Things to do in Luxembourg-Ville
Luxembourg-Ville, or Luxembourg City as it is often called, has a UNESCO-listed Old Town and a fairytale, medieval charm which draws visitors. The main attractions in Luxembourg include the remains of the Bock Fortress, particularly the subterranean casements, the Grand Ducal Palace, the Philharmonie Luxembourg, which offers a wonderful selection of concerts and performances, the National Museum for History and Art, and the Passerelle or Luxembourg Viaduct, a bridge built in 1861 which affords incredible views of the city. The smallness of the country is an advantage for travellers because almost all places of interest to sightseers are within reach from the capital, allowing for a variety of fun excursions. It takes no more than a quick drive or train trip to reach any number of picturesque ancient villages nestled among Luxembourg's lovely countryside. Some of the most popular daytrip destinations are Clervaux, Echternach, Mondorf-Les-Bains, Vianden, Remich and Grevenmacher. Another well-known attraction near the city is the American Cemetery and Memorial which commemorates the soldiers killed during World War II and is a moving site.
The best time to visit the city, and indeed the rest of the country, is in the sunny, comparatively warm months between May and August (spring and summer), as Luxembourg-Ville can get a bit bleak and cold during winter.
The Fortress
The mighty fortress established by Count Siegfried atop the Rock of Bock in 963 eventually became a citadel with three girdles of fortified battlements. As the centuries passed, th…
The Fortress
The mighty fortress established by Count Siegfried atop the Rock of Bock in 963 eventually became a citadel with three girdles of fortified battlements. As the centuries passed, the stone cliff foundations underneath the castle were excavated to form a network of 14 miles (23km) of underground tunnels, housing arsenals, kitchens and slaughter-houses. In 1867, the Treaty of London declared it would be demolished after centuries of sieges and battles. Despite this, several sections of the fortress still remain and the subterranean casements are open for viewing. The best way to view the remaining parts of the fortifications is on foot, strolling through the cobbled streets of the old town.Although the casements officially open in March, they sometimes open later in the year without any warning.
Grand Ducal Palace
The city residence of the Grand Ducal family is right in the heart of the old town, restrained yet remaining aesthetically pleasing with its Italian Renaissance facade. Built of oc…
Grand Ducal Palace
The city residence of the Grand Ducal family is right in the heart of the old town, restrained yet remaining aesthetically pleasing with its Italian Renaissance facade. Built of ochre stones, it overlooks a paved pedestrian square and features spires and railings. Originally the site of a medieval town hall destroyed by a gunpowder explosion in 1554, those with an eye for architecture can tell the palace was built over various periods, with much of the structure dating back to the 16th century. Guided tours are usually available in the peak summer months, by arrangement with the Luxembourg City Tourist Office. But for the majority of the year, visitors can't explore the castle.
Address 17, rue du Marché-aux-Herbes
The National Museum for History and Art
The National Museum for History and Art contains major archaeological finds, such as artefacts from the Gallo-Roman period and the Middle Ages. The vast collection covers the histo…
The National Museum for History and Art
The National Museum for History and Art contains major archaeological finds, such as artefacts from the Gallo-Roman period and the Middle Ages. The vast collection covers the history of Luxembourg since the first evidence of human habitation, with exhibitions on fine and modern art, medieval artefacts and old weapons. It also includes exhibits on local culture and folklore, and interesting photographs demonstrating how the city has changed through the decades. The museum regularly hosts workshops and temporary exhibitions covering a wide range of topics.
Website www.mnha.lu/en/MNHA
Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial
In a silent forest clearing near the village of Hamm lie the graves of more than 5,000 American soldiers killed during World War II, when it was a battleground on the Western Front…
Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial
In a silent forest clearing near the village of Hamm lie the graves of more than 5,000 American soldiers killed during World War II, when it was a battleground on the Western Front. There is a striking memorial, maps detailing Allied progress through Europe and lists commemorating those who went missing during the war and were never found. The cemetery has become a pilgrimage, its lines of white crosses a sobering and moving sight. Unlike many, the Luxembourg American Cemetery closes each day at 5pm. Not far away at the village of Sandwieler, a German cemetery of some 10,000 soldiers gives more of a sense of the horror and futility of war.
Vianden
The picturesque village of Vianden is situated on the banks of the Our River and guarded by a magnificent medieval castle, making for a pleasant day trip only 25 miles (40km) north…
Vianden
The picturesque village of Vianden is situated on the banks of the Our River and guarded by a magnificent medieval castle, making for a pleasant day trip only 25 miles (40km) north of Luxembourg City. The castle dates back to the 9th century and was originally the home of the counts of Vianden, powerful nobles until the 13th century. It houses a museum that captures life in the Middle Ages and recounts the area's troubled history. In the small town below, visitors can sip tangy Moselle wines beside the stream while enjoying the views of the green hills. Strolling along the narrow cobbled streets beneath towers and medieval ramparts feels like stepping back through time. The surroundings of the town are magnificent, providing many pretty walking trails. Indian Forest Adventure Park also offers thrilling zip-line courses for the whole family, allowing visitors to traverse the forest canopies.
Website www.tourist-info-vianden.lu
Clervaux
A 12th-century castle overlooks the village of Clervaux, located in the heart of the Ardennes Mountain region 30 miles (50km) north of Luxembourg City. A Romanesque church with twi…
Clervaux
A 12th-century castle overlooks the village of Clervaux, located in the heart of the Ardennes Mountain region 30 miles (50km) north of Luxembourg City. A Romanesque church with twin spires and a large Benedictine monastery completes this idyllic setting. The castle houses three small museums, including one that features a collection of World War II memorabilia from the Battle of the Bulge while another room is dedicated to the Luxembourg Holocaust victims. Benedictine monks also sometimes hold Gregorian chant concerts at the 1910 St Maurice Abbey. The town is picturesque and has numerous appealing restaurants and cafes, as well as a charming shopping district and hotels. Clervaux is easily accessible by train and is a popular excursion from the capital.
Website www.tourisme-clervaux.lu
Echternach
The beautiful old town of Echternach lies on the border between Germany and Luxembourg on the banks of the Sûre River. It boasts a famed abbey founded in the 7th-century by St Wil…
Echternach
The beautiful old town of Echternach lies on the border between Germany and Luxembourg on the banks of the Sûre River. It boasts a famed abbey founded in the 7th-century by St Willibrord, whose remains are contained in a magnificent white marble sarcophagus in the crypt of the Basilica. There are three museums, one dedicated to the history of the abbey, another showcasing ancient artefacts and a third detailing rural architecture. Echternach also boasts the remains of an ancient Roman villa, thought to have been the largest of its kind north of the Alps. Echternach also attracts visitors because of its stunning natural surroundings. It serves as a base for hikers and nature lovers wishing to explore the Mullerthal, a fascinating landscape of sandstone formations, waterfalls, creeks, springs and forests. Also known as 'Little Switzerland', it's criss-crossed with hiking trails and dotted with picturesque villages.
Moselle Valley
The Moselle Valley has been a wine-growing region since the 19th century, now developed as an important tourist industry thanks to its rural atmosphere and idyllic environment. Alo…
Moselle Valley
The Moselle Valley has been a wine-growing region since the 19th century, now developed as an important tourist industry thanks to its rural atmosphere and idyllic environment. Along the riverbanks of the Moselle River, a tributary of the Rhine, are vineyards that produce a wine which connoisseurs rate as among the best in Europe. A wine tour through the quiet villages and wine cellars of the region proves a scenic and relaxing experience. The principal town of Grevenmacher is old with narrow streets, the remains of medieval fortifications and a 13th-century belfry. The town's claim to fame is the wine cellars of Caves Bernard-Massard, housing internationally-acclaimed sparkling wines. There is a small museum in the town, and an exotic butterfly garden.
Mondorf-les-Bains
Thousands come on holiday to Mondorf-les-Bains to enjoy the verdant surroundings and thermal springs of one of the most modern balneotherapy centres in Europe. Found in the Moselle…
Mondorf-les-Bains
Thousands come on holiday to Mondorf-les-Bains to enjoy the verdant surroundings and thermal springs of one of the most modern balneotherapy centres in Europe. Found in the Moselle region, the town is very old, established by the Celts and conquered by the Romans in about 65 BC. The holiday resort consists of a thermal park set in 50 hectares of parkland, offering a variety of sports facilities, saunas and swimming pools, as well as waterfalls, whirlpools and geysers. The hot springs are said to be particularly good for the treatment of liver, gastric and respiratory ailments, with visitors also pampered by massages and mud baths. Historical and architectural attractions include interesting frescoed churches, a Roman fortress and Art Nouveau-style houses, pairing well with its casino, luxury accommodation, great shopping opportunities and excellent restaurants.
Website www.mondorf-les-bains.lu