Surrounded by Germany, Belgium and France, the small landlocked country of Luxembourg has both urban cultural treasures and serene natural settings. With medieval villages and castle ruins in the north, a rich wine country in the east and thriving Luxembourg City -- the country's capital -- at the heart of it all, tourists don't have to journey far to experience the great variety of sites that Luxembourg has to offer.
Luxembourg City
- Luxembourg's major metropolis, Luxembourg City, provides visitors and residents with an array of high cultural offerings, including a plethora of museums and theaters. The Musee National d'Histoire et d'Art, located to the west of the city center, houses works by both national and international artists spanning several centuries and genres. Operas, musicals and plays are performed throughout the year at the Grand Theatre, while the Philharmonie Luxembourg is the dramatic, architecturally stunning concert hall for the Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg.
The Ardennes Region
- The Ardennes is the northern region of Luxembourg that is home to the Naturpark Our and the Naturpark Oewersauer, two of the country's largest nature reserves. These and other similar parks feature hiking and bicycle trails that wind throughout the region, allowing independent travelers with an athletic bent to explore forests and nearby villages. The ruins of medieval castles are located throughout the Ardennes. Over 1,000 years old, Borscheid Castle is open for tours year-round for a small fee; the castle has shorter hours of operation in the fall and winter. Esch-sur-Sure Castle, which also offers tours, is surrounded by a village of the same name and the Sure River, which wraps around the village.
The Mullerthal Region
- Known as "Little Switzerland" for its topographical similarity to that country, the Mullerthal region of eastern Luxembourg remains popular, among other reasons, for the Mullerthal Trail. This 65-mile trail leads hikers through fields and forests dotted with rock formations. Along the way, hikers have access to plenty of points where they can pause to take in the incredible panoramic views. Mullerthal's culinary scene is also noteworthy, with the natural riches of the region producing honey, cheese and liqueurs. Chefs in Echternach, the capital of the Mulllerthal region, are known to incorporate these local delights into their menus.
The Moselle Region
- Visitors to the Moselle region can take the Wine Route, a hike through the valleys of Luxembourg's wine country. The Moselle region's vineyards mostly produce varieties of white wine, including Riesling, Pinot Gris and Auxerrois. In addition to vineyard tours, travelers to the Moselle region can participate in a number of water sports on the River Moselle; swimming and water skiing are both common activities. For those who prefer to stay dry, luxury liners take short cruises down the River Moselle from spring to fall.
