In Love with Luxembourg

Despite the fact that Luxembourg is rarely seen on many “Top Destinations in Europe” lists, I think it is a country well worth visiting. While on my giant European tour by train, I made a stop in Luxembourg’s capital, the city of Luxembourg, to see what others might be missing and if it does deserve a place on the “Best of Europe” lists. And, in fact, it rightfully deserves to my high among the ranks.

I checked into Sofitel Luxembourg Le Grand Ducal, a hotel so incredible that one should visit this tiny city if only just to stay here. Beside the fact that the hotel is chic and modern in every sense of the words, it’s convenient location makes it easily accessible to all that the city has to offer.

I only had a few days to explore the tiny city – and when I say tiny, I mean tiny! The country’s capital only has a population of approximately 100,000 and the entire city has a total are of 51.46 km2 (19.87 sq mi). In other words, it is easily covered on foot within a day. However, those who really want to get to know the city, will have to extend their stays beyond just a few days. There is so much more to explore throughout the country that I know I will have to return.

Unlike in most cities where I carefully plan and plot what I am about to see – mostly in order to not get lost – I did not do this in “little Lux.” So I found myself wandering down the stunning pedestrian Chemin de la Corniche. According to Lonely Planet, it hailed as “Europe’s most beautiful balcony” and I couldn’t agree more!

Be sure to take in the sites of places like the Passerelle, also known as the Old Bridge, which runs across the Pétrusse valley connecting Avenue de la Gare to Boulevard Franklin Delano Roosevelt. At 290 meters long, 45 meters above the valley floor, it was constructed between 1859 and 1861 to carry traffic from the city center to Luxembourg’s new railway station. A train was passing over the bridge just as I captured the photo above. Fun fact: It has 24 arches!

Another notable site is that of the Bock, a natural fortification built intro the rock cliffs above the River Alzette.  Back in 963, Count Siegfried built his Castle of Lucilinburhuc here.  There were a system of underground passages, which are called the Casemates du Bock, where some of the passages run up to 131 feet underground! The casemates were added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1994.

Luxembourg is like the Beverly Hills of Europe with it’s own Rodeo Drive to boot – that is Grand Rue just north of Place D’Armes. Be sure to wander through the streets and peruse the luxury shops. For sunset, be sure to head back to the bar on the top floor of the Sofitel Luxembourg Le Grand Ducal where the views over Luxembourg are incredible. The bar is lively and the floors even change color! I was able to enjoy an apertif while watching the sun sink behind the city of Luxembourg.