Tuesday, October 6
LIVE
Luxembourg City – LuxembourgVianden – LuxembourgEchternach – LuxembourgClervaux – LuxembourgRemich – LuxembourgNotre-Dame Cathedral – Luxembourg
📍 Luxembourg City📷 Cayambe · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
🌍 Europe🗓️ Best: May–Sep

Luxembourg ✓

Clifftop capital, fairy-tale castles and Moselle vineyards

🕒 –:– local time0 stories this week0 sources 6 top placesCapital Luxembourg

Advertise with usYour brand hereTop banner · 728 x 90Book this space →
Luxembourg📸 Photo album · 8 photos · Ultra-HD
Luxembourg📜 History of Luxembourg

The story of Luxembourg

Luxembourg's story begins with Celtic tribes known as the Treveri, who lived in the forested hills and river valleys before Rome absorbed the region. Roman villas and mosaics have been found across the country, and the nearby city of Trier was a major imperial centre. After the fall of Rome, Frankish kings and monasteries such as the abbey at Echternach, founded by Saint Willibrord around 698, shaped the area's religious and cultural life.

In 963 Count Siegfried acquired a small castle on a rocky outcrop called Lucilinburhuc, the 'little fortress', marking the traditional birth of Luxembourg. The House of Luxembourg became remarkably powerful in the late Middle Ages, producing several Holy Roman Emperors and kings of Bohemia. Because its capital sat on a nearly impregnable cliff, the city became one of Europe's mightiest fortresses, dubbed the 'Gibraltar of the North', and was fought over by Burgundians, Spanish, French, Austrians and Prussians.

Read the full history

The Congress of Vienna in 1815 made Luxembourg a grand duchy tied to the Dutch king, while parts of its territory went to neighbouring states. The 1867 Treaty of London declared Luxembourg neutral and led to the dismantling of most of the fortress. A separate grand ducal line began in 1890. The country was occupied in both World Wars, and the Battle of the Bulge raged across its northern Ardennes in 1944-45. Afterwards, Luxembourg became a founding member of Benelux, NATO and the European communities.

Today Luxembourg is one of Europe's wealthiest nations, home to EU institutions and a major financial centre, yet it keeps a village feel. Travellers discover the UNESCO-listed old town and fortifications, the Bock Casemates tunnels, fairy-tale castles like Vianden, the Moselle wine villages and the hiking trails of the Mullerthal, all compact enough to explore by free public transport.

Timeline

  1. c. 698Saint Willibrord founds Echternach Abbey
  2. 963Count Siegfried acquires the castle of Lucilinburhuc
  3. 1308Henry of Luxembourg elected King of the Romans
  4. 1815Congress of Vienna creates the Grand Duchy
  5. 1867Treaty of London declares neutrality; fortress dismantled
  6. 1944-45Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes
  7. 1994Old city and fortifications listed by UNESCO
  8. 2020Public transport becomes free nationwide
Luxembourg 🛂 Visa & entry

Entry rules depend on your passport and change often.

  • Schengen Area – Part of the Schengen Area – 29 European countries with no passport checks between them. Short visits are usually counted under the 90-days-in-any-180 rule across the whole area.
  • European Union – EU member – EU/EEA citizens can travel and stay freely.
  • Eurozone – Uses the euro.

Before you book, check the official rules for your passport:

The latest visa and entry news for Luxembourg appears below as soon as publishers report it.

🛰️ The agents haven't spotted fresh news about Luxembourg in the last few days – here is the travel guide, plus the latest from nearby countries.

Travel and Tour World🛂 Visas & Entry Rules
France Rises With Germany and More Schengen Countries as UK Enforces £20 ETA for European Visitors With Two-Year Validity and Pre-Boarding Checks

France Rises With Germany and More Schengen Countries as UK Enforces £20 ETA for European Visitors With Two-Year Validity and Pre-Boarding Checks France rises with Germany and more Schengen countries as the UK enforces its £20…

#France#Germany#Schengen#Visas & Entry Rules
Luxembourg✨ 10 best things to do in Luxembourg

Things to do in Luxembourg

  1. Explore the Bock CasematesWander miles of underground tunnels carved into the rock beneath the old fortress city.
  2. Walk the Chemin de la CornicheStroll what is often called Europe's most beautiful balcony, overlooking the Grund.
  3. Visit Vianden CastleTour a restored hilltop castle and ride the chairlift above the Our valley.
  4. Hike the Mullerthal TrailExplore 'Little Switzerland', with sandstone gorges, mossy forests and waterfalls.
  5. Taste Moselle winesSample crémant and Riesling in riverside villages like Remich and Grevenmacher.
  6. Discover the GrundRelax in riverside pubs in the old quarter at the foot of the cliffs.
  7. See modern art at MudamExplore contemporary art in a striking museum built on old fortress walls.
  8. Pay respects at the American CemeteryVisit the resting place of General Patton and thousands of WWII soldiers.
  9. Visit SchengenSee the small Moselle village that gave its name to Europe's passport-free travel agreement.
  10. Try judd mat gaardebounenTaste the national dish of smoked pork collar with broad beans.
Luxembourg🗺️ Where to visit in Luxembourg

Where to go in Luxembourg

  • Luxembourg CityCapital · UNESCO old townDramatic cliffs, fortress tunnels and a compact historic centre.
  • ViandenArdennes · castle townOne of the largest fortified castles west of the Rhine above a charming town.
  • 📍
    Mullerthal RegionEast · hikingRock formations and forest trails in 'Little Switzerland'.
  • EchternachEast · historic townLuxembourg's oldest town with a famous abbey and dancing procession.
  • 📍
    Moselle ValleySoutheast · wine regionVineyard slopes, river cruises and wine cellars.
  • ClervauxArdennes · cultureHome to 'The Family of Man' photo exhibition in a castle.
  • 📍
    Esch-sur-SûreArdennes · villageA tiny village in a river loop below a ruined castle, near Upper Sûre Lake.
Luxembourg✨ Must-do experiences
  • Explore the Bock Casemates tunnels
  • Hike the Mullerthal Trail
  • Taste crémant and Riesling along the Moselle
  • Use the free public transport to tour the country
Advertise with usYour brand hereIn-feed (between news) · Native cardBook this space →
Luxembourg🍽️ Taste of Luxembourg
  • Judd mat Gaardebounen – smoked pork collar with broad beans
  • Bouneschlupp – green bean soup with potatoes and bacon
  • Gromperekichelcher – crispy potato fritters
  • Rieslingspaschtéit – meat pie made with Riesling wine
Luxembourg🌦️ Weather & best time to visit Luxembourg

Best time to visit Luxembourg

Luxembourg has a temperate climate with mild summers and cool, damp winters. The northern Ardennes is slightly cooler and wetter than the Moselle valley in the south.

BestMay-September – mild weather for hiking, wine villages and outdoor festivals.
ShoulderApril and October – fewer visitors, spring blossoms or autumn colours and wine harvest.
AvoidNo bad time – November-February is cold and grey, but Christmas markets add charm.
3°💧💧Jan
5°💧💧Feb
10°💧💧Mar
14°💧Apr
18°💧💧May
21°💧💧Jun
23°💧💧Jul
23°💧💧Aug
19°💧💧Sep
13°💧💧Oct
7°💧💧Nov
4°💧💧Dec

Typical daytime highs and rain in Luxembourg City (approximate averages).

Luxembourg🎉 Festivals & events in Luxembourg
  • June 23
    National DayCelebrations for the Grand Duke's official birthday with fireworks and a torchlight parade on the eve.
  • Whit Tuesday (May-June)
    Echternach Dancing ProcessionA UNESCO-recognised hopping procession honouring Saint Willibrord.
  • Late August-September
    SchueberfouerA huge funfair dating back to 1340 in the capital.
  • Late November-December
    Winter LightsChristmas markets and festive lights across Luxembourg City.
Luxembourg🧭 Luxembourg itinerary ideas

How many days in Luxembourg?

3 daysLuxembourg essentials

Day 1-2 Luxembourg City's old town, casemates, Grund and museums. Day 3 a trip to Vianden castle or the Mullerthal Trail.

6 daysGrand Duchy tour

Day 1-2 Luxembourg City, Day 3 Mullerthal and Echternach, Day 4 Vianden and Clervaux. Day 5 Esch-sur-Sûre, Day 6 the Moselle wine villages and Schengen.

Luxembourg🎒 Backpacking Luxembourg – tips & hacks

Backpacker budget: about $80–110 a day

  • All public transport – buses, trains and trams – is free nationwide, a huge saving.
  • Accommodation is pricey; youth hostels are the best-value option and well spread around the country.
  • Day-trip from the capital since distances are short.
  • Pack picnic lunches from supermarkets to avoid expensive restaurants.
  • Many trails are well-marked and free – the Mullerthal is perfect for budget hikers.
Luxembourg🛡️ Safety & money in Luxembourg

Stay safe

  • Luxembourg is one of the safest countries in Europe.
  • Watch for pickpockets around the main train station area.
  • Trails in the Mullerthal can be slippery after rain – wear proper shoes.
  • Use standard precautions at night in busy areas.

Money

  • Luxembourg uses the euro.
  • Cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are easy to find.
  • Service is included; rounding up the bill is customary.

Emergency: 112 fire & ambulance · 113 police

Luxembourg🛬 Getting to Luxembourg

Luxembourg Airport is just outside the capital, with flights across Europe. Trains connect directly to Brussels, Paris (via high-speed links), Trier and Metz.

✈️ Cheap flights to Luxembourg: airports, flight times & best time to fly →

Luxembourg💡 Did you know? 5 facts about Luxembourg
  • Luxembourg is the world's only remaining grand duchy.
  • It was the first country to make all public transport free nationwide.
  • Luxembourgish, French and German are all official languages.
  • The Schengen Agreement was signed on a boat on the Moselle near the village of Schengen.
  • More than 40% of residents are foreign nationals.
Luxembourg❓ Luxembourg travel FAQ

Luxembourg travel questions

Is Luxembourg safe for tourists?

Yes, Luxembourg is very safe with low crime rates. Normal precautions are enough.

When is the best time to visit Luxembourg?

May to September has the best weather for hiking and sightseeing. December is popular for Christmas markets.

How many days do you need in Luxembourg?

Two to three days covers the capital and a castle trip. Five or six days lets you hike and explore the wine region.

Is public transport really free in Luxembourg?

Yes, second-class public transport is free throughout the country for everyone, including tourists.

What language is spoken in Luxembourg?

Luxembourgish, French and German are official, and English is widely spoken.

Luxembourg💰 What a trip costs
$$$price level
$80–110backpacker / day
$180–300mid-range / day

Approximate daily cost per person (stay, food, local transport).

Luxembourg🚌 Getting around

Public transport – trains, buses and trams – is free across the country. Distances are short and easy to cover.

Luxembourg🛕 Sacred & spiritual places
  • Basilica of St Willibrord – Echternach basilica, home of the UNESCO-listed hopping procession
  • Notre-Dame Cathedral – Main cathedral of Luxembourg City, a site of Marian pilgrimage
Luxembourg🤝 Local etiquette
  • Greet people with 'Moien' (hello)
  • Friends often greet with three kisses on the cheek
  • Be punctual

📰 Older Luxembourg stories Everything our agents ever found – keeps loading as you scroll

🧭 Nearby countries

Belgium
BelgiumMedieval towns, chocolate, waffles and great beer
Netherlands
NetherlandsCanals, bicycles, tulips and world-class art
Germany
GermanyFairy-tale castles, buzzing cities and cosy beer gardens
Switzerland
SwitzerlandSnowy Alps, lakeside towns and trains that run on time
Liechtenstein
LiechtensteinA tiny Alpine principality of castles, vineyards and trails
France
FranceIconic Paris, châteaux, vineyards and sunny Riviera beaches
Jersey
JerseySandy bays, castles and the sunniest of the Channel Islands
Guernsey
GuernseyIsland harbours, sandy coves and car-free Sark
Advertise with usYour brand hereBottom banner · 970 x 90Book this space →