you find numerous viewpoints that offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside, the castle, and the river below.
Take the Chairlift
The chairlift in Vianden is a thrilling way to experience the city’s natural beauty and breathtaking views. This scenic ride takes you to the top of a hill from where you have a stunning view of Vianden Castle and the picturesque Our Valley.
From the chairlift, you already have a beautiful view of the area and you can view Vianden from a different perspective. We found the ride very relaxing and enjoyed the peace and beautiful views.
At the top, you can choose to explore the area on foot. There are hiking trails that lead to scenic viewpoints and picnic spots. You can even hike all the way down, or you can just take the chairlift back down.
Practical
One way: €6,50
Return: €9
Free with Luxembourg Card
April 1st - July 14th & September 2nd - October 10th:
Monday to Friday: 11am-5pm
Weekends and public holidays: 10am-6pm
July 15th - September 1st:
Monday to Friday: 11am-6.30pm
Weekends and public holidays: 10am-6.30pm
Find all current opening times on https://www.visit-vianden.lu/nl/cultuur-en-vrije-tijd/stoeltjeslift.
Find the best hotels in Luxembourg here
via booking.com
Eislek Pad Boulaide
- 49° 53′ N, 05° 48′ E
If you like hiking through peaceful landscapes, the Eislek Pad in Boulaide is a must-do for you! It is a popular hiking trail located in the Eislek region of Luxembourg and it is considered to be one of the most beautiful hikes of the region. The trail is well-marked and takes you through the beautiful countryside of Luxembourg.
Along the way, you pass some charming villages, historic landmarks, and breathtaking viewpoints of rolling hills, lush forests and picturesque valleys. Make sure to wear appropriate hiking shoes and bring enough water and snacks for the journey.
Practical
Distance: 11,5km
Time: 3,5hrs
Park your car next to the church in Boulaide. From here, you can start the hike.
Luxembourg city
- 49° 36′ N, 05° 08′ E
Luxembourg City is the capital and largest city of Luxembourg. The city is a unique blend of historical charm and modernity, in the middle of a beautiful valley, surrounded by cliffs.
One of the major attractions in Luxembourg city, is the Old Town. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also known as the Ville Haute. You can stroll through the cozy cobblestone streets, admire well-preserved medieval architecture and discover some interesting landmarks like the Grand Duke’s Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Pétrusse Casemates, a fascinating network of underground tunnels.
The city’s stunning landscapes and green spaces are another highlight. The Pétrusse and Alzette valleys offer some stunning views, while the Pétrusse Park provides the perfect peaceful place to relax in the heart of the city.
What to do in Luxembourg city
Pétrusse Casemates
A place that we found very interesting in Luxembourg City, were the Pétrusse Casemates. These are an interesting underground network of tunnels and galleries.
These tunnels were originally built as a defensive structure. Over the years, the tunnels were extended by different nationalities, eventually forming a network of tunnels, with a length of 23 km in total. Because of these Casemates, Luxembourg city was called the ‘Gibraltar of the North’. To this day, 17 km of the original Casemates remain.
Walking through the casemates, you encounter various chambers, staircases, and narrow corridors, providing you a unique perspective on the city’s fortifications and the strategic importance they held. It’s a unique experience that allows you to step back in time and imagine the challenges of defending the city centuries ago.
Practical
Adults: € 15
Students: € 12,5
The Pétrusse Casemates can only be visited on a guided tour. There are daily tours in different languages. You can find the current tour schedule and book your tickets here.
Pfaffenthal Panoramic Elevator
The Pfaffenthal Panoramic Elevator is an elevator that connects the Ville Haute to the lower district of Pfaffenthal. Because of the panoramic glass walls, you get a stunning view of the surrounding landscapes, during this short ride. It’s an opportunity to appreciate the city’s beauty from a different angle. Besides the elevator, there’s also a panoramic viewpoint at the top, from where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Alzette River, the Pfaffenthal district, and the wonderful scenery beyond.
Chocolate House by Nathalie Bonn
Attention, chocolate-lovers! In the heart of Luxembourg city, you find the Chocolate House of Nathalie Bonn. It is a charming chocolate shop and café, offering a wide range of delicious treats and a cozy atmosphere.
It is known for its high-quality chocolates and artisanal creations. They offer a wide selection of chocolates, from creamy pralines to hot chocolate in countless flavors. You can enjoy their delicious treats in a cozy café setting or purchase beautifully packaged chocolates to enjoy later or as a gift. It’s a true paradise for chocolate enthusiasts! Our favorite? The Hazelnut Hot Chocolate!
Grand Duke's Palace
The Grand Duke’s Palace serves as the official residence of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg. The palace showcases stunning architectural features, including a mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles. While the palace itself is not open to the public, you can admire its impressive façade and the Changing of the Guard ceremony that takes place in front of the palace.
The best part? The Chocolate House is right in front of the Palace. So you can admire the palace and watch the Changing of the Guard, while enjoying a delicious hot chocolate!
Stroll through the old Town
During your visit to Luxembourg City, you should definitely walk through the Old Town. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, also known as the Ville Haute, is a true historic gem! It is located on a rocky plateau, surrounded by steep cliffs, with an interesting blend of medieval and modern architecture.
This part of the city is characterized by its narrow, winding cobblestone streets, lively squares, and well-preserved historical buildings. Here, you will also find many charming shops, restaurants, and cafes, where you can relax and soak in the atmosphere.
Mullerthal Trail
- 49° 48′ N, 06° 21′ E
Mullerthal is the place to be for hikers! This region is also called “Little Switzerland,” and is known for its stunning natural beauty. You can explore the area’s unique rock formations, discover hidden caves, and enjoy breathtaking views of waterfalls and streams along some scenic hiking trails.
The Mullerthal Trail is the most famous hiking route through the captivating landscapes of the Mullerthal region.The trail has a total length of approximately 112 kilometers and is divided into three main loops.
This trail takes you through some impressive forests, along rocky cliffs, and past stunning viewpoints. The most unique thing about this trail, are the, sometimes very narrow, gorges you’ll have to push yourself through.
It is a well-marked trail with signposts and features varying levels of difficulty, allowing hikers of all skill levels to enjoy the route. It’s a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, discover hidden gems, and witness the beauty of this region.
Find the best hotels in Luxembourg here
via booking.com
Bourscheid Castle
- 49° 54′ N, 06° 04′ E
On top of a rocky hill, overlooking the Sûre, you find Bourscheid Castle. This medieval fortress is the biggest castle in Luxembourg and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. You can explore its well-preserved walls, towers, and courtyards to get a glimpse of the past.
You can also admire the castle from a distance from one of the viewpoints in the area. A viewpoint that we can recommend is ‘Viewpoint Castle Bourscheid’ (what’s in a name).
Practical
Adults: €7
Students (13-25yo): €5
Free entrance with Luxembourg Card
Open every day all year round
April 1st – October 15
9.30am-6pm (last entry at 5.30pm)
October 16 to March 31
11am-4pm (last entry at 3.30pm)
Turelbaach Manor
- 49° 52′ N, 05° 56′ E
A true hidden gem in Luxembourg is Turelbaach Manor. It is an historical manor house, known for its elegant architecture and picturesque setting. It is often used as a venue for cultural events, exhibitions, and weddings. This place really seems to come straight out of a fairytale. What we really liked about this place, is that we had it all to ourselves.
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Viewpoints
With its beautiful rolling landscapes, Luxembourg has countless beautiful viewpoints, spread all over the country. You will find another viewpoint literally around every corner. To help you choose which viewpoints to visit, we have written down our 3 favorites here.
Burfelt Viewing Platform
The Burfelt Viewing Platform is a true hidden gem in the middle of the wonderful landscapes of Luxembourg. It is an elevated platform, 70 meters above the ground, that offers a stunning panoramic view of the Obersauer Reservoir, the surrounding hills and charming villages below.
Tip!
Visit Viewing Platform Burfelt at sunset. The reflection of the sunset colors of the sky in the water is truly breathtaking.
Viewpoint Houfëls
Houfëls is a small village known for its natural beauty. There is a panoramic viewpoint, which offers breathtaking views of the charming countryside with lush green meadows and rolling hills. At this viewpoint you will also find a lovely, cozy hut. When you walk the Eislek Pad Boulaide, you will pass this viewpoint.
Viewpoint Runschelt
Runschelt viewpoint is a viewpoint at the Öewersauer Naturpark. It provides a beautiful panoramic view over Lac de La Haute-Sûre and its wonderful surroundings. We also highly recommend this place at sunset.
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- Last updated July 26, 2023
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