Luxembourg Travel Guide

Overview

Capital:

Luxembourg (City).

Geography:

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg shares borders to the north and west with Belgium, to the south with France and to the east with Germany. Although similar in size to a typical English county, there are a number of distinct geographical regions. Most of the northern half of the country is made up of the high plateau of the Ardennes, carved and scarred by a network of steep-sided thickly forested river valleys. Most of this region is around 500m (1,640ft) above sea level.

The southern half – known locally the Gutland or Good Land - is gently rolling lowland, covered with woods and farmland, mostly sitting around 250m (820ft) above sea level. There are no towns of any significant size in the north; the south is more urbanised. In the southeast is the rich wine-growing valley of the Moselle river, which enjoys a unique microclimate well-suited to the cultivation of grapes. The area around Echternach, Larochette and Beaufort is a spectacular region of narrow sandstone micro-gorges and thick forest, which was christened ‘Little Switzerland’ by early tourists. The capital meanwhile, Luxembourg City, is built on a rocky outcrop overlooking the two adjoining gorges of the Alzette and Pétrusse valleys.

Getting There

Getting There By Air

The national airline is Luxair (www.luxair.lu), which operates direct flights from numerous destinations within Europe, including London. Other airlines flying direct to Luxembourg from the UK include British Airways (www.ba.com) and easyJet (www.easyjet.com).

The major airport is: Luxembourg Airport.

Departure Tax

Included in ticket prices.

Flight Times

From London - 1 hour 10 minutes; New York - 10 hours (including stopover).

Getting There By Road

The quickest way to cross the channel is by driving the car onto Eurotunnel trains.

Eurotunnel (tel: +44 8443 353 535, in the UK; www.eurotunnel.com) runs shuttle trains for all types of vehicles between Folkestone in Kent, and Calais, France. The journey takes about 35 minutes from platform to platform and around one hour from motorway to motorway. 

Alternatively, car ferries operate frequently between Dover and Calais, and Dover and Dunkirk. From both French ports, the quickest route is to take the motorway to Brussels via Lille (A25, then head south through Namur along the E411 to Luxembourg). In total, the journey from London (including the ferry crossing) takes approximately seven hours.

Getting There By Water

Luxembourg is land-locked and has no seaports.

Getting Around

Getting Around By Air

With only one airport, there are no domestic flights within Luxembourg.

Bike

You can hire bikes in most towns. Ask in the local tourist offices for more information. You can borrow bikes for a short duration for a small fee (free up to 30 minutes) from vel’oh! stations dotted across the centre of Luxembourg City, but you must first register for this service via the website (www.veloh.lu) and pay a deposit.

In the Moselle Valley, RentaBike Miselerland (www.rentabike-miselerland.lu) has around a dozen rental outlets, and you can return bikes to any site.

Breakdown Services

Automobile Club du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg (tel: 26000, emergency number in Luxembourg only or +352 450 0451; www.acl.lu).

Car Hire

All the main agencies operate in Luxembourg. Most of the rental offices are located inside the Findel airport terminal.

Documentation

Third-party insurance is necessary. A Green Card is not obligatory but is strongly recommended. Without it, you only have the minimum legal cover in Luxembourg (if your have motor insurance at home). The Green Card tops this up to the level of cover provided by your domestic policy. For most nationalities a valid national driving licence is sufficient.

Getting Around By Rail

The national railway company, Chemins de Fer Luxembourgeois (CFL) (tel: +352 2489 2489; www.cfl.lu), runs an efficient rail service which is fully integrated with the bus network. CFL has a so-called horaire cadencé schedule, meaning there is at least one train every hour to every station at the same time in every hour. Reductions are offered for weekend and holiday return tickets.

Regulations

The minimum age for driving is 18. The wearing of seat belts is compulsory in the front seat and in the back, where seatbelts are fitted. Children under 12 years of age must travel in the back seats, unless they are 1.5m (5ft) or taller, or if the front seat is fitted with an appropriate ECE-approved child seat. Motorcyclists must use a dipped beam even by day. Cars must be fitted with winter tyres during conditions of sleet or snow. You must carry reflective clothing in your car in case of a breakdown.

The speed limit is 50kph (31mph) in built-up areas, 90kph (56mph) outside built-up areas, and 130kph (74mph) on motorways, except where otherwise stated.

Getting Around By Road

There are no toll roads in Luxembourg.

Road Classification

Motorways are designated as A1, 2, 3 etc. Trunk roads are designated as N1, 2, etc. Regional roads as CR1, 2, etc.

Road Quality

As in the rest of Western Europe, there is an excellent network of roads and motorways in Luxembourg.

Side Of Road

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Taxi

Taxis are metered, but expensive. There is a minimum charge and a 10% surcharge is applied from 2200-0600. There is also an extra 25% surcharge all day on Sundays. Taxis are plentiful in Luxembourg City (rarer elsewhere) but cannot be hailed in the street. A 10% tip is usual.

Urban Travel

Luxembourg City has municipal bus services, for which you can buy single-journey flat-fare tickets or all-day tickets. The former 'short-duration' ticket is valid for two hours from purchase on the whole of Luxembourg's public transport network, and also allows transits between city and country buses and trains. Ten-journey tickets are also available, but you must buy these advance. A comprehensive network of public buses connects most towns and villages. Tickets are also valid on domestic trains.

Getting Around By Water

The only commercially navigable waterway in Luxembourg is the Moselle River. The MS Princesse Marie-Astrid offers daily pleasure cruises from Easter to September, but one-way travel is also permitted. See www.marie-astrid.lu for fares and timetables.

Travel Advice

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Get travel advice updates

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Follow and contact FCDO: 

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This information is for people travelling on a full 'British citizen' passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government's understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel. 

The authorities in Luxembourg set and enforce entry rules. If you're not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Luxembourg Embassy in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

Luxembourg follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must:

• have a 'date of issue' less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago
• have an 'expiry date' at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.  

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Luxembourg, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel:

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends
• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
• for short-term studies or training

The requirements for working in Luxembourg are different.

If you're travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.

If you're a visitor, border guards will look at your entry and exit stamps to check you have not overstayed the 90-day visa-free limit for the Schengen area. 

If your passport is missing a stamp, show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area (for example, boarding passes or tickets) and ask the border guards to add the date and location in your passport. 

At Luxembourg border control, you may also need to: 

• show proof of your accommodation, for example, a hotel booking confirmation or proof of address for a second home
• show proof of your travel insurance
• show a return or onward ticket
• prove that you have enough money for your stay – the amount varies depending on your accommodation

Staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period

To stay longer, you must meet the Luxembourg government's entry requirements. Check which type of visa or permit you need with the Luxembourg Embassy in the UK.

If you're in Luxembourg with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

Read about passport stamping if you live in Luxembourg.

Border controls at Germany's land borders  

There are temporary border controls in place to travel into Germany. Check the entry requirements for Germany.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro's Luxembourg guide. 

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Luxembourg (in French). You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food into Luxembourg

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons.  

Taking money into or out of Luxembourg

Before you travel, declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more, even if you are just travelling through (transiting) Luxembourg. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.      

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Luxembourg

Terrorist attacks in Luxembourg cannot be ruled out.

Crime

Violent crime is not common in Luxembourg cities. However, violent robberies have happened.

Report any thefts in person to the nearest police station within 24 hours and get a police report crime number for insurance purposes.  

Protecting your belongings

Pickpockets operate on buses and in train stations, particularly in the main train station, Gare de Luxembourg. Hotel lobbies in the Findel area are reported to be hotspots for thefts and pickpocketing. To reduce your risk:

• do not keep your passport, credit cards and other valuables in the same place
• keep your belongings close to you in restaurants and bars
• avoid being distracted around tourist attractions and ATMs

Scams

Scammers can target foreign visitors and residents. Be cautious and make sure you have all the information you need before you provide any personal or bank details.

Laws and cultural differences

Alcohol laws

The minimum legal drinking age is 16. Being drunk and disorderly in public is a criminal offence that can result in arrest for a night and a heavy fine.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Luxembourg, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC's Luxembourg guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.

The Luxembourg authorities strictly enforce road traffic laws. You can get a fine for minor violations.

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Luxembourg for one year. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well. The minimum age for driving a car is 18.

Within one year of taking up residence in Luxembourg, you must convert your UK licence into a Luxembourg licence. See guidance on driving if you live in Luxembourg.

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP.   

You must carry these documents in the vehicle or face a fine:

• driving licence
• vehicle registration document
• car insurance certificate
• road tax
• MOT certificate

Carry your passport because it's easy to cross into neighbouring countries without realising it.

Drink-driving is a serious offence in Luxembourg. The blood alcohol limit for experienced drivers is 0.05% (in England it's 0.08%). If you've had your licence less than 2 years, the limit is 0.02%. You could get a fine and possible imprisonment if you're caught over the limit.        

Winter tyres

Your vehicle must have regulation winter tyres if you drive in winter conditions such as black ice, packed snow, slush, ice sheets or frost. You must add winter tyres or all-weather tyres marked with 'M.S.', 'M+S', 'M&S' or the alpine symbol on all wheels of the vehicle.

All drivers must follow these regulations, regardless of their vehicle's country of registration. You will get a fine if you do not have the correct tyres.

For more information, see Luxembourg winter tyre regulations.

Taxis

It is safer to use official taxis at clearly marked taxi stands. Official taxis display a price list. Check the rate per kilometre before you get into a taxi – some may charge highly inflated prices. Drivers are allowed to charge extra in the evenings and on Sunday.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 112 and ask for an ambulance.

If you ask for a SAMU ('Service d'Aide Medicale Urgente'), a doctor will come with an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you're referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:  

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Luxembourg
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you'll face in Luxembourg.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Luxembourg

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Luxembourg where some staff will speak English.

Health insurance cards  

To get medically necessary state healthcare in Luxembourg, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).   

The NHS's getting healthcare abroad webpage has details about:  

• how to apply for a GHIC
• how to get temporary cover if you lose your card or it does not arrive in time
• who qualifies for a new EHIC instead of a GHIC
• what treatment counts as medically necessary

A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:  

• changes to travel and accommodation bookings
• additional standard costs for treatment
• medical repatriation to the UK
• treatment that is ruled non-urgent
• private healthcare
• private clinics

There is also guidance on healthcare if you're living in Luxembourg.  

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Luxembourg

Ambulance: 112

Fire: 112

Police: 113

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Luxembourg
• dealing with a death in Luxembourg
• being arrested in Luxembourg
• getting help if you're a victim of crime
• what to do if you're in hospital
• if you're affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Help abroad

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.

Help in the UK

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

Follow and contact FCDO: 

• travel advice on X
• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Luxembourg on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Vaccinations

Title	Special Precautions
Yellow Fever	No
Typhoid	No
Tetanus	Yes
Rabies	No
Malaria	No
Hepatitis A	No
Diphtheria	No

Overview:

Travel insurance is advised for all visitors. In some medical cases, if you are European, you might be able to receive free treatment if you can show proof of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) obtained in your country of origin.

The overall standards of healthcare in Luxembourg are excellent. Hospitals and surgeries are well equipped and staff are proficient. In pharmacies, over-the-counter advice is given and standard medicines are sold.

Food Drink:

Tap water is safe to drink everywhere in Luxembourg. Most Luxembourgers drink bottled mineral water, but this is a taste preference, and not based on any perceived medical risk. Food served in restaurants is generally prepared to exacting hygiene standards and poses no specific risks. As anywhere, travellers’ diarrhoea can strike those without strong constitutions, but this can be caused by a change of water supply and is not necessarily a sign of infection. As with anywhere, shellfish can be a problem, so exercise reasonable caution, although incidences of infection are rare and isolated.

Other Risks:

There is a slight risk of Lime Disease (carried by deer ticks) in rural areas, but cases are exceedingly rare and normal precautions (wearing long trousers when walking through thickly forested areas) are sufficient. Avoid drinking water directly from streams. Insect bites, particularly from horseflies, can also be a factor in rural areas, but these are more of a nuisance than a serious issue, resulting in swelling and itching rather than major health problem. Consider carrying some form of anti-histamine cream as relief if you are planning on doing any hiking.

Currency Information:

Euro (€) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. In practice, higher domination notes (above €100) are rarely seen in circulation; 1 and 2 cent coins are regarded as a nuisance and rarely used.

Credit Cards:

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa and other major credit cards are all widely accepted. Many retailers require a minimum (eg €10-25) before accepting credit/debit cards. If paying with a credit card you will need to know your 4- or 6-digit PIN code in order to authorise payments.

ATMs:

ATMs are very common, and located in all but the smallest villages. Most are linked up to all international networks (CIRRUS etc) and will accept most international cards.

Travellers Cheques:

Travellers’ cheques are becoming less widely accepted than they once were. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Euros. Using cash obtained from an ATM with a credit/bank card can work out as a cheaper alternative.

Banking Hours:

Generally Mon-Fri 0900-1630, with some opening on Saturday. Hours vary from one bank to the next.

Currency Restrictions:

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency if arriving from or travelling to another EU country. If you travelling to or arriving from a country outside the EU, amounts greater than €10,000 - including banker’s drafts and cheques of any kind - must be declared.

Currency Exchange:

Foreign currencies, traveller's cheques and cheques can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change, the airport and some major hotels (generally at a less advantageous rate). Check commission charges carefully before deciding where to change money, as these can vary greatly from one outlet to the next.

Currencies

Code	Symbol
EUR	€

Exchange Rates

0.71

1.00

1.19

0.96

Language

Lëtzeburgesch, a German-Moselle-Frankish dialect, became the third officially recognised national language in 1984, joining French and German. Native-born Luxembourgers are trilingual. French and German are generally used for administrative and commercial purposes, and in the media, but many nationals will use Lëtzeburgesch at home and when socialising with one another. Reflecting the international make up of Luxembourg City and the fact that many residents are not native-born, French is the most common lingua franca in the capital. Many Luxembourgers also speak excellent English, especially in areas frequented by tourists.

Overview:

Public holidays are listed here.

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List Of Public Holidays

Title	Start Date	To Be Confirmed
New Year's Day	2024-01-01 00:00:00	0
Easter Monday	2024-04-01 00:00:00	0
Labour Day	2024-05-01 00:00:00	0
Ascension Day	2024-05-09 00:00:00	0
Whit Monday	2024-05-20 00:00:00	0
National Day	2024-06-23 00:00:00	0
Assumption	2024-08-15 00:00:00	0
Luxembourg City Kermesse	2024-09-02 00:00:00	0
All Saint's Day	2024-11-01 00:00:00	0
Christmas Day	2024-12-25 00:00:00	0
St Stephen's Day	2024-12-26 00:00:00	0

Note:

Holidays falling on Sunday may be deferred to the following Monday, for a maximum of two holidays.

Overview:

Luxembourg is within the European Union. If you are travelling from outside of the EU, you are entitled to buy fragrance, skincare, cosmetics, Champagne, wine, selected spirits, fashion accessories, gifts and souvenirs - all at tax-free equivalent prices.

If you are over 17 years old, you are free to buy and take goods with you when travelling between EU countries, provided that you have paid tax on these goods and they are for your own use (not for sale). However, if you bring in more than the following, customs officials are likely to question you:

Luxembourg's duty-free allowance for travellers from EU countries:

Goods obtained duty and tax paid in the EU are unlimited, as long as they are for your own use. However, if you bring in more than the following, customs officials are more likely to ask the reason for holding the goods:

• 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1kg of tobacco.
• 90L of still wine (60L of sparkling).
• 110L of beer.
• 10L of alcoholic beverages stronger than 22% or 20L of fortified or sparkling wine or other liqueurs up to 22%.

Beware that each EU country has different rules for travellers under 17 years old. Please check before you travel.

Luxembourg's duty-free allowance for travellers from non-EU countries:

If you are arriving from a non-EU country, the following goods may be imported into Luxembourg by travellers with a minimum age of 17 years without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos (max. 3 grams each) or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. You may combine any of these tobacco products provided you do not exceed the total limit.
• 4L of wine and 16L of beer and 1L of spirits over 22% volume or 2L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volumeor a proportional mix of these products provided the limit is not exceeded.
• Other goods up to the value of €430 for air and sea travellers and €300 for other travellers.

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Banned Imports:

You can't import living animals or products of wild flora and fauna which originate from outside the EEA or Switzerland. International restrictions on narcotics, counterfeit or pirated goods, child pornography, cultural artefacts, firearms, eggs, and endangered species apply. The import of medication is limited to personal use only.

You also cannot bring meat, fish or dairy products from outside the EU to Luxembourg.

There is a ban on the import of the following goods from the Russian Federation into the EU: diamonds, gold, jewelry, cigarettes, cosmetics, seafood (e.g. caviar), spirits (e.g. vodka), shoes, clothing and smartwatches.

Telephone:

Public telephone boxes are becoming fewer in number as the growth in mobile phone use reduces the need for them. Using one requires either a phone card (available from newsagents and post offices) or a credit card. Coin-operated phones have been phased out.

Mobile Telephone:

Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is excellent.

Internet:

There are few internet cafes in Luxembourg, but most hotels offer Wi-Fi services either free or for a small fee. The internet terminals in Luxembourg City’s municipal library (off Place d’Armes) are free to use. Many cafés are also free Wi-Fi hotspots. Hot City (www.hotcity.lu/www_laptop_en) is a pay-to-use wireless network accessible throughout Luxembourg City.

Post

Post to other European destinations takes two to four days; to the USA allow for three to seven working days.

Post Office Hours:

Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1330-1700. Smaller offices may open for only a few hours.

Media:

Luxembourg has a long tradition of operating radio and TV services for pan-European audiences, including those in France, Germany and the UK thanks to the Luxembourg-based media group RTL. Today, RTL's television and radio stations (RTL Tele Letzebuerg and RTL Radio Letzebuerg) remain key players in media markets across Europe. The country is also home to Europe's largest satellite operator, Societé Européenne des Satellites (SES), which operates the Astra satellite fleet. Nordliicht TV broadcasts in northern Luxembourg. Other radio networks include Den Neien Radio, a commercial network, Radio ARA, which has music and some English-language programmes, EldoRadio which broadcasts pop music and Honnert,7 (100.7), a public, cultural station.

There are several daily newspapers including the Luxemburger Wort and Tageblatt. The website of the former (www.wort.lu) has an English-language version 352 (www.352luxmag.lu) is a regular publication in English, but it no longer printed in paper format. Instead, magazines can be downloaded via the website.

Freedom of speech is guaranteed by the constitution.

Thermal health treatments

Pamper yourself with thermal health treatments, and enjoy the sports and leisure facilities in the spa town of Mondorf-les-Bains.

Schengen

Visit the small village of Schengen, where the Moselle marks the meeting of three countries (Luxembourg, France and Germany), which has become internationally known after the 'Schengen Agreement' was signed here in 1995.

Breweries

Visit breweries and sample more of the region's alcoholic produce in the towns of Bascharage and Wiltz, or arrange an overnight stay in the Béierhaascht brewery hotel, also in Bascharage.

Wine-tasting tour

Indulge yourself in a wine-tasting tour in the southeast. The River Moselle flows through Luxembourg's main wine-producing region (referred to as 'the Moselle' or d'Musel), and a number of the larger wineries offer tours of their cellars (caves), usually for a small fee, with tasting included. Smaller wineries welcome visitors, but require advance appointments for practical purposes. Boat-cruises on the river are also available (www.visitmoselle.lu).

Luxembourg City old town

Discover the delightful old centre of the capital, Luxembourg City. See the grand squares and winding, cobblestone streets. Visit the underground tunnels, known as casemates, and hop on the special open-air tourist train through the Pétrusse Valley. See the changing of the guard at the Palais Grand Ducal, the Grand Duke's official residence, which can also be toured in July and August. Other attractions in the city include the Place Guillaume II (also called Knuedler), its twice-weekly market (Wednesday and Saturday); and the 17th-century Notre Dame Cathedral.

Galleries and museums

Get cultural in the capital's numerous galleries and museums. Highlights include the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of History and Art and the Museum of the City of Luxembourg.

Plateau du Kirchberg

Head for the modern district on the Plateau du Kirchberg (reached via the Pont Grand Duchesse Charlotte - the capital's most impressive bridge); it's home to a thriving international finance centre, many European institutions and Luxembourg's biggest cinema complex and shopping mall.

Echternach

Further east, in the town of Echternach, see a colourful religious dancing procession, which takes place annually on Whit Tuesday, attracting pilgrims from the world over. The town's seventh century Benedictine Abbey (now housing a museum) and St Willibrord's Basilica are well worth visiting, as is the distinctive 15th-century town hall.

Vianden

In Vianden, be impressed by a magnificent castle, built between the 11th and 14th centuries and restored in the 20th century. The castle overlooks the town from a rocky perch. For a bird's-eye view, ride the chairlift to the viewing platform on the hillside, 450m (1,476ft) above both castle and town. Another equally impressive castle can be visited at Bourscheid, around 10km (7 miles) from Vianden.

Clervaux

In the medieval market town of Clervaux, visit the 12th-century castle - now home to government offices, the tourist office, a small war museum on the 1944-1945 Ardennes offensive (the famous 'Battle of the Bulge'), and a renowned collection of documentary art photography, the Family of Man, by Edward Steichen (note: the latter is closed until 2013 for essential renovation work).

Luxembourg City

Wine and dine al fresco in Luxembourg City's charming main square, the Place d'Armes. The area known as the Grund, near the River Alzette, also has many lively cafes and restaurants; it can be reached via a lift down through the ancient rock.

Müllerthal

Tramp around the Müllerthal region (www.mullerthal.lu/en), Luxembourg's 'Little Switzerland'. Dense forests, crystal-clear brooks and spectacular rock formations combine to make this one of the country's most popular areas for walking and hiking. The main resorts are Berdorf, Beaufort and Larochette. The latter two both have medieval castles.

Ardennes

Explore the scenic beauty and quiet of the Ardennes region, referred to locally as Eisléck. The area consists of forested plateaux, wooded hills and lush valleys. Head for the small town of Esch-sur-Sûre, a well-known resort surrounded by the River Sûre (Sauer).

Rock climbing

Harness up and go rock climbing; there are some good ascents and facilities available near Berdorf in the Müllerthal region.

Upper Sûre National Park

Splash out on some water sports: located within the Upper Sûre National Park (an area of outstanding beauty) is the country's drinking water reservoir, where a barrage dam (the Staudamm) has created a beautiful lake.

Overview

Special purchases include beautiful porcelain and crystal. Villeroy & Boch's porcelain factory in Luxembourg City closed in 2010 as manufacturing moved to Asia, but the site is still open as an outlet store for ‘seconds’ and end of line items. There is also a regular Villeroy & Boch store in the city centre. Another regional speciality is earthenware pottery from Nospelt, where in August there is a fortnight-long exhibition of local work. The most popular items produced in Nospelt potteries – especially among younger children – are the warbling péckvillchen: glazed and hand-painted terracotta bird-shaped whistles. They are also sold at the Emaischen pottery market, held on Easter Monday in Luxembourg City.

For upmarket fashion goods and accessories, Grand Rue in central Luxembourg City has a number of internationally renowned designer label stores. The largest shopping mall in the city is the Auchan Mall on Plateau du Kirchberg, with more than 60 shops selling the full range of goods. Belval Plaza in Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg’s second-largest city, is another very large shopping mall.

For advice on where to find what in the capital, Luxembourg City has a dedicated shopping information office, Cityshopping Info Point (www.cityshopping.lu), located just off the central Place d’Armes, open Tue-Sat 1000-1800. Cityshopping also produces a free booklet containing a directory of shops in the city. It is available from the information office or can be downloaded from the website.

Opening Hours

Mon 1200-1800, Tues-Sat 0800-1800 (hours vary from shop to shop). Some shops in Luxembourg City and in the larger malls open longer hours. Those in smaller towns and villages may close for an hour or two at lunchtimes.

Overview

Traditional Luxembourg cooking combines vast portion sizes that reflect German heartiness and large appetites, with flair and flamboyance that show more Franco-Belgian finesse. The preparation of local freshwater fish, trout, pike  and crayfish  is almost universally excellent, as are the pastries and cakes. Delicious desserts are prepared with local liqueurs, and a dash of quetsch, mirabelle or kirsch is added to babas or fruit cups.

Most aspects of restaurants and bars are similar to the rest of northern Europe. Despite their geographical proximity to the German Mosel region, Luxembourg's white Moselle wines most closely resemble those of the French Alsace region. Like the Alsace they usually feature single grape varieties, including Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer. The quality is often excellent and is gaining an increasing international reputation. The white sparkling wines, mostly classified as crémants, are also of a very high standard, and frequently enjoyed as a pre-dinner aperitif. The red wines, mainly Pinot Noir, are a rarer find, but increasing in quality each year.

Many small wineries that lack their own bottling facilities sell their produce via a large-scale cooperative, Domaines de Vinsmoselle, and this is the most commonly seen label in the country. Beer is another speciality and a traditional industry, but brewing traditions are not as great as in neighbouring Germany and Belgium.

Regional Specialities

Tipping

Bills generally include service, but a rounded up tip is often given.

Drinking Age

17.

Hotels

There is a large range of hotels in Luxembourg. Most of the larger international chain hotels are located in and around Luxembourg City, where most of the business guests tend to accumulate. Elsewhere the bulk of hotels are smaller and more country-style hotels, some of which have been run by the same families for several generations. They can be more personal and friendly and less formal than the chains, but the quality of facilities can also vary dramatically. Some are little more than large bed and breakfasts; others have fitness rooms, swimming pools and top-class restaurants.

Almost all hotel rooms have private bathrooms; not all establishments have air conditioning. For most independently run hotels, breakfast is included in the room price. In the larger chain hotels, which are primarily aimed at a business clientele, breakfast often costs extra.

Grading: There is the Hotelstars Union grading system from 1 to 5 stars. 

Camping Caravaning

There are over 100 campsites throughout the country, mostly located in the northern Ardennes region of the country, which is very popular with tourists from neighbouring countries. According to government regulations, campsites are ranged in three different categories and the tariff in each camp is always shown at the entrance. Most offer a good range of facilities including shops with supplies and electrical hook-ups for caravans and mobile homes. Several large sites even have swimming pools and tennis courts for the use of guests. The National Tourist Office (www.ont.lu) publishes a free, comprehensive brochure listing all relevant information concerning campsites, including fees and facilities.

Other

History

Luxembourg owes its continued existence to a mixture of good fortune and good diplomacy, which have prevented it from being permanently absorbed into the territories of its larger neighbours despite the small nation's strategic location at the heart of Europe.

By the time that Luxembourg's independence was finally confirmed in 1867, the Grand Duchy was left with such a tiny territory that its people had to look across its borders for economic survival. Still, Luxembourg has historically experienced commercial prosperity and the country has a cosmopolitan attitude, exemplified not only by the fact that the country has the highest percentage of foreigners of any EU country, but also by the trilingual ability of its people.

During World War 2 Luxembourg sent a small group of volunteers who took part in the Normandy landings leading to the Duchy's eventual liberation from Nazi occupation in September 1944.

A constitutional monarchy, Luxembourg's head of state is the Grand Duke – currently Henri – and since 2011 a system of absolute primogeniture has been in place permitting legitimate female descendants to be included in the line of succession.

Luxembourg was a founder member of the European Community (having previously formed close economic ties with the Netherlands and Belgium) and was host to the European Parliament until its move to Brussels and Strasbourg. It remains the home of the Secretariat of the European Parliament. Luxembourg is in the mainstream on the current EU issues of monetary union, EU expansion, social policy and immigration and adopted the Euro upon its inception.

Domestic politics are typical of Western European nations, with Christian Democrat and Socialist parties and a centrist Parti Démocratique (PD) represented in the National Assembly. More recently, the Greens and the right-wing Action Committee for Democracy and Pensions Justice (ADR) have also been represented and the current government is a coalition of the Parti Démocratique, the Greens and the Luxembourg Socialist Workers' Party.

Luxembourg enjoys the world's highest GDP per capita and in 2016 its citizens have either visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 172 countries.

Did you know?

• As a result of Grand Duke Henri's refusal to ratify a law to legalise euthanasia in 2008, the constitution was changed so that laws pass into statute without the Grand Duke's assent.

• Prime Minister Xavier Bettel is openly gay, the first Luxembourg Prime Minister to be so.

• Luxembourg won an Oscar in 2014 for the animated short film Mr Hublot.

Religion

Around 87% of the population are Roman Catholic, but there are also significant Protestant, Anglican, Jewish and Muslim minority groups. Religious tolerance is widespread and there are few tensions between the different groups.

Social Conventions

Handshaking is the normal greeting for men and women on a first meeting. Once you are familiar with a person, three kisses on alternate cheeks is the normal greeting between men and women, and between women. The code of practice for visiting someone's home is similar to that of other Western European countries: it is common practice to give a small gift or flowers if you are invited for a meal. Smart-casual or casual dress is widely acceptable, but some dining rooms, clubs and social functions will demand more formal attire.

Smoking is prohibited in most public areas, and since January 2014, the law has changed to explicitly prohibit smoking in cafés, bars and clubs. Some venues will still be able to offer separate smoking rooms. Following the trend across the rest of Western Europe and North America, the habit is also becoming less socially acceptable.

Best Time To Visit:

Warm weather can generally be expected from May to September. Snow is not uncommon during the winter months, especially in the higher Ardennes regions in the northern half of the country, but this is less reliable than it once was, and has led to the virtual eradication of the former (albeit small) cross-country skiing industry.

The north (the Ardennes region) tends to be slightly wetter and slightly colder than the south at all times of year. As has been seen in other regions, weather patterns have become far less predictable in recent years than they used to be, and visitors should be braced for anything whenever they travel.

Restaurants, hotels and most visitor attractions in Luxembourg City remain open all year round, and there is no specific high or low season, although certain peak times such as the National Day in June, Easter and Christmas can become booked out well in advance. Many other parts of the country however experience a very distinct low season in January and February, and tourist grinds to a halt in much of the Ardennes. Many smaller hotels and some restaurants shut completely during the winter months, and establishments that remain open often have limited opening hours.

Autumn can be a good time to visit the north as the annual turning of the leaves is a wonderful and free natural spectacle, many country hotels have open fires going, and the restaurants offer seasonal menus featuring local game.

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Required Clothing

Waterproofs are advisable at all times of the year. There is no discernible wet or dry season in Luxembourg, and it is best to come prepared for all eventualities.

Dialing Code:

+352

Area(sq km):

2586

Population:

625.978

Population Density(per sq km):

221

Population Year:

2020

EU Member:

Yes

Main emergency number

112