With three sites registered as UNESCO World Heritage, a historic yet cosmopolitan capital known for its high quality of life and five regions that couldn’t be anymore different, the Grand Duchy is a destination worth discovering.
Its capital is a lively and bustling city with a lot of great touristic attractions and historic monuments to visit. Its architectural landscape can be explored through the ages, from the historical city to the modern high-tech buildings. What you will experience here is an impressive contrast between history and modern. Dating back to 963, Luxembourg was a mighty fortress, called ’Gibraltar of the North’. Its old fortifications and old quarters belong since 1994 to the UNESCO world heritage sites, and the Casemates, a tunnel of 23 km digged into the rock, part of the defensive system of the fortress, are a must-visit. These are located next to the Palace of the Grand-Ducal family, which can also be visited from mid-July to mid-September.
The city also seduces with countless cultural events and venues. Alongside the building of the Philharmonie with its terrific sound and first class programme hosting for instance concerts by the pianist Lang Lang or the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, is located the Museum of Modern Art, Mudam, designed by the Chinese American star architect I.M Pei, and presenting high-level international contemporary art.
Another cultural highlight can be visited in the Castle of Clervaux in the North, which features an impressive exhibition curated by Edward Steichen in the 1950’, entitled The Family of Man, and acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Showing about 500 works from different photographers, it represents a unique manifesto for peace and humankind, aiming to reconcile people after the horrors of the Second World War.
Luxembourg is also known for being a country of castles. You will be impressed by the country’s historical relics and the plethora of the remains from the medieval era. Around 50 castles, ranging from smaller ones (used as residences) to big ones can be visited, hired for events or are popular for group tours. Several castles are nowadays open for cultural events, concerts or exhibitions. The castle of Vianden (11th – 17th century) is the biggest one in Europe at the western side of the Rhine river and one of the most magnificently restored fortresses of the Grand Duchy. Another one that impresses with its size is the castle of Bourscheid, which dates back to the 11th century. With its 8 towers clearly visible from far afield, the castle is perched 150 meters high above the river Sûre.
Amid plains and woods, Luxembourg’s natural landscapes are enchanting as well as fascinating. In the whole country, lakes and rivers are crisscrossing plains and forests, thus creating unique natural sceneries. Between family tours, hiking or romantic excursions, plenty of natural space is waiting to be discovered the whole year through. The Mullerthal Trail or the Escapardenne for instance are acknowledged hiking tracks belonging to the Leading Quality Trails – Best of Europe.
The Moselle region is famous for its wine culture – and tastings in its numerous cellars. It is also a great area to enjoy outdoor activities such as walking through the vineyards, cycling along the river, relaxing on a boat trip or practicing water activities.
Go to: www.visitluxembourg.com