A small, charming European country! 20 recommended sightseeing spots in Luxembourg

Europe is home to many countries that boast enduring popularity as tourist destinations. Among them, Luxembourg is a particularly small and quiet country. Although it is by no means conspicuous, it is a very precious presence that has preserved the charm of good old Europe to this day. Luxembourg is full of charming spots such as medieval townscapes, churches that have remained unchanged since the time of the original, and old castles, and once you step inside, you will feel as if you have wandered into a storybook world.

The scenery that has been preserved because the people live in a low-key environment is sure to touch your heart as a heartwarming, healing, primordial landscape. We will introduce you to the relaxing charms that are unique to Luxembourg and cannot be experienced in other European countries.

1. Vianden Castle

There are many old castles in Luxembourg, but Vianden Castle is the most well-known of them all. Built in the Gothic style, the Count of Vianden was the owner at the time of its construction. After that, it became an uninhabited castle after the end of the 18th century and fell into ruin for a time, but restoration work was carried out and it has regained its current beautiful appearance.

This old castle, built on a hill in the forest, has a cute appearance as if it had jumped out of a fairy tale world. Surrounded by greenery, it shows beautiful seasonal scenes, with fresh greenery in early summer and red leaves in autumn. The view from the windows is also truly spectacular. The interior of the building is open to the public, and valuable items that were actually used at the time are on display. It is an important building that is still used as a guest house to entertain guests from overseas, so it is definitely worth a visit.

2. Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral is the Catholic cathedral representing Luxembourg, originally built as a Jesuit church. It is also a famous tourist destination as it is the place where the former Archduke and the Queen of Belgium were married. The quaint exterior blends in with the cityscape, but the slender, pointed spire stands out beautifully even from afar. The unique design, which is a mix of multiple architectural styles, is different from other European countries and seems to be a symbol of Luxembourg, which has overcome various historical obstacles.

When you step inside the cathedral, you will be greeted by magnificent stained glass and sculptures carefully crafted down to the smallest detail, making it feel like a museum. It is not very large, but it is modest not too assertive, and is very peaceful. There is a chapel in the basement, where the royal family rests, so be sure to visit it as well.

3. Saint-Maurice and Saint-Maur Abbey

About 20 minutes up the hill from Clervaux Station, passing through the shopping district and walking a little further, you will be captivated by a building that exudes a majestic atmosphere that is just like the image of medieval Europe. This mysterious building is the Abbey of Saint-Maurice et Saint-Maur. It stands on a hilltop, so it has a great view and you can see the whole city of Clervaux.

In the basement of the building, there is an exhibition like a small museum, where the daily life of the monks is introduced through photos and panels. It is a valuable opportunity to learn about the monks, who we don't usually have the opportunity to come into contact with. They also sell rosaries that Catholics use when praying, as well as holy images and statues of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. Please visit the place.

4. Clervaux Castle

On the way to the Saint-Maurice-et-Saint-Maur Abbey, you will find the entrance to the Château de Clervaux, which has a quiet atmosphere. It is strange that it is built in the middle of the town without any special walls. The whole town is surrounded by mountains, so perhaps they served as the walls. There is a cute tourist information sign next to the entrance, which makes you want to take a look inside.

Once inside the building, the interior is also modest. There is no glittering atmosphere to be found anywhere. It is now a museum, and you can visit the Château de Clervaux Museum, the War Memorial, and the Art Museum, which displays photographs and other items. The building itself was rebuilt in the Renaissance style after it was burned down during World War II. It is a small and modest old castle that matches the small town rich in nature, so it is a tourist spot in Luxembourg where we recommend taking a leisurely stroll around the surrounding area.

5. Grand Ducal Palace

This building near Place d'Armes was originally built as a town hall, but after a fire in 1554, it was rebuilt with marble and became the Grand Ducal Palace in 1891. The beautiful reliefs on the building's walls in the Hispa-Mores style, reminiscent of the Spanish occupation period, are a must-see. Guards with guns are on guard in front of the gate, and a changing ceremony takes place five times a day. The national flag is raised when the Grand Duke is staying.

It is usually closed to the public, but it is open to the public only during the summer, so if you time it right, you can see what it's like inside. It houses luxurious art works collected by successive kings, so if you have the chance, be sure to visit.

6. Bock Battery

Long ago, a fortress was built on the rocky mountain of Bockfelsen and was called Ruschlingurg, which means small castle, and hence the name Luxembourg. It is a place with a deep and inseparable connection to this country. A fortress wall was built around what was originally on top of the cliff, and it became a fortified city. Parts of it remain today, and they tell us what it was like back then. From the top of the rocky mountain, you can see the stone bridge over which the trains run.

Underground, there is a fortress called the Bock Battery. There are many old-fashioned cannons placed in the places carved into the rock. Looking out the window, you can clearly see that it has been carved vertically into a sheer cliff. The view from there is just like the image of medieval Europe. A river flows gently below the cliff. The interior of the fortress is intricate like a maze, and you can experience a sense of adventure.

7. Luxembourg National Museum of History and Art

After the museum was established in the city of Luxembourg, a modern central building was added and historical materials related to archaeology began to be exhibited. The mansion on the adjacent street also became part of the museum, making it an even more impressive building. Currently, it has 5 floors above ground and 5 below ground, with about 120 exhibition rooms.

The highlight of the collection is the mosaic floor, which is about 60 square meters in size. It is estimated to date back to around 240 AD, but it is in very good condition and you can clearly see the image of Homer and the nine goddesses. Many of the paintings in the collection were created by artists with ties to Luxembourg, and there is also a cafe on the premises. It is elegant and lovely to have a relaxing cup of tea after appreciating the art. We recommend the hot chocolate.

8. Adolphe Bridge

This bridge is also known as the New Bridge, and is considered a symbol of Luxembourg. It plays an important role in connecting the old and new towns of Luxembourg, and trains frequently pass over it. It is a huge bridge with a beautiful huge stone arch, 43 meters high and 84 meters long. It is designed to take advantage of the terrain with its different elevations, so you can view the bridge from the highlands, or go down to the lowlands and look up. You can enjoy it in any way you like.

This bridge, which spans the valley of the Petrus River, is surrounded by rich nature and can be seen in beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons. This beautiful sight is famous worldwide, and is often used in brochures and postcards, so many people have probably seen it. When you see it in person, you will be amazed at how impressive it is, even more so than you would have imagined.

9. Saint-Jean Church

Far below the Adolphe Bridge, the Church of Saint-Jean, which sits quietly at the bottom of the cliffs of the valley, was built in the 14th century. Before the French Revolution, it was used as a Benedictine monastery and also served as a women's prison. Opening the heavy door, you will find a small chapel.

Its distinctive, slender spire towering over the river is easy to spot from afar, and can also be seen from the Bock Battery on the cliff. The lowland area is called Grun, and the townscape is spectacular, making you feel as if you have wandered into the Middle Ages. Looking from above, you can see the spire and the courtyard at once. The exterior is very simple and blends in with the surrounding scenery. There are not many tourists, so you can spend a relaxing time in Luxembourg.

10. Place d'Armes

Place d'Armes is located about a 20-minute walk from Luxembourg's central station and can be said to be the face of the old town. The city hall and Luxembourg's tourist information center are located in the surrounding area, so most people who visit Luxembourg, including tourists, come here. "Armes" means military, and the place was named after the military base that once stood there. It was destroyed in a major fire in 1554, but was later rebuilt and reborn as the beautiful sight it is today.

There are many stylish restaurants and cafes in the square, and you can see tourists and locals relaxing there as well. In addition, music and dance events are often held during the tourist season, making it even more crowded. It is a place that you can enjoy just by strolling around the square.

11. Saint-Michel Church

Known as the oldest church in Luxembourg City, the Church of Saint-Michel does not stand out in any way and quietly blends into the cityscape of Luxembourg. The current building was rebuilt in the 17th century. It is located near the Bock Battery, so it is an easy place to stop by. The architectural style of the building is a mixture of Gothic, Baroque, and Romanesque, giving it a long history of contact with various cultures. Tourists are free to enter the church, and the quiet and very rustic atmosphere is soothing to the soul.

The chapel also has beautiful stained glass, and gazing at the altar at the back is soothing. It is located on a hilltop with a good view, so you can enjoy a different side of Luxembourg by looking down from the Bock Battery or looking up from the low-lying Grund.

12. St. Willibrord Abbey

Esternach is located in the eastern part of Luxembourg and is the central town of the Mullerthal region, also known as Little Switzerland.

There is St. Willibrord Abbey there. This monastery is said to have been built in the Middle Ages, but its origins are thought to date back to around 700 AD, making it the oldest in Luxembourg. It is characterized by several spires and a bell tower, giving it a very stately appearance.

The building also houses the monastery museum, where you can learn about its history from exhibits such as photographs and panels. The building is a symbol of the town, so it is worth a visit. There are also schools in the area, and depending on the time of day, you can meet many local students, making for a peaceful sightseeing experience.

13. Schengen Castle

Schengen is a town on the border between Germany and France. Originally a small town with vineyards, it became known worldwide as the place where the Schengen Agreement was concluded. Currently, with this agreement in place, it is possible to freely cross borders within the EU without passport checks. Schengen Castle is located right next to the museums and monuments related to the agreement.

Schengen Castle is now a hotel and is popular as an old castle where you can stay overnight. The surrounding area is filled with quaint towers and gardens, allowing you to enjoy the atmosphere of medieval Europe. Of course, you can visit the buildings without staying overnight, but please remember to be polite when you do so. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere while sipping some delicious wine at a nearby cafe.

14. Constitution Square

Constitution Square is located at the entrance to the old town of Luxembourg, and was originally the site of a fortress facing the river. In the center stands the World War I memorial, which is the symbol of the square. It offers a panoramic view of the new town on the opposite bank, and is said to be the best spot in Luxembourg to see the scenery. It is always bustling with tourists and locals who come to enjoy the view. As it is a representative tourist spot, there are souvenir shops and restaurants in the surrounding area, making it a fun place to stroll around.

A mini train for tourists runs except in the winter season. It takes about an hour to go round trip from Constitution Square through the Gruton district below the cliffs to the opposite bank where the Bock Cannon is. Why not use it for a stroll?

15. Esch-sur-Sure Castle

Esch-sur-Sure is a rural town with a pastoral landscape, accessible by train and bus from Luxembourg. Located upstream of the Sure River, this village has a unique topography, with castle ruins and churches built on top of a rocky mountain. Esch-sur-Sure Castle is located on a small hill in the middle of the U-shaped Sure River. Although it is called a castle, it is currently half-destroyed, so most of the foundations remain. However, since it is located on high ground, it is the symbol of the town. The foot of the hill is the center of the town, where the tourist information center is also located.

The castle ruins are in a natural state, untouched, and there is also a church building, so you can enjoy a little adventure. Looking down on the village from the high ground, you can see the cute houses lined up. All the houses in this village have black roofs, which gives it a different atmosphere from the scenery of other towns and is very appealing.

16. Marché de Noel

Every year, one month before Christmas, Place d'Armes and Place de la Constitución are beautifully decorated with illuminations and transformed into a Christmas market. You can enjoy the deep European Christmas atmosphere, so many tourists from abroad come every year and the place is bustling every day. Both venues are beautifully decorated with shops selling Christmas goods and shops where you can enjoy wine and light meals, so you won't get bored just looking at them. There is also a simple stage where you can enjoy singing and musical performances depending on the day.

At night, the illuminations shine and alcohol is served, creating a bright atmosphere at the venue. If you have the opportunity to visit during this time, be sure to enjoy the European Christmas atmosphere.

17. Petrus Valley

The Petrus Valley, located between the old and new towns of Luxembourg, is often overlooked as part of the landscape, but there is an elevator that takes you down to the bottom, so be sure to check it out. There is a forest around the river, and you can enjoy a completely different natural landscape from the city. There may not be many other places in the center of Luxembourg where you can get so close to nature.

There are stairs in various places that allow you to go up and down the valley, and you can also walk down. Unlike the impression from above, the view is good and the atmosphere is bright, so you can stroll around Luxembourg with peace of mind. There are parks along the sidewalks, and you can see local Luxembourg people walking their pets, so the warm and cozy atmosphere will refresh your mood.

18. Place Guillaume

Place Guillaume is a small square in the center of the old town, and is a lively square where tourists and local Luxembourg people come and go. Every winter, an ice rink is set up, and many people, including children and couples, can be seen enjoying skating. In one corner of the square, there is the tourist information center, the city hall, and an equestrian statue of Guillaume II.

There are also stylish cafes and restaurants nearby, so if you get tired from walking around the city of Luxembourg, it's nice to enjoy a meal or tea time while looking at the state of the square. In summer or on a nice day, we recommend relaxing on the terrace seats. There are souvenir shops nearby, so it is a tourist spot where you can do leisurely shopping.

19. Rue Royale

Rue Royale runs north from Place Guillaume and is a very large street with heavy traffic. Banks from various countries are gathered along this street, so it is also called Bank Street and is the base of Luxembourg's economy. From 1993 to the present, it has had the world's highest GDP per capita, making it a street symbolic of Luxembourg's economic powerhouse.

Many large hotel chains are located in the surrounding area, and modern buildings are concentrated there. There are also many luxury brand stores, so you can see people enjoying shopping. During the Christmas season, the buildings along the street are beautifully decorated with gorgeous illuminations, and the entire city is enveloped in a festive atmosphere.

20. Luxembourg City History Museum

The Luxembourg City History Museum in the old town is a very modern and eye-catching building with part of the building completely made of glass. It may be a bit surprising to see a brand new building suddenly appear in the middle of a street full of old historic buildings. There are many slopes in the surrounding area, and the museum is a bit secluded, so it's a good idea to check the location at the tourist information center.

You can learn about the development of Luxembourg City and the development of its unique culture, so it's recommended as a starting point for sightseeing in Luxembourg. If you visit the actual place after learning about the history and other background, your perspective will change and you will become even more knowledgeable.

◎Summary

How did you like Luxembourg, where you can experience the good old medieval Europe? Of course, it's great to visit the popular tourist countries in Europe, but you're sure to make special memories in a small, lesser-known country that's full of things to see. It's also a good idea to extend your trip to Luxembourg when you visit neighboring countries. One of the great things about traveling in Europe is being able to visit several countries at once, so be sure to stop by Luxembourg as one of the countries you visit.

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A small, charming European country! 20 recommended sightseeing spots in Luxembourg