Tips for Luxembourg

I found this a couple of years ago and have kept it in mind ever since, wanting to go there as it looks really beautiful as well as interesting and fun. How cool would it be to sleep in a guard tower? http://www.echternach-tourist.lu/en/medieval-towers

Vianden is a very scenic town with a fabulous castle. Nearby is Diekirch which has a fantastic museum on the Battle of the Bulge. We drove down from Bastogne, Belgium, where we stayed. The Bastogne area has some very interesting WWII sites and a nice museum. But the museum in Diekirch is better.

Greetings from Luxembourg! I live here in this very beuatiful and often overlooked country by many travellers. Vianden is a nice border city, but a bit off, with a very pittoresque castle (a must to visit) and it's fun chairlift to a nearby mountain top. Are you travelling by car? then Vianden is ok to stay. However, if you are dependent on public transportation, I would rather consider Ettelbruck as your gateway to the Ardennes ("La Porte des Ardennes") with quite a number of scenic routes from here. Vianden is only reached by infrequent bus connections. Alternatively, stay in the capital, Luxembourg City with it's museums, charming downtown, many scenic spots, a hop-on-hop-off bus and quite a few great eateries. Both Ettelbruck and Luxembourg City are reachable by good train connections from both Belgium, Germany and France (even five daily TGV to Paris, 2H20mins only). What to see in Luxembourg? History! A number of beautiful located castles, such as Boursheid and Clervaux, WWII museums including Diekirch and General Patton's house in Ettelbruck. General Patton's gravesite is at the American cemetery just outside the capital. If you opt for the capital as your base, you get a very good insight to the mix of why Luxembourg has an important role to play in the EU with all it's banks and EU Insititutions on the one hand and to see the gorgeous country side on the other. You can rent public bicycles ("Velo") from various locations in Luxembourg City at very affordable prices. Prepare yourself for a good exercise as the country as whole is hilly, but unfortunately has very few bicycle lanes. I would reconsider bicycling on a number of roads here, as automobilists are not used to respect the two-wheelers:-) Otherwise a great place to visit as a contrast to the big European cities. Happy travel!

Michael,
We'll be spending two nights in Larochette this July. I know we'll be at Patton's grave. Any "don't miss" sites you'd recommend. We'll also be spending time near Maysenbourg, which is where my great, great Grandfather was born. Thank you.

Thanks for the help everyone! It is very much appreciated! Deb, my ancestors are from Luxembourg as wellmy great, great, great, great grandfather was from Platen. Small world...

Hi Deb, After Vianden, I would definitely head into the capital of Luxembourg (a must see), park your car in one of the public garages (take Place du Theatre) and stroll around the streets of this charming capital. See the Grand Duche's palace, peek into the cathedral of Notre Dame, stroll across the famous Place d'Armes, walk down towards the Casemates for a lookout point over the valleys which run through the city. I would recommend to take the 1H00 hop-on-hop-off bus tour (starts at Place Guillaume) to really explore how Luxembourg has managed to keep a good balance between old and new while mixing history and modern. Hereafter, drive outside the city centre to visit the American cemetary and General Patton's gravesite. This cemetary is one of the most impressive I have ever visited, and it still makes me reflect....

2nd half: From the American cemetary, I suggest driving towards the Moselle river and the village of Schengen. Yes! This little dormant city which became world famous from the Schengen Visa. The story goes that when EU politicians back then had to discuss details of this coming treaty, they took a boat down the Moselle river. The deal was made just as the ship passed the city of Schengen, and voila the name to the Passport Free Europe Treaty of the Schengen visa. But Schengen is just the starting point for another must see: Drive up along the Moselle River on the Wine route and enjoy stunning views of both German and Luxembourgish wine fields on either river banks. Really beautiful and charming too. Wineries along the road, but don't drink and drive. Finish the tour in Grevenmacher. For dinner, take a glass of the local champagne called Cremant or a glass of the Luxembourgish underrated inexpensive white wines. My favourite grapes are Pinot Gris and Riesling. Only opt for Grand Premier Cru wines. You won't be disappointed. If time permits, a must see is to travel to nearby German charming city of Trier to find Porta Nigra (where the Roman Empire ended) and Germany's oldest church cathedral still intact. Happy travel and let me know if I can assist you more!
(from a foreigner in Luxembourg!)