Luxembourg：The Tiny Nation Attracting Tourists with Medieval Castles

Luxembourg is a small country in Europe nestled between Belgium, France and Germany. It has a long history dating to the year 963. Tourists to Luxembourg will be able to sightsee plenty of medieval towns and villages and will be impressed with the dense forests and tranquil countryside. Luxembourg, for such a little country has so many incredible places to visit. In this article we will recommend you the top ten sightseeing destinations of Luxembourg.

1. The Old Quarter (Luxembourg City)

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The Old Quarter is a historic neighborhood in the center of Luxembourg’s capital Luxembourg City. The Old Quarter was the location of very important fortresses from sixteenth to mid-nineteenth centuries. The Old Quarter was important due to Luxembourg’s location between the Holy Roman Empire and France. In 1994 The Old Quarter has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. A walk through the historic Old Quarter is highly recommended for any sightseeing tourist. Guided walking sightseeing tours are available. To learn even more about the Old Quarter tourists can also go sightseeing in the nearby Musée Dräi Eechelen (Three Acorns Museum), which has exhibitions on the history of the Old Quarter in Luxembourg City.

2. Le Chemin de la Corniche (Luxembourg City)

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Le Chemin de la Corniche in Luxembourg city is often referred to as “the most beautiful balcony of Europe”. Le Chemin de la Corniche was built by the French and Spanish in seventeenth century. Tourists sightseeing Le Chemin de la Corniche will not only get an opportunity to view historic fortifications of this impressive balcony but will also enjoy the panoramic view of the Old Quarter of Luxembourg stretching from the top of Le Chemin de la Corniche. To help you plan your sightseeing visit the official website and check out the 360° panorama of Le Chemin de la Corniche in Luxembourg City.

3. Casemates du Bock (Luxembourg City)

Casemates du Bock are underground tunnels spread under old Luxembourg. Some of the first 23 kilometers of tunnels were constructed in 1644 by the Spanish. The network was expanded over the years by the French and Austrians. In 1867 most of the tunnels were demolished, but 17 kilometers remain and are open for sightseeing. Casemates du Bock are open daily from 10 AM to 5:30 PM and during the summer season from April to September the opening hours are extended until 8:30 PM. Entrance is 6 Euro per adult. There a short documentary video about Casemates du Bock in Luxembourg City, available on the official website.

4. Notre Dame Cathedral (Luxembourg City)

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Notre Dame Cathedral is a Jesuit cathedral constructed between 1613 and 1621 in Luxembourg City. The Notre Dame Cathedral is built in the Renaissance and Baroque architectural styles. The Cathedral was further expanded in the 1930s. The imposing size of the Cathedral and its beautiful sculptures and stained-glass windows will impress sightseeing tourists. We also recommend tourists to have a look at its remarkable north gate while sightseeing the Notre Dame Cathedral. Under the Notre Dame Cathedral there are the crypts where some of Luxembourg’s royalty found their resting place.

5. Bourscheid Castle (Bourscheid)

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Bourscheid Castle is a fabulous example of Luxembourg’s historic heritage. The Bourscheid Castle dates to the year 1000. We recommend sightseeing The Bourscheid Castle for educational purposes and because the castle has very impressive watchtowers and fortifications. The Bourscheid Castle is open daily from 9:30 AM to 6 PM and admission is 5 euro for adults, which includes an audio tour of the castle. Many tourists chose to combine their sightseeing of the Bourscheid Castle with a walk in the nearby Oesling forest. Visit the official website for some amazing aerial footage of the castle and to get a taste of what awaits you on your sightseeing trip to Bourscheid Castle in Luxembourg.

6. The Luxembourg Ardennes (Vianden)

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Éislek region, also known as the Luxembourg Ardennes is an area full of fairy-tale castles and exceptional natural beauty. We recommend tourists to go sightseeing in Éislek and learn about Luxembourg’s medieval heritage, while enjoying the spectacular highlands, quaint villages and atmospheric forests. Best time for a sightseeing visit to Éislek is the Summer. Every summer there are many medieval re-enactment festivals in Éislek, which sightseeing tourists can attend for a unique experience. Tourists will also be able to visit artisan markets while in Éislek and buy some Luxembourgian handmade treats and crafts. Many villages throughout Éislek put of open-air concerts and performances in the summer.

7. Upper Sûre Natural Park (Esch-sur-Sûre)

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Upper Sûre Natural Park is in the ‘water region’ of Luxembourg in the north-west part of the country. Over 70% of water used by Luxembourg’s household come from the expansive reservoirs of Upper Sûre Natural Park. Sightseeing tourists can enjoy hikes in this ecological park and admire the scenery full of meadows, valleys, rolling hills and serene farmlands. To help you with your sightseeing around Upper Sûre Natural Park in Luxembourg, you can download the official NATURPARK-App for your smartphone. The sightseeing app is available on Android and iOS in English, German, French and Dutch.

8. Vianden Castle (Vianden)

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Vianden Castle in Luxembourg, is a medieval castle that was built on an ancient Roman castle. Vianden Castle was being built between 11th and 14th centuries. The castle has remarkable, well-preserved rooms, a chapel and some grand palaces around it. The castle has been painstakingly renovated by Luxembourg’s government in the 1970s. Sightseeing tourists will also be impressed with the picturesque location of Vianden Castle on top of a hill amid forests. We highly recommend sightseeing this castle, as many think Vianden Castle is one of the most impressive castles in Europe.

9. Mullerthal Trail (Echternach)

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Mullerthal Trail is 112 kilometers in length and goes through the heart of Luxembourg's Little Switzerland region. Mullerthal Trail is divided into three main routes. The different trails take a sightseeing tourist through pastures, forests and other typical Luxembourg landscapes, past age-old castles and past some fascinating rock formations. For tourists with limited time for sightseeing, there are many short day-hike trails also designated. Tourists can print out tail maps from the official website, ask for more advice in the Tourist Office or simply follow the information signs on the trails.

10. MUDAM / Museum of Modern Art Grand-Duc Jean (Luxembourg City)

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MUDAM is a contemporary art museum in Luxembourg city. The spacious, 3-story MUDAM building was designed by the architect Ieoh Ming Pei. Tourists can go sightseeing around the museum on their own or on a guided tour. A free MUDAM Luxembourg smartphone app is available to help tourists with their sightseeing. MUDAM offers regular guided tours that take 45 minutes. Tours are offered in different languages. The English tours take place on Wednesdays at 7 PM and on Sundays at 11 AM. The museum is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM. On Wednesdays the opening hours are extended to 10 PM.

◎ Closing

Luxembourg has many well-preserved, impressive castles. The capital city of Luxembourg, Luxembourg City, is a UNESCO recognized sightseeing destination with long, rich history, fantastic architecture and great museums and restaurants. For a nature lover Luxembourg also offers picturesque mountains, interesting rock formations and ancient forests to sightsee. Luxembourg, a tiny gem of a country in Europe, with so much to sightsee is a fabulous place for your next holiday.