Discover Luxembourg City – The Ultimate Travel guide
Luxembourg is a landlocked country located in Western Europe. It has borders with Belgium, France and Germany. Luxembourg is also the name of the countries capital city and it is also one of the four institutional seats of the European Union along with Brussels, Frankfurt and Strasbourg.
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| Fun Facts and things to know |
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| Luxemborg has three official Languages Luxembourgish, French and German. French and German are used for administrative matter. Population -643,941 (2021 census) Currency – Euros Electricity – 220v two prong euro adapter is needed. Luxembourg is the last Grand Duchy in the world There are 17km worth of underground tunnels cut out of the rock beneath Luxembourg City |
Getting There
Airports- Luxembourg-Findel is the only airport in Luxembourg and its the 5th busiest airport in the world.
Trains – There is an excellent train network from other European countries to Luxembourg with trains to Brussels for example being as often as hourly.
Getting Around
Free travel for all– All public transport in Luxembourg is free for both residents and visitors. With the only exception being supplements for first class travel. This free travel is on all mode of public transport so includes buses, trams and trains thats Journeys are solely within Luxembourg.
THINGS TO DO
1 Notre-Dame Cathedral
Notre-Dame Cathedral also known as the Cathedral of our Lady in English is located in Luxembourg city. Notre-Dame is the only Cathedral in Luxembourg. Originally built as Jesuit church with the first cornerstone Laid in 1613.
The Cathedral also features some wonderful examples of late Gothic architecture. However it also has many great example of the Renaissance architecture.
2 Pfaffenthal Panoramic Elevator
The glass elevator connects the Pescatore Park in the city centre to the Pfaffenthal area at the bottom of the Alzette valley. The elevator is 71 cm in height and riders experience beautiful views . The elevator can be used by cyclist and Pedestrians and is free of charge. It runs from 5.45 am until 1am the next morning everyday except, the first Monday of every month when its closed for maintenance from 9am until 5.45 am the next day.
3 St Michaels Church
St Michaels Church is oldest holy building in Luxembourg city and is located in the Fishmarket in the centre of the old town. The church was built in 987 AD and was built on the site of the old chapel of the count of Luxembourg. The building has been destroyed, rebuilt and renovated on a number of occasions throughout it’s history. However the current building that stands on the site today dates from 1688. It is still a popular place of worship. There is also beautiful artwork adorning the church walls. The church also has regular organ recitals.
4 Free city walk
City walks are a great way to see the city. There are a number to choose from. They are tip based you pay at the end of your tour and the amount paid is your decision. Guru walks who is who I use for most of my walks.
5 Melusina
Visit Melusina the mermaid statute of Luxembourg. Her legend goes back over 1000 years why not take the Guru walks walking tour to find out all about Luxembourg’s very own mermaid. Learn all about how she met and fell in love with a count.
6. Visit a museum
There are also many museums in Luxembourg city to chose from the Luxembourg city museum, MUDAM a modern art museum or national museum of natural history to name just a few.. There are also free entry to some museums.
7. Gelle Fra
The monument of Remembrance also known by the nickname Gelle Fra (Golden lady) is war memorial in the city of Luxembourg. Its dedicated to the people of Luxembourg who volunteered their services to the Allies during both world wars and the Korean war.
The monument stands tall in constitution Square in ville Haute quarter of Luxembourg city.
The wars and the rediscovery of the statue
Luxembourg pledged itself Neutral during the first world war. However the Germans occupied the country anyway. Luxembourgers were concerned that if Germany won the war that Luxembourg would become an annex of Germany. The people of Luxembourg who were living under German rule could do little to aid the Allies. However 3700 Luxembourgers who lived oversees at the outbreak of the war fought in the French army and over 2000 were killed.
The monument caused a lot of controversy when it was first proposed. With strong opposition coming from the conservative catholic citizens who made up the majority of the population. Also Grand Duchess Charlotte and the Bishop of Luxembourg were absent from the monuments inauguration ceremony
Luxembourg was again occupied by Nazi Germany during world war two. The monument was dismantled in October 1940. Some parts of the monument where saved and hidden away and later returned. However the fate of the Gelle Fra was unknown. It would be 40 years before her fate would be discovered. In 1980 renovations of the national football (soccer) stadium took place. Gelle Fra was found hidden under the main stand during these renovations. Its not known how she got there. However its believed she was hidden there by locals. Many believe that only a small number of people knew of the statues whereabouts and that none of them survived the war.
In 1984 the monument was finally restored to its original design. The 23 June is Luxembourg’s national holiday and this was day in 1985 that the monumbent was unveiled to the public. The Grand Duke Jean was in attendence.
I found the story of the missing statue fascinating and found out about it on a free walking tour of the city.
BUDGET FOR LUXEMBOURG
Budget Restaurant – It will cost about 10-15 Euros for a main course meal. A 2 course meal will cost around 18-25 euros not including drinks.
mid price Restaurant – around 30-40 Euros for a 2 course meal without drinks
fast food restaurant- such as McDonalds will cost around 10-12 euros for a meal
Budget hotel – 70-100 euros per night more in high season
Hostels – Bed in a dorm would cost 30 Euros.
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If you like my Luxembourg guide check out one of my other guides. London , Belgium, and Amsterdam guides.
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