15 Things to Visit in Luxembourg
The area of Luxembourg, one of the world’s tiniest nations, is only 1,650 square kilometres. With a population of 500,000, it resembles a huge town more than a country, but due to the concentration of many of the important attractions, its size actually makes it a terrific spot to visit. Many of the finest sights in Luxembourg can be found in the city centre, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. That is not to say, however, that you should spend all of your time in the city centre. If you take a short trip outside of the city, you will discover a plethora of charming towns and villages, and most of the picturesque countryside can be reached by rail. Along with picture-postcard enclaves, Luxembourg also has historic fortifications and magnificent castles, and it’s simple to go there by crossing the border from the Netherlands or Belgium. The top 25 things to do in Luxembourg are listed below.
- Travel to the town of Vianden
- Admire the National Museum of History and Art
- Visit the Echternach Benedictine Abbey
- Enjoy the culture at the Museum of Modern Art
- Explore Bourscheid Castle
- Explore the Palais Grand-Ducal
- Visit Notre Dame Cathedral
- Stroll around Parc Merveilleux
- Explore Berdorf
- Have a spa at Mondorf-les-Bains
- Stop by Place Guillaume
- Explore the Bock and the City Casements
- Wander around the Old Quarter
- Climb along the Walls of the Corniche
- Visit the town of Echternach
Travel to the town of Vianden
The town of Vianden is one of the most picturesque in all of Luxembourg and is located close to the banks of the Rover Our. It is blessed with a charming feudal manor that dates back to the ninth century and is encircled by a medieval outer wall that is studded with guard towers. The town is also well-known for being the location where Victor Hugo lived while he was in exile; his former home is now open to the public and has a variety of memorabilia.
Admire the National Museum of History and Art
Luxembourg is renowned for having a large number of interesting museums, despite its tiny size. One of the best of these however is the National Museum of History and Art which is nestled in the Fish Market part of the old town centre. A wide variety of artefacts, including tools, coins, weaponry, historical papers, and pictures, can be found here. A large portion of the artwork is centred on the Gallo-Roman era and depicts social and religious life in Luxembourg throughout the ages. It has the works of numerous 20th-century painters, so those who enjoy modern art won’t be let down.
Visit the Echternach Benedictine Abbey
If you go to Echternach, make sure to visit the adjacent museum at the Benedictine Abbey, which was built in the seventh century. The basilica in this location, which consists of four buildings and a central courtyard, is of great religious significance across Luxembourg. This is due in part to the fact that it has a crypt with the white marble sarcophagus of St. Willibrord and that the vaults are decorated with vibrant frescoes from the 10th century.
Enjoy the culture at the Museum of Modern Art
The Museum of Modern Art, often known as MUDAM, is one of a number of cutting-edge museums in Luxembourg, despite popular belief that the country is abundant in ancient artefacts. The museum is located on the walls of the former Fort Thungen, which dates from 1732, and sprawls across 4,500 meters. It has a distinctive design. This varied collection of artwork includes prints, sculptures, textiles, and even digital media. The entire museum complex is located in the Parc Drai Eechelen, which features a variety of sculptures and offers panoramic views of Luxembourg’s old town.
Explore Bourscheid Castle
The Wark and the Süre rivers both flow past the village of Bourscheid, which is situated on a plateau. The Bourscheid Castle, which dominates the settlement from a peak of 137 meters, is the true pull to this place, despite the village’s variety of outdoor activities like hiking paths and other pastimes. You may either join a guided tour to learn more about the history or take advantage of one of the audio tours. It was initially constructed in the 10th century and has been beautifully restored. When the castle is completely illuminated, which is stunning to see from the village, you can enjoy it if you time your visit here for the evening.
Explore the Palais Grand-Ducal
The Grand Duke of Luxembourg and the royal family’s formal house is the Palais Grand-Ducal, one of Luxembourg City’s most magnificent examples of architecture. It is from the 16th century and incorporates a variety of architectural styles, such as romantic flourishes and Gothic and Medieval elements.
Visit Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame Cathedral was built in the 17th century by Jesuit priests and still stands proud to this day. The north gate, which is baroque in design and adorned in lovely stained glass from the 19th and 20th centuries, is one of this location’s distinguishing features. As well to traditional structures you will also find modern pieces of sculpture as well as a famous statue of the Madonna and Jesus in a miniature form that sits over the altar. It is especially well-known for its crypt, which is guarded by two sculptures of lions and contains the tombs of Luxembourg royal family members.
Stroll around Parc Merveilleux
The municipality of Bettembourg, where Parc Merveilleux is located, is only 3 miles from the French border and 6 miles from Luxembourg City, making it easy to hop over. There are games, arcades, playgrounds, and even a train that circles the park, which doubles as an entertainment complex. Pony rides are available here for kids of all ages, and there is also a mini-golf course, as well as dining options and even outdoor performances.
Explore Berdorf
Berdorf, a well-known tourist destination in Luxembourg, is situated on windswept tablelands that back onto valleys that are home to the Black Ernz, Sûre, and Aesbach rivers. Over 3,000 acres of woodland can be found in this region, and the footpaths that run through these valleys allow you to admire Luxembourg’s majestic environment. The hills around offer the ideal opportunity for rock climbing.
Have a spa at Mondorf-les-Bains
Mondorf-Les-Bains, which is home to some of the best thermal springs in all of Europe, is a town in the Moselle region of Luxembourg. One of the most well-known of them is Mondorf le Domaine Thermal, a spa resort with a fitness centre, a hotel next door, and a health centre. The spa’s 24-degree spring water, which is supplied by underground pumps, is renowned for its restorative qualities and is thought to have the ability to treat a variety of illnesses. This is undoubtedly well worth the journey if you’re searching for a relaxed experience in Luxembourg.
Stop by Place Guillaume
Place Guillaume is renowned for its roomy open spaces, which once housed a Franciscan convent. The area is now completely off-limits to automobiles, and there is a well-known statue of William II, the King of Holland and Grand Duke of Luxembourg, standing here on a horse. The area is famous for its Town Hall, and other landmarks to check out nearby include the Spanish Turret and a former cavalry barracks.
Explore the Bock and the City Casements
You may visit Casemates, a network of subterranean tubes, at the Bock Cliff in Luxembourg, which is famous for its cannons and fortifications. These tunnels, which are 21 kilometres long and were carved out of solid rock cliffs, represent an incredible achievement of engineering. They were built to serve as a place to store equipment and horses as well as a place to conceal soldiers. Many of the tunnels are accessible by foot, and at the summit of the plateau are the dilapidated remains of a previous castle that was only uncovered in 1963.
Wander around the Old Quarter
The Old Quarter in Luxembourg City, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the ideal site to begin a tour of this lovely nation. Although they were demolished in 1883, the Gibraltar of the North’s once-beautiful ancient walls would have encircled the centre. These days, tree-lined cobblestone lanes and verdant parks and gardens are commonplace. The best advice is to observe whatever spots capture your eye and explore them at your leisure. As you stroll around, you can check out picturesque bridges and meandering alleyways.
Climb along the Walls of the Corniche
The Walls of the Corniche, which overlook Luxembourg City and gaze out onto a valley, are located there. The 1632-built Gate of the Grund is also located here, along with a number of other residences and interesting landmarks including St. Michael’s Church and the Abbey of Neumünster, which is home to a renowned pipe organ and a 14th-century “black virgin.”
Visit the town of Echternach
On the banks of the lovely River Sûre, which forms the border with Germany’s neighbour, is the sleepy town of Echternach. The town is well-known for a handful of its festivals, including a dancing procession that takes place on Whit Tuesday and an international music festival that runs from May to June. The town itself features medieval buildings, old-fashioned homes, and winding alleyways that transport you to another time.