Visit Luxembourg
Luxembourg City is a vertical landscape of sandstone cliffs and deep river valleys where the city is literally split into high and low levels. It provides a highly organized and scenic base for a Luxembourg road trip because it sits at the intersection of the primary routes between France Germany and Belgium. You should start at the Chemin de la Corniche to walk along the cliff edge and look down at the slate roofs of the Grund district far below. The local culture is found in the Place d Armes where outdoor markets and brass bands play under the trees in the center of the old town. For a specific detail drive to the Kirchberg plateau to see the bold modern architecture of the Philharmonie and the glass towers of the European Court of Justice.
The city geography is defined by the many bridges that span the Alzette and Pétrusse valleys including the Adolphe Bridge which features a massive stone arch that was a world record holder when it was built in 1903. For a unique experience take the Pfaffenthal lift which is a glass elevator that travels sixty meters up a vertical cliff face and offers a panoramic view of the lower fortifications. You can find the history of the city's defense in the Bock Casemates which are twenty three kilometers of underground tunnels carved into the rock by various occupying forces over four centuries.
Leaving the city toward the north takes you onto the A7 highway which cuts through the dense woods of the Gutland region. Because there are no highway tolls in the country the driving experience is seamless as you move toward the rocky terrain of the Mullerthal. You will see the architecture shift from the polished glass of the financial district to the stone farmhouses and castle ruins of the countryside in less than twenty minutes. Luxembourg City is a quiet powerhouse in the center of Europe where the ancient stone and modern finance exist in a unique balance.
Top sights to visit
- Chemin de la Corniche Walk the pedestrian path along the top of the sandstone cliffs for a view often called the most beautiful balcony in Europe. Look down into the Alzette river valley to see the houses of the Grund district far below. This walk offers the most dramatic and scenic perspective of the ancient fortifications of the city.
- Bock Casemates Tunnels Descend into the solid rock to explore the miles of tunnels and cannon galleries that once made Luxembourg a powerful fortress. Peer through the stone loopholes to see the valley from the perspective of a medieval defender. This site reveals a fascinating labyrinth that reveals the military might of the city.
- The Pfaffenthal Lift Take a ride in the glass elevator that rises sixty meters up the side of a vertical cliff in just seconds. Enjoy the panoramic view of the valley as you transition from the historic lower town to the modern upper city. It is a stunning piece of modern engineering that makes navigating the hills of the city a scenic experience.
- Kirchberg Modern Towers Drive through this district to see the bold, futuristic architecture of the European Court of Justice and the Philharmonie. Walk through the park to see how modern glass buildings are built right into the ruins of old forts. This area represents the international, wealthy and forward looking side of the Grand Duchy.
- The Grund District Take the elevator down from the city center to walk the quiet, riverfront streets of this historic lower neighborhood. Grab a drink at a riverside cafe and admire the ancient stone bridges and the Neumünster Abbey. This area feels like a peaceful village hidden in a canyon, far removed from the urban rush above.
- Adolphe Bridge Arch Walk across this grand stone bridge and take the suspended pedestrian path tucked directly beneath the main roadway. Look through the steel mesh to see the massive stone arches and the green valley floor forty meters below. This bridge is a national symbol and offers a unique perspective of the city geography.
- Place d Armes Market Find a seat at an outdoor cafe in this tree lined square and enjoy the live music often playing from the central bandstand. Visit during the weekend to browse the local markets for books and antiques. This plaza is the social heart of the city and the best place to soak in the relaxed multilingual atmosphere.
- The Mudam Museum Explore the galleries of this modern art museum designed by I.M. Pei, which sits on the site of a former fort. Admire the way the massive glass ceilings flood the contemporary exhibits with natural light. Even if you do not go inside, the walk through the surrounding park offers great views of the old city walls.
- Schueberfouer Funfair If you visit in late August, join the millions of people at this massive traditional fairground that has been held since 1340. Try the traditional potato pancakes and ride the giant Ferris wheel for a unique view of the city lights. This event is a loud, joyful explosion of local culture that takes over the Glacis square.
- Grand Ducal Palace Stand in front of the ornate facade and watch the changing of the guard at the main gates. Take a guided tour during the summer months to see the grand reception rooms and the royal chandeliers. It is the official residence of the Grand Duke and a beautiful landmark of the royal heritage of the city.
- The Petrusse Valley Park Walk the forest trails at the bottom of the deep river canyon to see the cliffs of the city from below. Find the hidden chapel carved directly into the rock face. This park is a lush, natural escape that makes you forget you are in the middle of a major European capital.
- Mullerthal Region Drive Take a thirty minute drive out of the city to the region known as Little Switzerland for a hike through narrow rocky gorges and mossy forests. Find the waterfall with its iconic stone bridge. This road trip is a must for nature lovers because it offers some of the most dramatic landscapes in the country.
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History of Luxembourg
Luxembourg City was born as a Gibraltar of the North, a fortress so formidable that it was considered one of the most strategic points in Europe. For nearly a thousand years, the city was built into the sandstone cliffs of the Alzette Valley with miles of underground tunnels and massive stone ramparts. Because of its location between France and Germany, every major power in Europe fought to control it, leading to a history of constant siege and reconstruction that shaped the resilient character of the Luxembourgers.
The modern history of the city is a story of transformation from a military outpost to a global financial powerhouse. After the fortress was dismantled in 1867 to ensure the country’s neutrality, Luxembourg focused on the steel industry and later, banking. It became a founding member of the European Union, with the city now serving as the seat of the European Court of Justice. This shift turned one of the continent's most contested battlefields into a symbol of European unity and prosperity.
Today, Luxembourg City is a dramatic multi-level metropolis. You can stand on the ancient walls of the Chemin de la Corniche and look down into the quiet, medieval Grund district, or look across the valley to the futuristic glass towers of the Kirchberg plateau. It is a multilingual, international city where half the population is composed of foreign residents. Driving through Luxembourg, you see a place that has masterfully integrated its rugged, warlike past into the essential engine of the European project.