If you love exploring small countries and have a few more to check off your bucket list, Luxembourg is the place to visit. Often times people wonder what to expect from such a small country. I have always talked about wanting to go there with my father but never had the chance to travel there myself until this year. From Oslo there were no direct flights so we had to stop in Germany to get to our connecting flight to Luxembourg.
A few days is more than enough but be sure to rent a car. Trust me, you’ll thank me later. We spent 3 adventurous days in Luxembourg and got most out of our trip by exploring these places:
1. Vianden Castle
Vianden is one of Luxembourg’s main tourist attractions and is located in the north. The historical restored castle dates back to the 10th century and is open to visitors throughout the year from 10 am to 4 pm every day. Most people come here by car. It’s a 50 minute drive from Luxembourg city or 20 minutes from Chateau d’urspelt.
My personal tip: Take a quick stop alongside the hills when you drive down from the main road. There’s a viewing point somewhere at the top which is a perfect place to take pictures.
2. Buy Dinosaur cookies or candies
at a local supermarket
Does anyone remember these Dinosaur cookies? I felt so nostalgic when I saw this box of sweet yumminess at a local supermarket in Clervaux that tears almost started flowing down my cheeks.
I’ve been talking about these cookies nonstop with my friends in Norway, but people don’t seem to remember them. Even though I’m allergic to milk and lactose I allowed myself to buy a box!
4. Spend a night or two at Château d’urspelt.
If you’re trying to get away from the hustle and bustle of Luxembourg city, Clervaux is a nice and quite village to live in. Chateau d’urspelt is a lovely hotel perfect for couples, friends or even families.
If you easily get hungry be sure to bring some extra snacks, most of the restaurants were closed when were there during the afternoon to prepare for dinner in the evening. Chateau d’urspelt is about an hour drive from the city, and it’s close to the Belgian border.
If you’re opt for a nice dinner in another country St. Vith is only a 20 minute drive from the hotel. There’s a Chinese restaurant named Le Chine that I personally can recommend. Great place, friendly staff but slow service.
Good to know: Be sure to order a bottle of mineral water cause they charge per glass you order! And also, kindly ask the staff at Chateau d’urspelt if they can prepare some light snacks for you. Even though the kitchen was closed they managed to put together a delicious tapas platter with an asian twist.
6. Take a romantic
walk in Old Town Luxembourg
during the night
Luxembourg at night can be as beautiful as during the day. The views along the river are stunning. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to explore this beautiful city, but seeing the old town of Luxembourg from afar was more than enough.
There’s so much more to do in Luxembourg than what you read in this article. Hopefully next time we’ll get too see more of what this beautiful country has to offer.
3. Shopping in
Luxembourg
Taking a stroll through the narrow historical streets made me excited about how many of my favorite shops where here in Luxembourg city. Small local shops, designer boutiques and luxury stores are a few among many choices.
Unfortunately, we didn’t get to wander around the famous Christmas Market since we arrived a week too early before its opening.
We may have been unlucky with the timing, but if you ever get to travel to Luxembourg around Christmas time it’s a must place to visit!
5. Stop by Ladurée
have a coffee
and buy a box of macarons
Ladurée is a French luxury bakery and sweets maker house and is one of the world’s best-known sellers of the double-decker macaron. The café was closed when we got there.
If you plan to have lunch there, call them first to ask if they are open and then make a reservation. Ladurée is usually packed with tourists from all over the world trying to get a bite of a Parisian baked goods.
Fun fact: Did you know that they sell as much as fifteen thousand macarons every day? Neither did I.
