LUXEMBOURG
One of the Europe’s smallest sovereign states but there’s no reason to neglect it as a travel destination; Luxembourg in its place is like any story from the fairytale. This is so because of its most dramatic site with tumultuous history, wars, fortresses, promontories, huge dynasties, deep forests, stunning chateaux and vast mansion all over the country. Popularly Luxembourg City is referred as the ‘Gibraltar of the North’ because of its placement and the fortifications dug into the rock. It is one country where your wallet would be at ease as most of the city is easily accessible on foot. The country is abundantly charming and this is true as UNESCO has awarded the title of old town World Heritage status in 1994. It’s called the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg or the Eurocrat heaven and believed to over 1000 year old with modernism infused. This unique and significant heritage of Luxembourg made it the European Capital of Culture in 1995 and 2007 recently. This title though now has been passed but it gave Luxembourg the prestige of international tourism and huge amount of funds to create the splendid sites like the Philharmonic Concert Hall and Museum of Modern Art which stand there as the perfect illustration to modern architecture. The Luxembourg dynasty was founded by Count Sigefroi of the Ardennes who also got his castle built in 963 AD, attracted by this castle the Spanish, Burgundians, French, Prussians and Austrians all tried to secure it. As a result the castle had to be renovated and refurbished twenty times in the past 400 years.
CULTURE AND GEOGRAPHY
With a population of about 50000 lakhs only tiny Luxembourg has been open to multiculturism for over 150 years. A large number of Italians and Portuguese migrated to this country hence their contribution and influence is inevitable here. Though it has strong history of past at present Luxembourg is a peaceful country with low crime rate and people generally believe in live and let live attitude. It has three official languages –Luxembourgish, German and the French. Majority of Luxembourgers follow Christianity and are Roman Catholics by race. Geographically the land is spread across 2,586 sq.kms and stands sixth in the list of smallest countries of Europe. It’s divided into two regions the Ardennes and the rolling Southern Lowlands. This pint sized country is diverse in nature with lush green landscapes and effortlessly standing castles in midst of this naturally wonderful land.
WHEN TO GO
Though year around Luxembourg experiences favorable climatic conditions, the communication services in some regions are the best in peak season. Luxembourg is especially crowded or the peak season is mainly during May, June and September when the climate is pleasant. Weather during spring and summer is gentle; July and August months are also suitable for travel because of low rainfall. The Ardennes best time is from mid July to end of August when all the attractions are open. In some of the months other than this period some sights like the museums and castles can remain close because of bad weather or may have limited opening hours. It may be also a possibility that small restaurants and hotels may remain closed in the winter season. To avoid these kinds of limitations one can plan to travel to Luxembourg in autumn when the weather not as bad as the winters and the country is also beautiful with autumn colors all over landscapes. The time from July to August offers some of the best rates for accommodation as this are the time when there’s lull in business trade. Winters can be worse here but if you like to plan your Christmas vacation here the lightings and decoration in Luxembourg are surely a wonderful spectacle.
TOP ATTRACTIONS
Divided into two regions the Ardennes, the northern plateau called Osling and the Southern lowlands is called the Gutland meaning the ‘Good Land’. The country’s center is called the Luxembourg City that’s prime attraction and also there are other small villages and cities of interest like the Vianden and Echternach. All in all this tiny country that stands independent with wealth of pristine rivers, verdant landscapes and fairy tale associated rural places with vast fortresses.
LUXEMBOURG CITY
As old as over thousand years Luxembourg City provides its visitors with glossy art gallery and Philharmonie that were newly created and reason for which Luxembourg was made the European Capital of Culture in 2007. Not only these newbie structures but the old castles, state of art museums and fashionable boutiques enthralls any visitor truly. Mainly the attractions that are popular here are the Art Treasure Museum, Promenade the most beautiful balcony of all Europe, War Graves, Cycle City and History Buffs. The Luxembourg City History Museum is an admirable multi-level complex with a glass elevator revealing the entire old town’s rocky geology. To get detailed knowledge of the Museum don’t forget to pick up the free English Language guide available at the entrance. The Bock Casemates is another miraculous attraction carved under the Bock by the Spaniards in 1744 that has a honeycomb of damp rock galleries and passages. These casemates were used for the soldiers to house garrisons and eateries required during the World War I and II. Then there’s the Palais Grand-Ducal popular Moorish style palace built in 1570’s during the rule of Spanish. Presently used as the Grand Duke’s office but once it served as the residence for royals of Luxembourg. You will require a good one hour time to get a detailed view of the palace with guided tours taking the tourist to the present of the past. The Pont Grand- Duchesse Charlotte known as the Red Bridge connects the Old Town with Kirchberg Plateau. This plateau is significant because of its tall blue glass buildings, the Philharmonie and the Musee d’ Art Moderne Grand-Duc Jean. Some tourist also find it interesting to browse through the Bank Museum on of its kind displaying over 180 banks maintaining 140 years of tradition with a touch of modern banking. Not to forget about the Cathedral of our Lady that is country’s most esteem idol called the ‘Lady Comforter of the Afflicted’.
Echternach
This wonderful city lies on the banks of Sure River close to Germany and is open for hiking and cycling across the River. An absolute place to take your kids for boating in the pleasant waters of the artificial lake, the Mullerthal and the Germano- Luxembourg natural park are equally enjoyable. The popular sights of interest in Echternach are the Echternach international festival, Abbey Museum, Museum of Prehistory, Rural Architecture Museum and the Spring Parade. The international festival is very popular and runs from late May to June and offers three to four weekly presentations, idea of the festival brings together world’s best performers in every field. Also famous is the Whit Tuesday for St. Willibrord Pageant when dancers perform on cobbled streets to celebrate the religious festival.
Clervaux
Located in the ultimate northern town, Clervaux is hidden in the deep valley of Clierf River. A place that gained significance because of the Castle that dates back to 12th Century and in addition to that it’s the photographic exhibition displayed year around that draws tourists from all around the world. The medieval Clervaux Castle was totally rebuilt in the 19th century as it lost its fortified walls in the war. The turning point of the castle is because of the famous ‘Family of Man’ photography exhibition, a creation of Edward Steichen that contains over 250 photographs from 68 countries and by now has cashed the attention of millions. Other attractions of this place are the Romanesque-style church constructed in the 19th century and the toys museum for kids.
Moselle Valley
A convenient half an hour drive from Luxembourg City, Moselle valley is country’s vineyard and winery region. The name of the region is because of its location on River Moselle. Tours to taste the wine cellars is a big attraction here that is situated on the gentle slopes of both sides of Moselle River. Places like Remich and Ehnen offer you the best fruity whites on the town, don’t miss secure some for back home.
Vianden
After Luxembourg City this is the most popular city on Luxembourg. It’s located on the valley of the Our River and particularly a summer retreat. Mostly Vianden is a weekend attraction for the German, Belgian, and Dutch visitors. The main attraction is the Vianden Castle in addition to that tourists who want to explore more of the city can visit the Vianden Chairlift, Hydro-Electric plant Gallery, Doll and Toy museum and the Victor Hugo house. The castle dates back to 12th century was the seat of the Counts of Vianden.
GETTING AND STAYING HERE
The international airport is Luxembourg airport and major airways offer their services to this city. The location of the country makes it easy for the tourist travelling from UK or other regions of Europe. The popular Luxair is the famous airway that offers service to Luxembourg from London City and others airways like the British Airways and VLM is also an option. Tourists who want travel by train have the option to travel from UK. Getting around in the city is not a problem as variety of options is available conveniently like the train, bus or taxi. After everything your worry to accommodation is valid but believe it or not being a wealthy nation it has mind blowing places to stay starting from budget to luxury hotels matching to your needs. You just need to decide from the variety of options what fits your budget and need- from three to four stars, city center hotels, Moselle hotels or an apartment accommodation.
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