Let me take you to one of the smallest countries in Europe! Luxembourg – also known as the Gibraltar of the North, is famous for the Most Beautiful Balcony in Europe (Chemin de la Corniche).
Okay so Luxembourg is a hilly country bordered by France, Germany and Belgium. I truly feel it is the green heart of Europe. Extremely famous for the raw natural beauty, picturesque rocky gorges and dense forests. By the way did you know – the City of Luxembourg with its old quarters and fortifications is a UNESCO World Heritage since 1994?
Pre-Travel Anxiety
I still recall, a night before traveling to Luxembourg I had butterflies in my stomach! Planned the itinerary, did my homework and packed all the essentials in my daypack. The next day early morning I started from Heidelberg for this super exciting trip to Luxembourg. You know the best part about European countries is that you can literally have breakfast in one country and lunch in another.
Talking about the journey – Reaching Luxembourg was not as easy as Berlin or Munich was for me (naturally since we are talking about the cross-border travel). I had to change two trains and a bus! Yes there is no direct train from Heidelberg to Luxembourg. So I had connecting trains from Heidelberg to Mannheim and from Mannheim to Saarbrücken. From Saarbrücken, I traveled by bus to Luxembourg city.
How I missed my Train to Saarbrücken?
Well I started early morning (before sunrise) and my place was about 15 mins walk from the Heidelberg Hauptbahnhof (main railway station), took a train and reached Mannheim station at around 6:30 am. Now I had approx half an hour in my hands for the next connecting train. I took my coffee and a croissant (anyone who has been to Europe must have had tried the crispy and yummy croissant) and I was right at the platform 15 mins before, waiting for the train to Saarbrücken but to my surprise, it never came, so I checked in the enquiry counter and got the update that this train has already left from another platform, there was an announcement too but in German!
And I felt like God I wish I knew the language. Anyway, instantly they gave me a new ticket at no extra cost and I had a smooth journey thereafter. It was a beautiful train ride with snow-covered countryside views. Also, I got a cozy bus from Saarbrücken which took around 2 hours to reach this fairyland nation Luxembourg.
Things to know before Travel
Visa Information
Luxembourg is part of the Schengen area of European countries. Therefore, you may or may not require a Schengen visa depending upon your nationality to enter the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg. Click here for complete Visa information
Currency
Euro (€) is the official currency here just like the neighbouring schengen countries. You might already be knowing that Luxembourg is among the most expensive countries in the world. Even Budget hotels can cost you over €100/night and you won’t get much change from €20 after a modest dinner and a drink.
How to Reach
Luxembourg International Airport (LUX) is around 6km away from the city centre, easily accessible at as lowest as €2 single ride or €4 for a day pass valid on almost all modes of transportation. While you can get the ticket from the multilingual automated machine at the bus stop, it can also be bought directly from the bus driver.
Get Around
Day passes are quite common here, which can be used in all public transports. It costs 4.00€ per person and you can buy it from any one of these –
- Bus driver
- ticket vending machines
- operators’ ticket office
- mTicket app
Note : Bus number 29 and 16 are the frequent buses for local places in the city.
Best Time to Visit
January and February are usually very cold and temperatures can fall to as low as -15°C whereas summers can be little hot in Luxembourg, with temperatures in July and August reaching around 30+°C.
Spring and fall are the best seasons to explore Luxembourg. The months of May to September witness the peak of tourists.
Language
Surprisingly, the natives speak diverse languages such as French, German, Luxembourgish, Portuguese, Italian, and English. But having said that, you can pretty much communicate with any Luxembourger in English.
Fun Things to do in Luxembourg
Visit Chemin de la Corniche
Chemin de la Corniche is also known as the the most beautiful balcony of Europe, I was so amazed to see the fairytale panoramic view of the historical architectures of Luxembourg.
And like they say “The Best Things in Life are Free” so is this one, there is no entry cost! This gorgeous observation deck is around 10 minutes walk from the Luxembourg city tourist information center. Although it was a sunny day, it felt so chilling at -4 degrees Celsius. Oh and I must tell you, walking through the magnificent path to reach this spot was truly a liberating experience.
Stroll Around Three Towers
One of the best things about Luxembourg city is that you can explore the charming landmarks on foot. Either you can join a group of walking tours or can very much be on your own and stroll around. The three towers spot is not very far from Chemin de la Corniche. While I was clicking pictures here, met some sightseers from Amsterdam and we instantly connected and shared our experiences. Ah it was so much fun exploring sites with random strangers.
Explore Churches and Cathedrals
Apart from the lush green forests, astonishing architectures and medieval castles dating back hundreds of years, this beautiful country is particularly famous for the religiously ancient Churches and Cathedrals.
Notre-Dame Cathedral, Trinity Church, St Peter and Paul Church, Quirinus Chapel, St Jean du Grund, Saint Michael’s Church, Paroisse du Sacré-Coeur are some of the noteworthy churches you should definitely visit.
A Walk to Remember at Iconic Bridges
Luxembourg Bridges are famous all over the world for their architectural charms and historic significance . While exploring Chemin I came across this beautiful bridge which is just 15 mins walk from the city center. However I wasn’t sure if I was roaming around the famous Adolphe Bridge.
Here is the list of the best bridges in Luxembourg (pedestrian walkway available), If you have time, do visit and share your experience with me
- Pont Adolphe
- Viaduc (Passerelle)
- Stierchen Bridge.
- Alte Sauerbrucke. Echternach
- Pont Grande-Duchesse Charlotte
- Pont du Château
- Pulvermuhl Viaduct
- Viaduc de Pfaffenthal
Visit Monument of Remembrance
The Monument of Remembrance, also known as Gëlle Fra, is a war memorial in Luxembourg City. This historic monument is dedicated to the thousands of Luxembourgers who volunteered for service in the armed forces of the Allied Powers during both World Wars and the Korean War.
Gëlle Fra can be seen from a distance, however, take the time to read the inscriptions and walk around the whole sculpture to understand the history and its significance. Indeed you can get a magnificent view of the city including the famous Adolphe bridge.
Note: Christmas market offers the best view of Gëlle Fra
Take Photos at Theatre Square Sculptures
The famous theatre square is about 15 mins walk from Luxembourg city square. This is one of the most happening areas in the capital city, you can find lots of cafes and shops here. Theatre square boasts the well-known sculptures of renowned artists.
Hike the Mullerthal Trail
Mullerthal Trail also known as Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland is one of the most popular and conquered hiking regions in east Luxembourg. The exquisite landscape is surrounded by sandstone rock formations, crisscrossed by the rivers, rugged terrain and thick forests.
It’s so interesting to know that the trail stretches for 112 km having 3 big loops (Route 1,2 and 3) and 4 extra addons. You can check more information here. All the hiking and nature lovers take a note.
Where to Eat?
Eager to try some local cuisines? If you happen to be at Luxembourg don’t miss these popular cafes and restaurants!!
Chocolate House
Located near Grand Ducal Palace, Chocolate House is in the heart of Luxembourg City. you can enjoy the view and try their yummylicious pastries, chocolate bars and cakes, don’t miss Hotchocspoon (available in 20 flavors) their lunch menu includes delicious and filling salads and quiches.
La Durree (Dessert)
This French chain is very close to the Chemin de la Corniche about 10 mins walk. If you are a fan of macarons, this is your best bet.
L’Annexe
Check out this french restaurant in 7 Rue du St Esprit, Luxembourg
L’Annexe is famous for its friendly ambience and serving creative and delicious meals at reasonable prices.
Must Try Luxembourgish Dishes
- Crayfish Dish Kriibsen
- Savory Pie Pâté Gaumais
- Bouneschlupp
- Blood Sausage Träipen
- Prosciutto, Jamon, Jambon Salaisons Fumées
- Freshwater Fish Dish Friture de la Moselle
- Pork Dish Jambon en croute
- Dumplings Kniddelen
- Pork Dish Judd mat gaardebounen
- Game Dish Huesenziwwi
If you follow vegan diet here are some amazing restaurants offering vegetarian and vegan food
- Green fast-food at Beet
- Mesa Verde
- Nirvana Café
- Taj Mahal Luxembourg
- Restaurant Orchidée
- Restaurant Tandoori
- Bay of Bengal
- Restaurant New Delhi
Where to Stay?
There are plenty of hotels in Luxembourg, however the prices are a bit on the higher side (around 10000 INR per night). Alternatively, you can also check out the Airbnb options.
Luxembourg City Hostel
Located in the heart of Luxembourg city, Youth Hostel is one of the finest places to stay and enjoy in Luxembourg. They have opened their services after COVID as of July 2020. This hostel is so spacious, has large rooms, great breakfast buffet and the property is in a fantastic location. The standard price per night is 2200 INR. I think this is probably the most affordable option for backpackers and solo travelers.
Thank you for the great advice! It’s very detailed and helpful. Want to see more of this content!
Hello,
Just an Update : the public transport (Bus, train and tram) are fully free in the whole country!
You can also visite the lake « lac de la haute sûre » the next Time you come
Wow…This article is having so many details from what to see to what to eat, even the price of a bus ticket. It is going to be my go-to reference point if I visit Luxembourg.
Superb… I started imagining myself in Luxembourg and looking from Chemin de la Corniche.
A comprehensive blog, you covered almost everything! The missing train is an interesting story, but no worries quite common in foreign land and you did manage pretty it well…
Speechless…I literally felt like travelling with you gal
Amazing details portrayed wonderfully
Loaded with information which will make first timers trip pretty easy…..loved it..
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! Awesome blog.. this page is an amazing guide with good tips!
I experienced the place through your words, awesome?
Wooow…. Awesome blog and Beautiful pictures.
Great Blog and Pictures DJ !! I missed the three towers spot, hope we get to travel soon again?
Wow !! simply awesome blog, seems you had loads of fun during your solo trip. This is on my bucket list now.
Beautiful Pictures & great storytelling. It’s incredible how you managed traveling in a foreign land without even knowing the language. That’s why we say traveling teaches us a lot, detailed blog, and has lots of information. ~ Andy