Luxembourg borders Belgium, Germany and France. Together with the Netherlands and Belgium, it belongs to the BeNeLux countries. In addition to numerous magnificent castles, beautiful countryside and a charming capital, the country is also known as the seat of important European institutions such as the European Court of Justice. See Andyeducation for education in Luxembourg.
Capital City | Luxembourg city |
Size | 2,586 km² |
Resident | 576,000 |
Official Language | French, German, Luxembourgish |
Currency | Euro |
Time Zone | UTC+1 (+2 Mar – Oct) |
Telephone Area Code | +352 |
Fast facts to know
- One of the smallest area states on earth.
- Last of 12 grand duchies in Europe.
- Seat of numerous important European institutions.
- Luxembourg City is one of the richest cities in the world and is an important financial center in Europe.
- Name derives from Lucilinburhuc (later Lützelburg) a small castle around which Luxembourg City was founded.
- German is also spoken in large parts of the country.
- Almost half of the inhabitants of Luxembourg City come from abroad.
- Luxembourg is Roman Catholic.
Exciting cities in Luxembourg
- Luxembourg city
- Echternach
- Vianden
- Clervaux
History of Luxembourg
- 2nd century BC First traces of settlement by the Celts.
- 1st century BC BC Conquest by the Romans under Caesar.
- 5th century Germanic Franks push back the Romans, wandering monks proselytize to Christianity.
- 963 Count Siegfried I acquires the small Bockfelsen in the Alzette Valley with Lucilinburhuc Castle and thus lays the foundation for the country and noble family of Luxembourg and for the County of Luxembourg.
- In 1308, Count Henry of Luxembourg was elected Roman-German king.
- 1482 Luxembourg falls under the rule of the Habsburgs.
- 1713 Luxembourg falls to the Austrian Netherlands.
- This is followed by divisions and regionally changing dominions under France, the Netherlands, Belgium and the German Confederation.
- 1890 full independence of Luxembourg.
- Widespread anti-Semitism even before World War II.
- 1940 Occupation by the German Wehrmacht.
- Member of the United Nations since 1945.
Climate & travel weather in Luxembourg
- Inland in a temperate climate zone.
- Moderately warm summers, mild winters.
- More precipitation in the Ardennes than in the south-east of the country.
- Recommended travel time:
- Winter Holiday: January & February.
- Summer vacation: May – September.
Ideas for trips in Luxembourg
- Explore Luxembourg City:
- Grand Ducal Palace.
- National Museum of History and Art.
- Art gallery “Am Tunnel”.
- The Glass Elevator of Luxembourg.
- Notre Dame Cathedral.
- Bock casemates.
- Corniche.
- District reason.
- Philharmonic.
- Visit castles and palaces:
- Vianden Castle.
- Castle of Esch-sur-Sûre.
- Castle Beaufort.
- Bourscheid Castle.
- Take a hike in the beautiful Mullerthal.
- Discover hiking trails in stages and numerous other circular hiking trails.
- Conquer the 600 km of cycle paths by bike.
- Experience Moselle boat trip.
Eating & drinking in Luxembourg
- Influences of German, French, Portuguese and Italian cuisine.
- Mostly good home cooking.
- Famous for Ardennes ham.
- Beer, wine, liquor popular.
- Eaten roast pork in aspic, Riesling pies, crayfish and pike.
- Baked fish from the Moselle are a specialty.
- Known for chocolate pralines, confectionery and baked goods.
- Potatoes the most important side dish.
- Owns a disproportionately large number of starred restaurants.
- Typical dishes:
- Escalope de veau (veal escalope).
- Entrecôte (rib of beef).
- Udd mat Gaardebounen (smoked neck of pork with white beans).
- Bouneschlupp (green bean soup with potatoes, roux and vinegar).
- Fierkelsjhelli (brawn of suckling pig).
- Kriepsen (crayfish, usually steamed in vegetable and white wine stock).
- Träipen (fried black pudding served with apple and potato puree).
- pinchtaart.
- Omelet soufflé au cherry.
Particularly scenic
- Ardennes.
- Mullerthal & Schiessentümpel Waterfall.
- Nature reserves: Haff Remich, Prënzebierg – Giele Botter, Haard, Grouf.
- Nature reserves: Remerschen, Strombierg.
- Lakes: Eschternacher See, reservoir and quarry pond from Remerschen.