Luxembourg
A fortress city perched over a gorge, in a country you can drive across in an hour. Public transport is free nationwide.
Icons
The city is split into an upper and a lower half by its valley.
- A fortress cut into the rockBock CasematesLuxembourg City
More than twenty kilometres of defensive passages bored through the cliff. Openings cut like windows look straight down into the gorge.
- The old quarter on the valley floorGrundLuxembourg City
A lift down from the centre lands you among low houses along the river. The city you were looking at from above reads completely differently from below.
- Called the most beautiful balcony in EuropeChemin de la CornicheLuxembourg City
A walk along the top of the old ramparts with the gorge and Grund underfoot the whole way. The name comes from a writer’s description that stuck.
- A restored castle on the hillVianden CastleVianden, in the north
Once a ruin, rebuilt in the twentieth century, with the whole village below it. Many take the chairlift up and walk down through the castle.
- Trails through mossy rock cleftsMullerthalEast
Walking routes linking narrow passages split into the sandstone and small waterfalls. It goes by the nickname Little Switzerland.
- The hill of European institutionsKirchbergNortheast of Luxembourg City
A modern district lined with the Court of Justice and bank headquarters. A tram connects it to the old town in a straight run.
World Heritage
The old quarters and the fortifications themselves are the listing.
- The fortress once called the Gibraltar of the NorthCity of Luxembourg: Old Quarters and FortificationsLuxembourg City
A city that turned its gorge and cliffs into its defences, listed as a whole. Casemates, walls and bridges read as a single work.
- Primeval European beech forestAncient and Primeval Beech ForestsPart of the northern woods
One fragment of a listing scattered across many countries. It is not heavily signposted, so look at a map beforehand.
Where to go
Small enough to base yourself in the capital and see the country in day trips.
- Luxembourg CityThe capitalSouth
A city divided above and below a gorge, which makes walking it a pleasure. Airport and station are close, so neighbouring countries are easy.
- EchternachThe oldest townEastern border
Grown around an abbey and the starting point for the Mullerthal trails. It holds an unusual dancing procession each year.
- ViandenThe village below the castleNorth
Houses along the river and the castle above fit into a single view. Stay the night and you see the castle lit.
- The MoselleVineyard villagesSoutheastern border
White wine country strung along the river, with Germany on the far bank. Boats run on some stretches.
- Esch-sur-AlzetteThe second citySouthwest
Much of its steel-making landscape has been turned over to cultural use. Paths cross the old mining ground where the red earth shows.
When to go
An inland western European climate with four clear seasons.
- SpringApril to MayNationwide
Forest paths open and the gorge fills with green. Rain comes and goes, so carry a layer.
- SummerJune to AugustNationwide
Outdoor festivals and trail season, with long daylight. Rarely hot enough to spoil a walk.
- AutumnSeptember to OctoberNationwide
Harvest on the Moselle fills the riverside villages. The gorge in autumn colour is worth the trip alone.
- WinterNovember to MarchNationwide
Grey, damp cold for months. The Christmas market in the centre is the focus of the season.
Before you go
Small, expensive, and free to travel around.
- EntrySchengen short stay, visa-free for Korean passportsNationwide
Up to 90 days in any 180 across the whole Schengen area. The European travel authorisation scheme is being phased in, so check official guidance before you leave.
- Public transportFree across the countryNationwide
Buses, trams and second-class rail are free nationwide. Cross-border legs are charged, so check the ticket.
- MoneyEuro, and prices run highNationwide
Rooms and meals cost more than in the neighbouring countries. Cards work everywhere.
- LanguageLuxembourgish, French and GermanNationwide
Three official languages, with English widely spoken as well. Signs mix French and German.
- NeighboursBelgium, Germany and France within an hourThe borders
Trier and Metz are close by train. There are no checks at the crossings.
- Emergency number112Nationwide
The pan-European number reaching police, ambulance and fire, with English available. Signal can drop in the gorge and the forests.
Opening hours, fares and schedules change from year to year and by season. Check the official guidance for each site and operator before you travel.