Travel destination Luxembourg
My last trip to Luxembourg was in 2021. My destinations were: Luxembourg City, the Öewersauer Nature Park, and Müllerthal. Here's an overview of some of the places I visited in Luxembourg! I'll go into more detail about each destination below.
Luxembourg, the heart of Europe, is a small Grand Duchy that captivates with its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes.
A Blend of Tradition and Modernity Luxembourg City, the capital, is a fascinating blend of medieval fortresses, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and modern skyscrapers. The city is an internationally significant financial center and home to numerous European institutions.
Multilingual and Diverse Luxembourg is a multilingual country. Luxembourgish, French, and German are the official languages. This linguistic diversity is also reflected in the population, which comes from over 170 nations.
Nature at its Finest Beyond the cities, Luxembourg offers breathtaking natural beauty. The Ardennes in the north of the country invite you to go hiking and cycling. Picturesque vineyards in the Moselle Valley and numerous lakes and rivers make the country a paradise for nature lovers.
Highlights:
-
Mullerthal: Known as the "Little Swiss Luxembourg," the Mullerthal is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers.
-
Vianden: The medieval Vianden Castle is one of Luxembourg's most famous landmarks.
-
Moselle Valley: The Moselle wine region is renowned for its steep vineyards and excellent wines.
-
Echternach: The oldest city in Luxembourg, famous for its dance procession held every Whit Monday.
Why Visit Luxembourg?
-
Compactness: Everything is easily accessible, allowing you to see a lot in a short time.
-
Diversity: From city to nature, from history to modernity – Luxembourg offers it all.
-
Hospitality: Luxembourgers are known for their warmth and hospitality.
-
Safety: Luxembourg is considered one of the safest countries in the world.
My Destinations in Luxembourg:
Luxembourg City
Nestled in the heart of Luxembourg, the capital city of Luxembourg is the largest in the country. Situated at the confluence of the Alzette and Pétrusse rivers, which feed into the Sauer River, this vibrant city covers an area of 51.5 km² and is home to 132,780 residents (as of January 1, 2023). Discover some lesser-known facts and attractions about Luxembourg City:
-
Luxembourg City is one of the three official administrative seats of the European Union, alongside Brussels and Strasbourg. Several European institutions are located in Luxembourg City, such as the European Court of Justice, the European Court of Auditors, the European Investment Bank, and the Secretariat of the European Parliament. The city is also a major financial center with many banks, insurance companies, and investment funds.
-
Luxembourg City is a city with a rich and turbulent history dating back to the 10th century when it was a small fortress on a rock. Over the centuries, the city was besieged and conquered by various powers such as the Burgundians, the Spaniards, the French, the Austrians, and the Prussians. The city was also the scene of many political events such as the Confederation of the Rhine, the London Conference, and the Luxembourg Compromise. The city was heavily bombed during the Second World War and after the war housed the headquarters of NATO.
-
Luxembourg City is a city of art and culture, offering many attractions for visitors. The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with many historical and architectural treasures such as the Grand Ducal Palace, the Bock Rock with the casemates, the Neumünster Abbey with the Robert Schuman House, and the Place d'Armes with the town hall. The city also has many museums such as the National Museum of History and Art, the Mudam Luxembourg - Museum of Modern Art Grand-Duc Jean, the Casino Luxembourg - Forum d'art contemporain, and the Lëtzebuerg City Museum.
-
Luxembourg City is also a city of enjoyment and nightlife. The city offers a delicious gastronomic diversity with typical dishes such as Judd mat Gaardebounen (pork collar with beans), Bouneschlupp (bean soup), Quetschentaart (plum cake), or Kachkéis (cooked cheese). The nightlife in Luxembourg City is lively and diverse with many bars, clubs, pubs, cinemas, and theaters. The most popular areas for nightlife include the Rue du Marché-aux-Herbes, the Rue de Hollerich, the Rue de la Boucherie, and the Rue de Strasbourg.
Luxembourg City is therefore a city full of charm, history, art, and joie de vivre, which will enchant every visitor.
Some pictures from Luxembourg:
Luxembourg City offers many sights and experiences for visitors of all ages. Here are five activities you can try in Luxembourg City:
-
Visit Vianden Castle, an impressive medieval fortress perched on a rock above the Our River. You can explore the castle with an audio guide and see the castle chapel, the old castle kitchen, the knights' hall, the castle well, and much more.
-
Take a walk along the Chemin de la Corniche, a historic path known as "the most beautiful balcony in Europe." From here you have a magnificent view of the old town, the casemates, the Alzette River and the Pétrusse.
-
Experience nature and adventure in one of the climbing parks near the city. You can choose between different courses with zip lines, suspension bridges, nets, and other obstacles suitable for all difficulty levels and ages.
-
Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Luxembourg at the National Museum of History and Art, a modern museum housed in a former fish market. The museum displays a variety of exhibits that illustrate the development of the country from prehistory to the present.
-
Enjoy a city tour and wine tasting in Luxembourg with a local guide. You will see the city's most important sights, such as the Grand Ducal Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Place d'Armes and more. You will also taste some of the region's best wines, made from the grapes of the Moselle. Tickets are available at Get Your Guide*!
I hope you enjoy these suggestions. You can also easily explore the city on your own. There is a lot to see. I'll be back in the spring of 24. It's a really beautiful city!
Reservoir Öewersauer
On our trip through Luxembourg and the Ardennes, one of our destinations was the beautiful and not at all crowded Esch-Sauer reservoir. A leisurely stroll and you're at the "beach" and can refresh yourself in the cool water! The picture above was taken from the Burfelt viewing platform and the lawn is to the left in the picture.
Here is some additional information about the reservoir: The Esch-Sauer reservoir is the largest lake in Luxembourg and an important supplier of drinking water and electricity for the country. It was created between 1955 and 1958 by the construction of an arch dam on the Sauer, a river that originates in the Ardennes. The lake has an area of 3.8 square kilometers, a capacity of 60 million cubic meters of water and a maximum depth of 43 meters.
The reservoir is also a popular recreational area, offering various leisure and water sports activities such as sailing, canoeing, swimming, diving and fishing. However, motorboat rides are prohibited to protect the water quality. Additionally, the lake is divided into different protection zones where certain activities are permitted or prohibited. There are also many hiking trails around the lake, offering the opportunity to discover nature and the landscape. The lake is part of the Upper Sauer Nature Park, an area dedicated to nature conservation and sustainable development.
The Esch-Sauer reservoir is therefore an interesting and diverse destination. Here you can find the website of the Upper Sauer Nature Park.
Diekirch
On our journey through the Ardennes and Luxembourg, we made a short stop in the charming little town of Diekirch. We fondly remember the good food and friendly people. There is also a lot to see here.
Diekirch is a city and municipality in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, located on the Sauer River at the edge of the Ardennes. Diekirch has a long history dating back to Roman times and is known for the National Museum of Military History, the donkey and the donkey fountain. Diekirch is also a core of the Nordstad and a former district capital. Here are some interesting facts about Diekirch:
-
Diekirch means "people's church" and refers to a church that Charlemagne had built in the 8th century to Christianize the pagan Saxons. The old St. Lawrence Church, which still stands today, was built on the foundations of a Roman building that was part of a large manor house.
-
In December 1944 and January 1945, Diekirch was the scene of heavy fighting when the Sauer Valley formed the southern flank of the Ardennes Offensive, one of the largest battles of World War II. The city was almost completely destroyed but was later rebuilt. The National Museum of Military History shows the events and material of this battle in detailed dioramas and exhibitions.
-
Diekirch is home to a brewery of national importance that produces Diekirch beer, which has been brewed since 1871. The brewery offers tours and tastings and hosts a beer festival every July. Diekirch beer is also the official beer of the Cavalcade, a traditional carnival parade that takes place in Diekirch every year.
-
Diekirch has a donkey as its mascot, which goes back to a legend that says the inhabitants of the city placed a donkey on the church tower in the Middle Ages to mock the besiegers. The donkey can be seen on the city's coat of arms, on the donkey fountain, and on many souvenirs. The city also has a donkey trail, a hiking trail that passes by various sights.
-
Diekirch is a center of the Nordstadt, a region that is considered the third development pole of the Grand Duchy. The Nordstadt comprises six municipalities with a combined population of around 30,000 inhabitants. The Nordstadt offers a variety of cultural, sporting, and natural attractions, such as Colmar-Berg Castle, Erpeldingen Castle, Schieren Castle, the Fuussekaul leisure center, the Öewersauer nature park center, and the Our nature park center.
Diekirch is therefore an interesting and diverse city that combines both historical and modern aspects. Diekirch is worth a visit to learn more about the history, culture, and nature of Luxembourg.
National Museum of Military History Diekirch:
