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Travel: Plan a trip to Luxembourg, the lesser-known European destination
Nestled between Belgium, France, and Germany in northwestern Europe, every part of this small country is steeped in history and modernity
- PUBLISHED: Thu 17 Jul 2025, 7:44 PM
- By:
- Sandip Hor
“This is one of Europe’s oldest and most beautiful castles, but sadly not many know about it,” a local told me when I visited the Vianden Castle in Luxembourg.
I couldn’t agree more.
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From my multiple travels to various parts of Europe, I have come across many castles, which were built during the medieval era as feudal residences, but I found this one to be exceptional because of its architecture, picturesque setting and excellent state of preservation.
Its Europe’s first stone-built royal edifice that was constructed in the 11th century on the foundations of an ancient Roman chateau. Unfortunately, not many in the usual tourism circuit know about this mainly because Luxembourg is one of Europe’s lesser-known countries.
“But Luxembourg is a gem of a destination, historically significant, architecturally inviting and naturally pleasant”, said Anita, a friend of mine who lives in Belgium. Her inspiring comments motivated me to add Luxembourg to my recent European travel plan and my on-site discoveries confirmed her assessment.
Nestled between Belgium, France, and Germany in northwestern Europe, every part of this small country is steeped in history. It began journey as a county within the Holy Roman Empire, later evolving into the County of Luxembourg in the 11th century, and eventually becoming a duchy and a principality. The territory has been governed by various European dynasties, including the Habsburgs, Bourbons, Burgundians, and the Prussians until it achieved independence in 1867. The rich tapestry of their legacies makes Luxembourg a paradise for enthusiasts of history and culture.
Fast forward several centuries, Luxembourg now exists as the world’s only Grand Duchy, where history coexists with modernity. Post World War II, it has achieved notable milestones, including being a founding member of the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, hosting the signing of the groundbreaking Schengen Agreements that facilitate visa-free travel among EU nations for eligible travellers, and winning the Eurovision song contest twice. Currently, it is recognised as the wealthiest country globally, thanks to its thriving steel manufacturing and banking sectors, and it is the only nation in the world that provides free public transportation to both residents and visitors.
Luxembourg City is the nation’s capital as well as of the EU and the entry point for travellers arriving by air, though rail and road connections are available from surrounding countries to reach the capital conveniently.
The contemporary city is established upon the remnants of a robust rocky fortress, constructed a thousand years ago on a promontory that commands a view of a landscape adorned with lush green valleys, rivers, streams, and charming bridges.
In its prime, when Luxembourg’s strategic position made it a target for various kingdoms, the extensive fortifications offered such an impenetrable defense that it was dubbed the ‘Gibraltar of the North’.
During the period of independence, as Luxembourg embraced neutrality, the grand fortifications were dismantled, leaving only a few walls to link visitors like me to the historical narrative of the land.
History became my companion as I ventured into the UNESCO World Heritage designated Old Town, located at the confluence of the Alzette and Pétrusse rivers, and based around two squares – Place Guillaume II, dominated by the equestrian statue of Duke William II from the 19th century, who established the nation’s first parliamentary constitution, and Place d’Armes, often referred to as the ‘City’s Living Room.’ Both areas are filled with numerous historical buildings and monuments, the most notable being the Grand Ducal Palace, the official residence of the royal family, the Hotel de Ville or City Hall, and the Notre-Dame de Luxembourg Cathedral.
Luxembourg City is constructed on two levels, and the finest view of the lower town can be enjoyed from the Corniche, a picturesque promenade described by Luxembourg writer Batty Weber as the ‘Most beautiful balcony of Europe.’ This pedestrian walkway, which hugs the edge of a cliff, meanders along the remnants of the 17th-century city ramparts and provides breathtaking views of the fortification leftovers, bridges, and viaducts that connect the older part of the city to the newer areas and the enchanting suburb of Grund.
In stark contrast to the medieval layout of the city, visitors are greeted by an ultramodern urban landscape at the Kirchberg Plateau, where wide boulevards , modern buildings and trendy cafes and restaurants replace the cobblestone streets, the Gothic and Renaissance-style architecture and wayside taverns. This district was developed to serve as the hub of the EU, and many of the buildings there accommodate key EU institutions, such as the European Court of Justice and the European Investment Bank. While exploring this area, I noticed individuals from various nations, their presence contributing to Luxembourg’s status as a leading multicultural destination. An Indian gentleman at a café informed me that residents from 160 different nationalities live in Luxembourg for EU and other related employment.
There is an abundance of sights and activities beyond the city limits, most of which can be experienced as day trips from the capital. We participated in a tour named ‘Nature and Castles,’ which took us to the renowned Müllerthal Region, celebrated for its breathtaking mountainous landscapes and waterfalls, as well as Echternach, the nation’s oldest commune, the 11th century Beaufort Castle and the small, picturesque village of Vianden where the key attraction is the hill top castle.
During my time in Vianden, I discovered that it was a favoured destination for the French author Victor Hugo. He visited this location a few times between 1862 and 1871. While residing there, he remarked, “Nestled in a breathtaking landscape, Vianden will eventually attract tourists from all over Europe, drawn both by its ominous yet splendid ruins and its joyful and friendly inhabitants.”
He was indeed correct, as Vianden has become one of the primary tourist attractions in the Grand Duchy.