Luxembourg is an attractive country with a green and picturesque landscape and many historical sites within easy reach of one another. The central and southern part of the country that surrounds the capital, known as ‘the Good Land’, consists mainly of rolling farmland and woods. To the northeast is the Müllerthal, characterized by sandstone rock formations and forests, while the northern third of the country is the Ardennes, set in beautiful forested hills and valleys. South of the capital is the Land of the Red Rocks, so named from its ‘red earth’, rich in iron. The southeast frontier is marked by the Moselle Valley, famous for its wines. Proud of its role as a founding member of the EU, Luxembourg sees itself as playing a prominent position in European affairs and there are a number of European Union institutions based in Luxembourg-Ville.

It is a small landlocked country in Western Europe, bordered by Belgium, France, and Germany. Luxembourg has a population of fewer than half a million people in an area of approximately 2,586 square kilometers (999 sq mi). Luxembourg lies on the cultural divide between Romance Europe and Germanic Europe, borrowing customs from each of the distinct traditions. Luxembourg is a trilingual country; German, French and Luxembourgish are official languages. Although a secular state, Luxembourg is predominantly Roman Catholic.

Geography

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg shares borders to the north and west with Belgium, to the south with France and to the east with Germany. One-third of the country is made up of the hills and forests of the Ardennes, while the rest is wooded farmland. In the southeast is the rich wine-growing valley of Moselle. The capital, Luxembourg-Ville, is built on a rock overlooking the Alzette and Petrusse valleys.

Official Language: German, French, Luxembourgish

Demonym: Luxembourgers

Currency: Euro (€) 2 (EUR)

Time Zone: CET (UTC+1)

Summer (DST): CEST (UTC+2)

Internet TLD: .lu3

Calling Code: +352

Visa formalities for Luxembourg:

Passport Note
Luxembourg is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.

It is advisable to have a return ticket, but not obligatory. If a visitor is not in possession of a return ticket, proof of sufficient means of support may be required.

Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals of countries referred to in the chart above except holders of:
(a) EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.

Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to U.K, U.S.A, Australian, Canadian, and Other EU for periods not exceeding three months and as long as the passport is still valid for three months beyond length of stay.

Notes: Nationals not referred in visa requirement line are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see General Info).

Warning
Most visits to Luxembourg are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice.

Attractions in Luxembourg:

Grand Ducal Palace

It is a beautiful palace that is situated in the southern part of Luxembourg. The site is actually the official residence of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg. It has the seat that serves as the place from where the duke performs most of his duties as head of state of the Grand Duchy. City was established in the year 1572 and it was built in the town hall by Adam Roberti. But the present building came into being when it was renovated in the 1728 and was extended in 1741. The present site of the Grand Ducal Palace, Luxembourg City remains a much visited destination as it was then converted into the prefecture headquarters of the department of Forêts in 1795, during the French administration of Luxembourg. The Grand Ducal Palace is situated just next to the Place Guillaume and is a completely restored building during the nineties. In addition to that the Grand Ducal Palace, Luxembourg City houses the Luxembourgish Parliament the Chamber of Deputies. The property also serves as the city residence of the Grand-Ducal family. It is easily accessible from the Old Town in Luxembourg. The site was first occupied by the town hall of the city. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by a gunpowder explosion in 1554 and the town hall was rebuilt after 20 years. In the middle of the 18th century, the palace was added as an extension and the Chamber of Deputies was built as an annex in 1859. Among the Tourist Attractions in Luxembourg City, Grand Ducal Palace, Luxembourg was restored thoroughly and you are sure to have a wonderful time.

Casemates Bock

It was constructed in the 18th century. Casemates Bock, Luxembourg City consists of a system of underground fortifications that run like a tunnel under the city. The area and the fortifications have been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. In the year 1644, the tunnels were built in the undergrounds for the first time. During those days, the city was under Spanish rule. After 40 years or so, a military engineer Vauban, who was also an architect, extended the galleries which were 23 kilometers long. During the 18th century, it was extended furthermore by the Austrians. These underground passages were constructed on various levels. The passages can be found built in different levels. The wonderful design of the defense system has made Luxembourg famous by the name `Gibraltar of the North’. The passages reach 40 meters beneath the ground. It opens for viewing at 10 o’ clock in the morning. The entry fee to Casemates Bock, Luxembourg City is 1.75 Euros. For the students, the entry fee is 1.50 Euros. Get yourself a guide or a map in English. This makes your visit to the Casemates Bock in Luxembourg City all the more enjoyable.

The Chateau of the Counts of Luxembourg

Perched on a jutting promontory known as the Bock, the castle of the counts of Luxembourg dates to 963. Ravaged by fire in 1459, the ruins of the castle were incorporated into a new system of fortifications at the Bock. Archaeological excavations carried out in 1993 revealed several elements of the original chateau. An archaeological crypt retraces the history of the chateau and the fortress.

The Valley of the Seven Castles

The real name of the Valley of the Seven Castles is the Valley of the Eisch River. This small triangular area north-west of Luxembourg City is home to one of Europe’s most scenic and spectacular concentrations of castles. Take the N4 westwards from Luxembourg City to Stein fort, the entrance to the valley. Journey eastwards to Koerich and visit its ruined medieval castle. Then follow the course of the river with its imposing castles on both sides.

The Petrusse Express

A special open-air tourist train called the 'Petrusse Express' offers frequent guided tours through the Petrusse Valley (from which many of the remaining fortifications can easily be viewed), giving visitors an insight into life in the former fortress, with commentaries in several languages. The train departs from underneath one of the arches of the Pont Adolphe viaduct.

National Museum of Art and History

This museum on Marché-aux-Poisson’s showcases interesting archaeological, geological, and historical exhibits as well as the superb Bentinek-Thyssen Collection of works of art by 15th to 18th-century Low Countries artists such as Rubens, Van Dyck, Breughel, Rembrandt and others.

Notre-Dame Cathedral

The Luxembourg City is a wonderful blend of historical treasure and scenic spots. The Cathedrale de Notre Dame is a wonderful place in the city that is worth visiting. It is a religious spot of the city which has an interesting history to narrate. The Luxembourg City is the cultural and political centre of the city. It is very easy to access as it lies in the hub of the city. The elegance and class of the Cathedrale de Notre Dame in Luxembourg City is very admirable. It is renowned as a Roman Catholic cathedral of the Luxembourg City. The cathedral was initially a Jesus church and was established in the year 1613. The architecture of the church features the late Gothic architecture. Apart from the Gothic architecture, you will also find many Renaissance items and ornaments. The miraculous image of the Maria Consolatrix Afflictorum was received by the church in the 8th century. The Maria Consolatrix Afflictorum is considered as the patron saint of both the city and the nation. The Cathedrale de Notre Dame of Luxembourg City was devoted to the Church of Our Lady for 50 years. In the year 1870, the church was promoted by Pope Pius IX to the Cathedral of Notre-Dame.

Place Guillaume II

Back in the mid-13th century, Place Guillaume II (named after King William II of the Netherlands and Grand Duke of Luxembourg) became the site of the church and monastery of the Franciscan order. The popular name for the square, "Knuedler", was derived from the Luxembourgish word "Knued" (knot), denoting the knot in the belt of the Franciscan friars. In 1797, the monastery and its property were seized and partially disposed of by the French. In the decades that followed, the monastery buildings were razed to the ground, and the square was rebuilt. Today, the "Knuedler" is dominated by a statue of William II on horseback and the Town Hall.

The Market at Place Guillaume

Place Guillaume is a riot of color every Wednesday and Saturday when a market selling flowers, vegetables and a wide assortment of other goods goes into full swing. Sharpen your bargaining skills and join in the fun!

Climate of Luxembourg:

The best time to visit is from mid May to mid October -- that's when it's warmest. Winters aren't too cold, but a sweater is almost always needed at night, even in summer. Another year-round necessity is an umbrella, because the climate tends to be damp.