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Resembling Europe in miniature, Luxembourg has a wine country, abbey towns, castles, river valleys and a cosmopolitan city, all packed into an area smaller than the U.S. state of Rhode Island. Full of charm and with a multilingual population, Luxembourg offers something for nearly every visitor, no matter where he or she is from.

Despite its romantic castles, scenic countryside and a hip capital city, this tiny country is not as well-known among travelers outside its region as it deserves to be. It's a destination packed not only with historical sites but also a whole menu of outdoor, active pursuits designed to appeal to all sorts of visitors. Travelers to Luxembourg can enjoy hiking or biking tours, the Ardennes, wineries, breweries and castles.

With strict laws regarding bank secrecy, Luxembourg also enjoys popularity as a tax haven and as an important financial services center. Several European Union institutions, including the General Secretariat of the European Parliament and the European Court of Justice, also have their headquarters there.

Geography

History

Luxembourg has been influenced at one time or another by the Spanish, Belgians, French, Germans, Dutch and Austrians. But perhaps the most influential of all were the Romans, who ruled the land for nearly 500 years. They left behind an excellent network of roads and bridges that, in addition to unifying the nation physically, linked the people psychologically.

Luxembourg's location in the heart of Europe made it a desirable territory for the continent's abundance of expansion-minded rulers. So it built itself into one of the most powerful fortresses in the world. Most of the fortifications were dismantled in the mid-1800s, and the fortresses were converted into parks—too soon, as it turned out. Luxembourg was invaded and occupied in both world wars by Germany and sustained terrible damage in World War II's Battle of the Bulge. In the post-war years, Luxembourg integrated itself with its neighbors by joining various European economic, political and military organizations. It was a founding member of the European Economic Community.

Snapshot

Luxembourg's main attractions are castles, hiking and biking tours, wineries and breweries, the Ardennes' lovely scenery, friendly people and Luxembourg City.

The country will appeal to visitors on an extended (or return) European itinerary who are in the neighborhood and want to spend a few days in a beautiful part of Europe. (It also attracts its share of those who simply want to say they've been there.)

Potpourri

Luxembourg has the highest per capita income in Europe—and by some counts, in the world.

Luxembourg's small population is more than 30% foreign.

The world's largest steel company, Arcelor Mittal, is based in Luxembourg.

HRH Grand Duchess Maria Teresa was born in Havana, Cuba.

From the third to the fifth Sunday after Easter, the colorful Octave of Our Lady of Luxembourg is held. Thousands of pilgrims accompany the statue of the Holy Virgin from the main cathedral through flower-strewn streets.

The nation is the birthplace of Robert Schuman, father of the European Economic Community, predecessor of the European Union.

Luxembourgers faced the Nazis boldly—they went on a nationwide general strike rather than give up their young men for the German army. A resistance museum in Esch sur Alzette displays documents (in French and German) and other resistance-related items.

The country has an amazing network of hiking and cycling trails. Ask at nearly any town hall or local tourist office for a copy of the local hiking map.

UNESCO added "The Family of Man" exposition of photographs at Vianden Castle to the Memory of the World Register in 2003. Created in 1955 by Edward J. Steichen (a Luxembourger) for the New York Museum of Modern Art, it is considered the largest photographic undertaking ever attempted. It includes 503 photos taken by 273 professional and amateur photographers from 68 countries

Most older Luxembourgers harbor warm feelings toward U.S. citizens, largely as a result of the major role played by the U.S. forces in liberating the country at the end of World War II. Gen. George S. Patton and 5,000 other U.S. soldiers are buried at the American Military Cemetery in Hamm, on the outskirts of Luxembourg City. A German military cemetery lies nearby.

Most Luxembourgers speak Luxembourgish, French and German—and many also speak English. Listening to and discovering Luxembourg's language can be a rich and interesting experience.

Beautiful Luxembourg, Luxembourg (sometimes known as Luxembourg Ville or Luxembourg City), was founded in AD 963. It is filled with museums, old churches, ruined fortresses and lovely parks. Much of the city is built on top of hills and cliffs overlooking the Alzette and Petrusse rivers and steep ravines.

The best way to see the city is on foot. The tourist office runs guided walks, and it also has self-guided walking-tour maps. Be sure to crisscross the beautiful bridges and stroll the Promenade de la Corniche—you'll see wonderful views of the city.

Luxembourg City was once one of the most fortified cities in Europe—it was called the Gibraltar of the North. A series of tunnels and passageways, called casemates, are just under the Corniche. They were extensive enough to shelter the entire city during times of siege. Many are still open to the public during the main tourist season, and they're fun to explore. The elegant Spanish turrets and the towers of Rham are other examples of the city's former defenses.

We also enjoyed visiting the National Museum, which has displays on minerals, archaeology, painting, natural science, history and industrial art. Modern art can be found at the architect I.M. Pei-designed MUDAM building.

Other points of interest include the 11th-century Abbey of Munster (now a cultural center), the 17th-century Cathedral of Our Lady of Luxembourg and Casino Luxembourg (a forum for contemporary art). An afternoon can be spent looking at the 10th-century St. Michael's Church, the Renaissance-style Grand-Ducal Palace and some of the government's ministries, housed in elegant belle epoque buildings.

The Place d'Armes is the city's main square. It's at the center of a pedestrian area, where you'll find many restaurants and open-air cafes. Gourmet dining is an integral part of life in Luxembourg, which has the most Michelin-star restaurants per capita in the world.

For shopping, visit the Grand Rue, home of big-name designers and jewelry stores. More affordable items and souvenirs can be found in the area around the central train station.

We recommend a two-night visit to Luxembourg City. Day trips can be taken to any point in Luxembourg.