Luxembourg – Grand Duchy | Kaufmann World Travel Factbook

Overview

Luxembourg is proof that great things come in small packages. This tiny Grand Duchy, squeezed between France, Belgium, and Germany, covers just 2,586 square kilometers yet packs in a UNESCO World Heritage capital, fairy-tale castles, world-class wine regions, dense forest trails, and one of Europe's highest standards of living. It is the world's only remaining Grand Duchy, a constitutional monarchy where tradition and cutting-edge modernity coexist effortlessly.

Luxembourg City is a stunning blend of medieval fortifications and gleaming glass towers, perched on dramatic gorges carved by the Alzette and Petrusse rivers. Beyond the capital, five distinct regions offer everything from the rugged Ardennes-like hills of Eislek to the vineyard-draped Moselle Valley, from the mystical rock formations of Mullerthal (Luxembourg's Little Switzerland) to the red-earth industrial heritage landscapes of Minett.

Perhaps most remarkably, Luxembourg became the first country in the world to make all public transport completely free, making it effortless to explore by train, tram, and bus. With a population of just 660,000 but over 170 nationalities represented, this is one of the most multicultural places on Earth, and its cuisine, languages, and culture reflect this extraordinary diversity.

Luxembourg at a Glance

Capital	Luxembourg City (pop. ~130,000; metro ~200,000)
Area	2,586 km2
Population	~660,000
Languages	Luxembourgish, French, German (all official)
Currency	Euro (EUR)
Religion	Roman Catholic (majority); secular/diverse
Climate	Temperate; mild summers, cool winters
Highest Point	Kneiff (560 m)
Government	Constitutional monarchy (Grand Duchy)
EU Role	Founding member; EU institutions headquartered here

Geography & Regions

Despite its tiny size, Luxembourg has five distinct regions. Guttland in the center is rolling farmland surrounding the capital. To the north, Eislek (the Luxembourgish Ardennes) features rugged hills, deep valleys, and charming villages with the highest elevations in the country. The Mullerthal region in the east, known as Little Switzerland, has dramatic sandstone rock formations, dense forests, and some of Europe's finest hiking trails.

The Moselle Valley in the southeast follows 42 km of the river forming the German border, its slopes terraced with vineyards that have produced wine for over 2,000 years. The southernmost Minett region reveals Luxembourg's industrial past, with dramatic red-earth landscapes from former iron ore mining now part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The Alzette and Petrusse rivers carve dramatic gorges through Luxembourg City itself.

History

Luxembourg's story begins in 963 CE when Count Siegfried acquired a rocky promontory called Lucilinburhuc (Little Fortress) and built a castle that would become the nucleus of Luxembourg City. Over the centuries, this strategic fortress was fought over by Burgundians, Spanish, French, Austrians, and Prussians, earning it the nickname Gibraltar of the North. The Bock Casemates, a vast network of underground tunnels, are remnants of these formidable fortifications.

Luxembourg gained independence in 1839 and was declared a neutral state in 1867, when the great powers ordered its fortress walls dismantled. The country was occupied by Germany in both World Wars; the Battle of the Bulge in 1944-45 devastated the northern Ardennes region. General Patton, who liberated Luxembourg, is buried at the American Military Cemetery near the capital.

Post-war Luxembourg became a founding member of the EU, NATO, and the United Nations. Today it hosts major EU institutions including the European Court of Justice, the European Investment Bank, and the Secretariat of the European Parliament. The financial sector has transformed the country into one of the wealthiest nations per capita on Earth.

People & Culture

Luxembourg is extraordinarily multilingual and multicultural. Nearly half the population are foreign nationals, representing over 170 nationalities. Most Luxembourgers speak three languages fluently: Luxembourgish (Letzebuergesch), French, and German. Street signs and official documents alternate between languages, and it is common to hear all three plus English and Portuguese in a single cafe.

The culture blends Germanic and French influences with a distinctive local identity. The Grand Ducal Palace in the capital is the official residence of the Grand Duke. Festivals include Schueberfouer (a massive summer fair dating to 1340), Buergbrennen (bonfire night marking winter's end), and the Octave pilgrimage. Traditional crafts include earthenware pottery from Nospelt and artisan candle-making in Esch-sur-Sure.

Useful Luxembourgish Phrases

Moien = Hello | Merci = Thank you | Jo/Neen = Yes/No | Wou ass...? = Where is...? | Prost! = Cheers!

Luxembourg Cuisine

Luxembourgish cuisine is hearty comfort food with French finesse and German substance. Meals tend to be generous, seasonal, and paired with excellent local wine or beer. Despite the country's tiny size, Luxembourg boasts a remarkable density of Michelin-starred restaurants.

Judd mat Gaardebounen

The national dish: smoked pork collar served with broad beans in a cream sauce, accompanied by boiled potatoes. Simple, satisfying, and deeply traditional, it appears on menus across the country.

Bouneschlupp

A thick green bean soup with potatoes, bacon, and onions, often flavored with summer savory. This hearty soup is a staple of Luxembourg home cooking, especially in colder months.

Gromperekichelcher

Crispy fried potato cakes seasoned with onion and parsley, sold at every fair and festival. The quintessential Luxembourg street food, best enjoyed hot from a market stall at the Schueberfouer.

Moselle Wines

The Moselle Valley produces excellent whites: dry Riesling, aromatic Auxerrois, elegant Pinot Gris, and superb Cremant sparkling wines rivaling Champagne. Luxembourgers hold the world record for per-capita wine consumption.

Places to See

Luxembourg City

The UNESCO-listed capital is built on dramatic gorges. The Bock Casemates offer underground exploration of 17th-century tunnels. The Chemin de la Corniche, called Europe's most beautiful balcony, provides stunning views over the Grund district. The Grand Ducal Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and MUDAM modern art museum are highlights.

Vianden Castle

One of the finest medieval castles in Europe, perched above the Our River in a picturesque town. Fully restored, it offers a glimpse into feudal life. The town also houses a Victor Hugo museum, as the writer lived here during his exile.

Mullerthal Trail

This 112 km network of certified hiking trails winds through spectacular sandstone gorges, moss-covered rock formations, dense forests, and charming villages. Three loop routes cater to different fitness levels. The oldest town in Luxembourg, Echternach, is the gateway to the region.

Moselle Valley

Vineyard-draped river valley from Schengen (where the famous agreement was signed) to Wasserbillig. Wine tastings at family estates, Cremant producers like Bernard-Massard, and charming riverside towns like Remich and Grevenmacher make this a delightful day trip or overnight stay.

Valley of the Seven Castles

The Eisch Valley west of the capital features seven castle ruins and restorations along a scenic 37 km hiking route through gentle Guttland countryside.

Practical Information

Getting There

Luxembourg Airport (LUX) has flights from major European cities. High-speed trains connect from Paris (2h), Brussels (3h), and regional trains from Germany. Luxembourg is a natural stopover on any Benelux or Rhine region trip.

Getting Around

All public transport in Luxembourg is completely free: trains, trams, and buses. This makes it remarkably easy and affordable to explore. Car rental is useful for remote areas but unnecessary for the main attractions. The country is small enough to cross in under 90 minutes by car.

Money

Luxembourg uses the Euro. It is an expensive destination: budget travelers should plan for EUR 80-120/day, mid-range EUR 150-250/day. Restaurant meals cost EUR 15-30, wine from EUR 5/glass. Quality is generally excellent.

Best Time to Visit

May-September offers the best weather (15-25C). The Schueberfouer fair runs for three weeks from late August. The Winterlights Christmas markets in December are magical. Spring brings wildflowers to the Mullerthal trails.

Fascinating Facts

Free Public Transport

In 2020, Luxembourg became the first country in the world to make all public transport free for everyone, residents and visitors alike.

Wealthiest Country

Luxembourg consistently ranks as the wealthiest country per capita in the world, driven by its powerful financial sector that manages trillions in assets.

Three Languages

It is one of the few countries where three languages are official: Luxembourgish (a Germanic language), French, and German. Most residents speak all three plus English.

Gibraltar of the North

Luxembourg City was once one of the most heavily fortified cities in Europe. The Bock Casemates stretch for 17 km underground and sheltered 35,000 people during WWII bombings.

Wine Champions

Luxembourgers hold the world record for per-capita wine consumption. The Moselle region has 450 wine producers in an area smaller than Napa Valley.

Accommodation

Luxembourg City offers everything from budget hostels (EUR 25-40) to five-star hotels like Villa Petrusse and Le Royal (EUR 200-500+). The countryside has charming guesthouses, eco-hotels along the Moselle, and farm stays in Eislek. Booking early is advisable as the capital hosts many business travelers.

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