Luxembourg is a small but beautiful country in northwest Europe that is often overlooked by those wishing to visit the continent. The country, with a capital city of the same name, is home to charming historical architecture, lined with rivers and fauna that make for beautiful photos. It being bordered by Germany, France, and Belgium makes Luxembourg the perfect country to stop by or even stay in while exploring Europe.
The best attractions to look for in this beautiful country are the historical sites, as Luxembourg is chock full of them. This makes the country the perfect vacation spot for history buffs and enjoyers of gothic and Renaissance architecture to visit. Many of the historical sites can be appreciated either on your own or as part of an educational tour.
1. The Old Quarter
One of the more famous attractions in Luxembourg City, capital of Luxembourg, the Old Quarter is an official UNESCO World Heritage Sight. This site offers tours but can also be visited in your own time.
The Old Quarter is made up of the ancient fortifications of the old city. Because of the country’s positioning between the borders of several major European cities, Luxembourg’s capital was once considered to be one of the most important fortifications in the area.
The value of this site in history, and its current status as a protected World Heritage Site, prove this is a historical location worth visiting.
2. Palais Grand Ducal
The Palais Grand Ducal, or as it’s known in English, The Grand Ducal Palace, is a beautiful attraction that is the former residence of the Grand Duke. The palace boasts stunning Renaissance architecture and interior design.
This attraction has guided tours to lead you through the many beautifully designed rooms and spaces within the palace. In addition, the site has open hours in which anyone can stop by and take a look at the beautiful stairwells and paintings that decorate the interior.
This palace truly is the perfect attraction for history buffs who want to get a good look at Renaissance architecture and artwork, or even just the average traveler who wants to learn something new or take nice photos.
3. Bourscheid Castle
Luxembourg’s biggest castle is the Bourscheid Castle, a majestic Gothic building that sits atop a mountain and looks over a beautiful view of the foggy valley.
The building is truly for everyone as not only can those with architectural or historical interests admire the building itself, but those who prefer nature can appreciate the mountain views and relaxing environment that the somewhat isolated location and surrounding ecosystem provide.
As if the castle isn’t beautiful enough during the day, at night the walls are lit up, creating a surreal fantastical experience for anyone who’s able to catch a view of it.
4. Place Guillaume II
The town square of Luxembourg City is an open outdoor location perfect for pandemic-safe visiting, that still manages to show off some beautiful architecture. The square is called Place Guillaume II, and is home to some beautiful historical buildings, including the neoclassical town square building built in the early 1800s.
The Place was built following the French Revolution, on the spot that had formerly been a Franciscian Monastery. The location, and the buildings that surround it, are rich with fascinating stories that will interest anyone, especially those who love to learn about history.
5. Clervaux
Clervaux is a charming historical village in Luxembourg home to the historical Benedictine Abbey, as well as the unique Clervaux Castle built in the 12th century that sits atop the hills and overlooks the abbey. In addition, Clervaux also has a Roman church and large monastery perfect for those looking to learn more about the religious history of the country.
Even for those not directly interested in the church or monastery, Clervaux is still a great setting for a visit as its mountainous surroundings and quaint historical buildings make for a lovely view from no matter where you’re standing.
6. Blast Furnace Belval
This historical site is unique from the others on this list in that it is a much more industrial creation than the architectural palaces and communes we've talked about before. Although it may not have the same Gothic charm, this site is still a fascinating place to visit to learn about the history and culture of Luxembourg and Europe in general.
The Blast Furnace is also unique in that the public is allowed to climb it to a certain height. Doing so will present to visitors a wide view of the Belval neighbourhood in which this site resides. This truly is such a unique experience that we encourage everyone to try at least once, especially those interested in industrial history.
7. Larochett
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Larochette is a community rather than one singular building, a quaint little market town filled with historical houses and buildings. This attraction is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for a fun but relaxing evening with friends, as you can wander through the commune to appreciate the architecture and visit the marketplace to purchase food or souvenirs.
Of all the locations on this list, this is the most romantic, as the coziness of the community and cuisine offered in the market is the perfect setting for a date. It is also pandemic-safe, since most of the time in this area will be spent outdoors.
8. Notre Dame Cathedral
Not to be confused with the cathedral of the same name in France, this tower-adorned cathedral is an equally fascinating site with mixed Gothic and Renaissance architecture and an intriguing history.
This cathedral is also the perfect visiting place for the more macabre of travelers, as it’s home to a crypt where several historical figures are buried. Overall, this is one of the best places to visit for those with an interest in learning about the religious history of the country.
9. The Walls of Corniche
A walkway built right into mountain, this corniche allows for truly stunning views of the Alzette River that it overlooks. This hike also takes you past several historical sites, including the beautiful Iglesia de san Miguel and Neimenster Abbey.
The walls were called the “Most beautiful balcony in Europe”, and rightly so. The mountain in which the walk is built allows for an eagle-eye view of rolling hills and fascinating architecture of the nearby region.
Even for those who prefer not to hike or are afraid of heights, the sites that surround the Walls still make for a fun and educational visit, and the views can still be appreciated from the ground level.
10. National Museum of History and Art
Although this attraction is not necessarily a historical site, it is still a must-visit for anyone who visits Luxembourg with the hopes of learning something new. This museum specializes in the history of Luxembourg, and artwork created by artists from around Europe.
The museum has various interesting exhibits covering different topics and time periods, and can be appreciated both as part of a tour or just by walking through it on your own or with friends.
Of all the attractions listed, this one is the best for learning new things, as its exhibits are specially designed to teach visitors about the fascinating people and places of European history. It is the perfect way to start off a country or city-wide tour, as you can head off into the other sites with a pre-disposed knowledge gained from your visit to this museum.
Plan Your Trip Now!
Planning a trip to Luxembourg is easy as long as you know what you’re looking for and utilize efficient planning techniques and platforms. The MiTravel planning board allows you to search for interesting activities just by searching something as simple as “historical sites.” This is the perfect way to explore even more sites beyond what we mentioned today!
Be sure to check out our MiTravel Planning Board before planning your next trip!
Conclusion
Luxembourg truly is one of the perfect places to visit for any history buff looking to learn more about European history, or even perfect for those who simply want to relax and enjoy the beautiful views. The architecture, quaint villages, and mountains and rivers make for scenery that can be appreciated by pretty much everyone.
Even though Luxembourg celebrates European history through its architecture, the country is known to be a melting pot filled with people of many cultures, making it easy to fit in even if you’re passing through.
We hope you get the chance to visit Luxembourg sometime and appreciate some of its many attractions, even if you’re just passing through!
Be sure to comment any other must-see Luxembourg attractions we missed! Happy traveling :)
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