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Your Essential Travel Guide to Luxembourg

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Discover Luxembourg

Sandwiched between Germany, Belgium and France, Luxembourg represents Europe’s charm at its finest. Despite its population of just 650,000 people, this country is steeped in history and enjoys a rich cultural heritage. The national motto is ‘Mir wëlle bleiwe wat mir sinn’ (we want to remain what we are), a hymn to independence and pride.

Built on a UNESCO-listed medieval fortress, the capital, Luxembourg City, stretches over lush greenery and fairytale-like cobbled alleys. If you’re planning a trip to this picturesque destination, we have you covered. Explore the best things to do, seasonal events and where to stay and eat for a memorable stay.

Travelling to Luxembourg

Travelling to Luxembourg

Travelling to Luxembourg by ferry is easy. Sail overnight on our Newcastle to Amsterdam ferry crossing and enjoy fantastic onboard amenities, or hop across the Channel on one of our ferry routes to France. Choose from Dover to Calais, Dover to Dunkirk and Newhaven to Dieppe crossings for an unforgettable experience.

North Luxembourg is a 4-hour drive from our Amsterdam Port, taking you through Holland’s glorious countryside, or you can easily reach Luxembourg City in just over 4 hours from our Calais and Dunkirk ports.

A brief history of Luxembourg

Although Luxembourg's history started with the Romanian conquest in 53 BC, its proper establishment occurred in 963 when it became independent.

Here are some must-know facts:

  1. In 963, Siegfried, Count de Ardennes, exchanged his lands for a castle along the Alzette River.
  2. Over the following centuries, the House of Luxembourg became powerful due to various treaties, marriages, and inheritances.
  3. After the Eight Years’ War, the country lost its independence and became part of the Southern Netherlands.
  4. The Vienna Congress in 1815 made Luxembourg a Grand Duchy with the Netherlands and partitioned its territories.
  5. The country’s formal independence was confirmed after the Luxembourg Crisis in 1867.
  6. After WWII, Luxembourg became one of the world’s wealthiest countries, home to many European institutions and central banks.

Things to do in Luxembourg

Historic and charming, Luxembourg has plenty to offer its visitors. Find some of the best things to do in and around the capital below or check out the unique experiences available on GetYourGuide.

  • Explore Luxembourg Old Town

A visit to Luxembourg Old Town is the best way to soak up its unique atmosphere. Wander through its alleys and historic buildings while enjoying sweeping views of the city’s original walls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Stroll around Kirchberg

Luxembourg has a special way of blending old and new, and Kirchberg is the perfect example. Connected to the Old Town through the Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge, it’s home to the European Investment Bank, Luxembourg Philharmonie and the Museum of Modern Art (MUDAM).

  • Château de Vianden

An hour’s drive from Luxembourg, the Château de Vianden is Europe’s largest remaining feudal residence of the Gothic era, built between the 11th and 14th centuries. Highlights include the chapel and the Renaissance dining room.

Where to stay in Luxembourg

These are some of the best hotels in Luxembourg for a comfortable and relaxing stay:

Overlooking Edith Klein Park, Domus Hotel enjoys proximity to Luxembourg’s main attractions. Opt for a standard studio if you’re travelling on a budget or treat yourself to a one-bedroom apartment for maximum comfort.

Stylish and sustainable, this 4-star hotel on Luxembourg’s northern outskirts provides guests with a 24/7 fitness centre, meeting rooms and open dining spaces.

A stone’s throw from Luxembourg Philharmonie, this 5-star hotel is perfect for leisure and business trips. It has a fitness centre, a bar, a gourmet restaurant and seven spacious meeting rooms.

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