Destination overview

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is located in the heart of Western Europe between Belgium, Germany and France. Luxembourg has two natural regions - Oesling in the north and Gutland (literally Good Land) which includes the Moselle Valley in the east and the Minette coal basin in the south. With its numerous museums, fabulous architecture, castles and fortifications, Luxembourg combines an incredible variety of fascinating cultural experiences as well as being home to enchanting natural landscapes.

Cultural diversity is one of the biggest assets of Luxembourg and nowhere else in Europe will you find so many different languages and communities that coexist in such a small area.

Amid plains and woods, strewn with lakes and rivers, Luxembourg’s landscapes are enchanting as well as fascinating. Nature in Luxembourg also means being able to discover an unexpectedly picturesque village, a mysterious ruin or simply a breathtaking landscape behind every curve. Rock formations, meandering streams and colourful flora - nature in Luxemburg still knows some spots untouched by mankind. Between family tours, hiking or romantic excursions, Luxembourg has plenty of natural space waiting to be discovered throughout the year.

Luxembourg is a landlocked country and is pint-sized at only 82 kilometres long and 57 kilometres wide. In fact, it is too small for its full name to fit on most European maps. However, it is a wonderfully diverse country with lush highlands and valleys in the northern Ardennes that merge effortlessly with the Müllerthal’s ancient forested landscape to the east, where the vibrant town of Echternach makes an enjoyable base.

The beautifully picturesque city of Vianden is just a short trip north from the capital of Luxembourg City and in the southeast you will find the Moselle Valley with its steep vineyards and riverside hamlets. In between all this are rolling farmlands dotted with pristine, pastel-toned houses and medieval hilltop castles.

Forests cover almost 40 per cent of Luxembourg and the country has a population of only 469,000, which is predominantly rural-based. The only centres of any real size are the capital, Luxembourg City and Esch-sur-Alzette.

Visitors to Luxembourg City never fail to be surprised by the contrast between the modern upper city, perched on a rocky plateau that’s a sheer drop and the three lower old towns, Grund, Clausen and Pfaffenthal.

Luxembourg City is a lively and bustling town. A real cultural platform, here you will find some great museums, theatres and concert halls. The centre of the country is also home to no less than 150 different nationalities who have chosen to live in a city at the heart of the action. The cultural program that makes up Luxembourg is made in the image of its city dwellers who are multilingual, multicultural, creative and eclectic.

Nowhere else in Europe will you find such a discreet and dynamic mixture of ancient fortresses and contemporary architecture. The Old City of Luxembourg has long been part of the UNESCO World Heritage List and high-tech buildings run alongside historic monuments reflecting a rich tapestry of urban experience. Luxembourg is a modern city with deep roots.

Beautifully landscaped green spaces cover one-third of Luxembourg City and you cannot fail to be impressed by its green belt of parks and gardens.

You’ll also find some top attractions in the city which include the Grand-Ducal Palace which has a beautiful façade dating back to the Flemish Renaissance of the 16th Century. The old quarters and fortifications simply ooze history and represent an overview of military architecture spanning several centuries.

Other must-visits include the Musée d'Art Moderne Grand-Duc Jean (MUDAM), the Petrusse Casemates, and the Philarmonie Luxembourg which is an outstanding setting for musical and other cultural events.

With their majestic landscapes that alternate between scenic highlands and winding valleys, the Luxembourg Ardennes offer an exceptional natural experience and should be high on the list of all visitors. There are a large number of hiking and cycling trails that will take you through forests and picturesque villages which you can explore at your own pace.

The North of Luxembourg is also known as Éisleck or Oesling and is home to some of the best maintained medieval remains you will find in the country that narrate its history. The imposing castles of Vianden, Bourscheid or Esch-sur-Sûre are living witnesses of the medieval past and every year traditional markets and medieval festivals are reviving this fascinating time of lords and knights.

It is also in the North of Luxembourg that you'll find two of the largest nature reserves - the Naturpark Our and the Naturpark Öewersauer. In addition to protecting natural resources, the Ardennes parks are host to some of the most delicious local products in the Grand Duchy.

Nature lovers and hikers will love the Luxembourg Ardennes where they can hike along the length of the Sûre, the Wark or the Alzette, where rock formations and sculpted landscapes are never the same. The marked trails through the Ardennes are also among the most beautiful in the country. For the more sporty types, there are parks dedicated to Nordic walking and mountain biking.

Often referred to as the Little Switzerland of Luxembourg, the Mullerthal region owes its name to its hilly landscape reminiscent of Switzerland. The Mullerthal is primarily a unique biotope characterised by rock formations that are as beguiling as they are surprising.

The Mullerthal Trail takes the experienced hiker through 110 kilometres of magnificent valley trails. Rock formations will lead you through fields and forests into the heart of a natural setting that is almost intact. But it’s not all about strenuous hiking as the Mullerthal offers a network of pleasant walks that take in beautiful panoramas.

Echternach is the capital of the Mullerthal region and the oldest town in Luxembourg. Among the major tourist attractions of the city are the Roman Villa, The Benedictine Abbey of Saint Willibrord, and the cultural centre of Trifolion. Echternach and its surroundings also offer exceptional restaurants based in the unique natural environment of the Lower Sure Valley.

The Moselle River is one of the major rivers of Luxembourg and its trajectory along the Luxembourg border runs 39 kilometres in length to form a natural boundary with Germany. Moselle lends its name to a beautiful valley famous for its wineries, charming architecture and medieval towns. The Moselle Valley is famous for its steep hills and vineyards and is the birthplace of Luxembourg wines - mostly white varieties such as Riesling, Auxerrois and Pinot Gris.

Although renowned as a culinary destination, the Moselle region also attracts water sports enthusiasts and hikers. Swimming, water skiing and Nordic walking are just some of the activities that are practised on and around the River Moselle.

The Land of the Red Rocks is a region located in the south of the country. The former mining area, also referred to as Terres Rouges, is primarily characterised by its industrial culture. The Land of the Red Rocks encompasses the major commercial cities of Dudelange, Esch-sur-Alzette and Differdange. Resolutely modern and trendy, these cities form an urban complex with a young and dynamic atmosphere. Street theatre, rock festivals and concert halls complement cultural offerings, while the Parc Merveilleux of Bettembourg is home to a variety of wildlife including crocodiles, snakes, parrots and monkeys and is a favourite among families.