Luxembourg

Luxembourg, a small landlocked country in Western Europe, may be diminutive in size, but it is brimming with charm, history, and scenic beauty. A road trip through Luxembourg offers a chance to explore its lush countryside, medieval castles, quaint villages, and the bustling capital city. Here are some highlights for an unforgettable Luxembourg road trip:

1. Luxembourg City: Starting in the capital, spend a day or two exploring its historic Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Key attractions include the Grand Ducal Palace, the Bock Casemates, and the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Wander through the picturesque Grund neighborhood, and enjoy the views from the Chemin de la Corniche, also known as "Europe's most beautiful balcony."
2. Vianden: Head north to Vianden, a fairytale-like town nestled on the banks of the River Our. The majestic Vianden Castle, perched on a hilltop, is a must-visit. You can also explore the town's charming streets and visit the Victor Hugo House Museum.
3. Echternach: Continue east to Echternach, the oldest town in Luxembourg. The town is known for its medieval walls, the picturesque market square, and the Basilica of St. Willibrord. For nature lovers, the nearby Müllerthal region offers numerous hiking trails through dense forests, rock formations, and peaceful streams.
4. Clervaux: Drive northwest to Clervaux, a picturesque town in the Ardennes region. Visit the Clervaux Castle, which houses the famous "Family of Man" photo exhibition curated by Edward Steichen. The Abbey of St. Maurice and St. Maurus, located on a hill overlooking the town, is another site worth exploring.
5. Esch-sur-Sûre: Further west, visit the small town of Esch-sur-Sûre, situated along the River Sûre. The town is dominated by the ruins of a medieval castle and offers excellent opportunities for hiking, cycling, and kayaking in the surrounding countryside.
6. Remich: Head south to Remich, a lovely town located on the banks of the Moselle River. Known as the "Pearl of the Moselle," Remich is famous for its wine production. Take a leisurely walk along the promenade, visit the local wineries, or embark on a river cruise.
7. Schengen: A short drive from Remich, you'll find Schengen, a small village with a significant European legacy. It was here that the Schengen Agreement, which abolished border controls within participating European countries, was signed in 1985. Visit the European Museum to learn more about the history of the Schengen Area.
8. While Luxembourg may be small, it packs a punch when it comes to the variety of experiences it offers. Its well-maintained road network and short driving distances make it perfect for a memorable road trip.

Top 10 attractions

One day itinerary

If you only have one day to spend in Luxembourg, you can focus on exploring the highlights of Luxembourg City, the capital. Here's a suggested itinerary to help you make the most of your day:

• Morning: Start your day early by visiting the Bock Casemates, a network of underground tunnels and galleries that once served as a fortress. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers panoramic views of the city and the Alzette River below.
• Late Morning: After exploring the Bock Casemates, stroll along the Chemin de la Corniche, known as "Europe's most beautiful balcony," for picturesque views of the city's Old Town and the Grund neighborhood. Don't forget to take some photos!
• Lunch: Head to the Place d'Armes, a lively square lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops. Grab a bite to eat at one of the many eateries offering traditional Luxembourgish cuisine, such as kniddelen (dumplings) or judd mat gaardebounen (smoked pork with broad beans).
• Early Afternoon: Visit the Grand Ducal Palace, the official residence of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg. You can admire the palace's stunning exterior and, during summer months, take a guided tour of the interior (book in advance).
• Mid-Afternoon: Explore the Notre-Dame Cathedral, a beautiful example of Gothic architecture with Renaissance elements. Take some time to appreciate the stained glass windows and the crypt, which houses the remains of several members of the Luxembourg royal family.
• Late Afternoon: Wander through the picturesque streets of the Grund neighborhood, located in the lower part of Luxembourg City. Visit the Neumünster Abbey, a cultural center and a historical site with lovely gardens by the Alzette River.
• Evening: End your day with a delicious meal at one of the city's many restaurants. Luxembourg City boasts a diverse dining scene, so whether you're in the mood for traditional Luxembourgish fare, French cuisine, or international dishes, you'll find something to suit your taste buds.

This one-day itinerary offers a taste of Luxembourg City's history, architecture, and culture. Although there's much more to see and do, it's a great starting point for visitors with limited time in the city.

Three days itinerary

With three days to explore Luxembourg, you can delve deeper into the capital city's attractions and venture out to some of the country's most enchanting towns and sites. Here's a suggested three-day itinerary to help you make the most of your time:

Day 1: Luxembourg City

Follow the one-day itinerary mentioned earlier to cover the highlights of Luxembourg City. This includes visiting the Bock Casemates, Chemin de la Corniche, Place d'Armes, Grand Ducal Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Grund neighborhood with Neumünster Abbey.

Day 2: Vianden and Echternach

1.  Morning: Drive north to Vianden, a picturesque town known for its fairytale-like castle. Spend the morning exploring Vianden Castle, which dates back to the 11th century and offers stunning views of the town and the surrounding countryside.
2. Lunch: Enjoy lunch in Vianden at one of the local restaurants or cafes, where you can try some traditional Luxembourgish dishes.
3. Afternoon: Continue east to Echternach, Luxembourg's oldest town. Visit the Basilica of St. Willibrord, the medieval walls, and the beautiful market square. Alternatively, if you're into hiking and nature, spend the afternoon exploring the nearby Müllerthal region, also known as "Little Switzerland," with its unique rock formations, forests, and waterfalls.
4. Evening: Return to Luxembourg City for dinner and a relaxing evening.

Day 3: Clervaux and Esch-sur-Sûre

1. Morning: Drive northwest to Clervaux, a charming town in the Ardennes region. Visit Clervaux Castle, which houses the famous "Family of Man" photo exhibition curated by Edward Steichen. Don't forget to explore the Abbey of St. Maurice and St. Maurus, offering beautiful views of the town below.
2. Lunch: Grab lunch in Clervaux before heading to your next destination.
3. Afternoon: Drive southwest to Esch-sur-Sûre, a small town known for its medieval castle ruins and stunning countryside. Spend the afternoon exploring the castle ruins, or enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, or kayaking in the surrounding area.
4. Evening: Return to Luxembourg City for a final night of dining and relaxation.

One week itinerary