SMALL & MIGHTY
Luxembourg is one of the smallest countries in Europe (998 sq mi), landlocked by Belgium, Germany, and France. Don’t let its size fool you; its personality is nothing short of prominent and outstanding. The city is quite charming and a beautiful sight to see. The history of the country dates back to the year 963. During the early part of its history, it was part of the Holy Roman Empire. Later it became the first French Republic under the influence of Napoleon. Today, Luxembourg is part of the European Union and recognizes German, French, and Luxembourgish as official languages. Luxembourgish is a Franconian language that most locals speak.
Traveling will enrich the soul in so many ways I cannot even begin to explain. If the opportunity to travel presents itself, take it! (Check out other travel guides here). Put Luxembourg on the list and hike its beautiful landscapes and forests.
WINTER TRAVEL
Cecil and I visited Luxembourg in January, on our first year in Europe. January is cold! Being from Texas, we’ve had to adjust to the weather and therefore make some changes to our wardrobe. Those changes have required parkas, rain gear like boots and coats, gloves and warm scarfs. I use my rain boots here all the time because it often rains (sometimes snows). By regularly I mean like every other day. When we visited Luxembourg, we didn’t realize just how cold it was. The ski jacket I had on barely stopped me from shivering every time the wind blew. We later discovered that a lot of people don’t travel to sightsee in the winter because it’s miserable to walk around in below freezing weather. “Oh, is that why we didn’t see anyone else walking in the streets?” #rookies Ha! Because we took notes during our first year as Europeans, our second year has gone much better. You live, and you learn. We were in Luxembourg for just the day so we explored for as long as we could stand the elements and left.
Since our first visit, we went back in the summer to hike the trails. This time around, our stay was more pleasant. The pups had a blast running in the trails leashless, and the beautiful weather was a huge plus.
We got to see the Palace Granducal on our first visit. There we all are, fluffy with jackets and happy to be out and about, even though I am sure the puppies nearly froze to death.
The city is small and in my opinion walkable. If you have time, I recommend getting a (walking) tour to learn more about the history of this charming city.
WHAT TO SEE:
- Grund: It is a waterway area running through charming buildings, and surrounded by high cliffs, buttresses, parts of old walls and tall trees. Great place to have a drink when the weather is beautiful.
- Notre Dame Cathedral: a unique, local and beautiful church in the center.
- Casemates du Bock: Amazing Ruins of the wall around the city
- Citadelle du St-Esprit: A majestic fortress overlooking the town and offers excellent views of Luxembourg. Recommendation: Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
- Church of Saint John the Baptist: A lovely church close to the historical part of the city, in Grund.
- Statue de la Grande Duchesse Charlotte: Grand Duchess Charlotte (1896-1985), who was very popular with the Luxembourgers, ruled from 1919 to 1964. She represents a prominent personality in Luxembourg history. Located in Clairefontaine Square, which is in the Luxembourg city center, the bronze, 2.5 meters tall statue got officially inaugurated in April 1990. The Parisian sculptor Jean Cardot designed it. The square is close to the Notre-Dame Cathedral, won’t take much time, 5 minutes tops.
- Luxembourg City Hall: Located in Place Guillaume II square. Not a main attraction but worth passing by it.
WHERE TO EAT
- Athena Restaurant Grec: Yummy greek restaurant and excellent service.
- Restaurant New Delhi: Indian food. Local favorite.
- Golden Chopsticks: Sushi. Family owned. Good lunch!
Our hiking trip to Luxembourg deserves a separate post. If you’re planning a trip to Luxembourg I definitely recommend you wait till it’s warmer (unless you want to freeze half to death, lol).
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With love and gratitude,
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