8 BEST Things to Do in Luxembourg (2026 Guide + Map)

Things to do
Facts & Figures
History
National Food
Transportation

History

Luxembourg History

Luxembourg is one of Europe’s smallest countries, but its history is surprisingly big. It sits between France, Belgium, and Germany, so for many centuries it was a “bridge” between powerful neighbors. This position brought trade and wealth, but it also brought wars and foreign rulers. When you visit today, you can still feel this past in the deep valleys, high walls, and strong defenses of Luxembourg City.

A castle that changed everything (963)

Luxembourg’s story is often connected to the year 963, when Count Siegfried gained a small fort on a rocky place above the Alzette valley. The fort was known as Lucilinburhuc (“little castle”). Because the rock was easy to defend, people built houses nearby, and a town slowly formed. Over time, this town became Luxembourg City. The dramatic landscape—cliffs and river valleys—helped shape the city’s defensive character.

From local rulers to European influence

During the Middle Ages, Luxembourg grew in importance. It became a county and later a duchy. The ruling family, the House of Luxembourg, was well connected in European politics. At times, members of this family reached very high positions in Europe, which was unusual for a small territory. Even if Luxembourg was not always “large,” its rulers could still influence big decisions through alliances, marriage, and diplomacy.

Fortress Luxembourg: a prize for empires

Luxembourg’s location made it a military hotspot. Many powers wanted control of it, including Burgundian, Spanish, Austrian, French, and Dutch rulers at different times. Luxembourg City became famous as a fortress, with walls, gates, and underground tunnels (casemates). Armies improved these defenses over centuries. This is one reason the old city feels so “layered”: each era added something new, then the next era rebuilt it again.

The 1800s: borders, identity, and neutrality

Modern Luxembourg took shape in the 19th century. After the Napoleonic period, Luxembourg became a Grand Duchy. Not long after, the country’s borders changed, and Luxembourg became smaller when part of the territory went to Belgium. Later in the century, Luxembourg’s neutrality was internationally recognized, and much of the fortress was dismantled. This was a turning point: the city could expand and develop more like a peaceful capital, not only a military base.

World Wars: neutrality tested

Luxembourg tried to stay neutral in both World War I and World War II, but its position again made it vulnerable. In World War I, the country was occupied even though it was not fighting. In World War II, the occupation was harsher and more direct, and many Luxembourgers lived through fear, control, and forced changes to daily life. These years left a deep mark on the country. After 1945, Luxembourg felt that neutrality alone could not guarantee safety in a dangerous Europe.

A modern European heart

After the war, Luxembourg chose security through cooperation. It became a founding member of NATO, joining a group of countries that promised to defend each other. Luxembourg also became deeply involved in European unity and is one of the founding countries of what later became the European Union. Today, Luxembourg City is a key place for European decision-making, with several important EU institutions based there.

Another famous chapter comes from a small town in the southeast called Schengen. Agreements signed there helped create easier travel across many European countries, with fewer border checks. This matches Luxembourg’s modern identity: a small state with a strong international voice, focused on stability, partnership, and open connections.

Luxembourg’s history is not only about battles and borders—it is also about survival, smart diplomacy, and building bridges in Europe.

National Food

Luxembourg National Food

Luxembourg is a small country in Europe, but its food is rich and full of tradition. Luxembourg cuisine is influenced by France, Germany, and Belgium, because these countries are very close. The national food of Luxembourg is not just one dish—there are a few very well-known traditional meals. If you visit Luxembourg, you should try them at least once.

Judd mat Gaardebounen — National Dish

Judd mat Gaardebounen is often called the national dish of Luxembourg. It is a dish with smoked pork neck served with broad beans (also called fava beans). The pork is cooked slowly, so it becomes very soft and full of flavor. It is usually served with potatoes.

This dish is popular in spring and summer when broad beans are fresh. Many local restaurants serve it, and it is also common at family meals.

Bouneschlupp — Green Bean Soup

Bouneschlupp is a traditional Luxembourg soup made with green beans, potatoes, onions, and sometimes bacon or sausage. It is warm, simple, and perfect for colder days. Some people add cream or herbs for extra taste.

This soup shows a typical Luxembourg style: local vegetables, easy cooking, and strong flavor.

Gromperekichelcher — Potato Fritters

Gromperekichelcher are crispy potato pancakes. They are made from grated potatoes mixed with onion, eggs, flour, and spices. Then they are fried until golden and crunchy.

You can often find them at street markets and festivals. People usually eat them with applesauce or just with salt.

Friture de la Moselle — Small Fried Fish

Luxembourg has the Moselle River, and fish from this area is very popular. Friture de la Moselle is a dish with small fish, covered in flour and fried. It is usually served with lemon and fries.

This is a great dish to try if you visit the Moselle region, where many people also enjoy local white wine.

Quetschentaart — Plum Tart

If you want dessert, try Quetschentaart. This is a traditional plum tart that is popular in Luxembourg, especially in late summer and autumn when plums are in season. It has a simple pastry base and baked plums on top, often arranged in a nice pattern. People usually eat it as a sweet snack with coffee, or as dessert after a meal.

CITY

Luxembourg City

Luxembourg City is the capital of Luxembourg and one of Europe’s most rewarding small cities to visit. It’s known for amazing views right in the centre: steep cliffs, deep river valleys, and viewpoints that look over the Old Town and toward modern areas like Kirchberg. The city sits on different levels, so...

0 Show in map

CASTEL

Vianden Castle

Vianden Castle is a large medieval fortress above the town of Vianden in Luxembourg. It stands on a rocky hill over the River Our, which made it ideal for defence, control of the valley, and political prestige. The castle was built mainly between the 11th and 14th centuries, on older foundations that...

0 Show in map

HIKING

Mullerthal Trail

The Mullerthal Trail is the hike that shows you why the Mullerthal Region is called “Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland.” You don’t come here for one big mountain or one famous viewpoint. You come for a whole day of small “wow” moments: mossy rocks that look like a fairytale set, narrow gorges with stone...

0 Show in map

CHURCH

Abbey of Echternach

The Abbey of Echternach is one of the most important heritage sites in Luxembourg, set in Echternach, a small historic town near the German border. This is also the gateway to the Müllerthal Region, known for forest trails, sandstone rocks, and gorge-like paths. Even if you only know Echternach by name, the...

0 Show in map

CASTEL

Bourscheid Castle

Bourscheid Castle (Château de Bourscheid) is one of the best castle visits in Luxembourg if you want big views, real ruins, and a wild valley setting. It sits high above the Sûre River in the Éislek (Luxembourg Ardennes), with towers and thick walls that still feel powerful today. Unlike a fully furnished...

0 Show in map

New Castle of Ansembourg, Vally of Seven Castles, Luxembourg

CASTEL

Valley of the Seven Castles

The Valley of the Seven Castles is one of the easiest half-day trips from Luxembourg City. In the green Eisch Valley (Guttland region), you can follow a short scenic route and see seven castles within a small area. It’s a great plan if you want history, countryside views, and relaxed photo stops—without...

0 Show in map

VILLAGE

Esch-sur-Sûre

Esch-sur-Sûre is a small village in northern Luxembourg, built inside a sharp bend of the Sûre River. When you arrive, you see the water wrapping around the houses, with wooded hills rising on every side. Above the village sits the ruined castle of Esch-sur-Sûre on a rocky ridge. It’s the landmark most...

0 Show in map

MUSEUM

National Museum of Military History (MNHM)

The National Museum of Military History (MNHM) in Diekirch is one of the best places in Luxembourg to understand what the Battle of the Bulge meant on the ground. In the winter of 1944–1945, the Ardennes became a front line, and Luxembourg was caught between large armies. MNHM tells this story in...

0 Show in map

Photo inspiration

Cookie	Duration	Description
viewed_cookie_policy	11 months	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional	11 months	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.