Luxembourg Fast Facts

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.

Luxembourg Fast Facts