Luxembourg is, of course, the old town perched high above the city and its Place d’Armes, but there are also many districts and monuments to discover. Whether you’re just passing through or staying for a while, here are a few activities to occupy your weekend and enjoy the beautiful city of Luxembourg and its surroundings.
1. Stroll along the Corniche path
Nicknamed “Europe’s finest bacon” by Luxembourg writer Batty Weber, the Corniche is a pedestrian walkway that runs along the ramparts built in the 17th century by the Spanish and later by Vauban. It runs alongside the Alzette river and offers superb views of Luxembourg’s foothills, including the Grund district.
Starting at the Saint-Esprit plateau, the Chemin de la Corniche stretches all the way to the Block. A must-see in Luxembourg.
2. Visit the Casemates du Bock
The Bock casemates are a maze of 17 km of tunnels cut into the cliff face known as Bock rock.
These casemates were used for hiding and protection during the war. The first tunnels were dug in 1644 under Spanish rule, and the complex was later extended by Vauban and the Austrians. Luxembourg was once known as the “Gibraltar of the North” due to its extensive defense system.
Some of these tunnels can be visited. The guide will take you through Luxembourg’s fascinating history. The Galleries are quite narrow, but open outwards regularly, giving you beautiful views of the Grund or Clausen.
The tour is quite physical, so don’t forget to bring good shoes.
3. Walking in the Grund
The Grund district, nestling at the bottom of the Pétrusse valley, has a certain charm all of its own. In the 17th century, it was one of the most densely populated parts of the town. Today, it’s a quiet, picturesque district that’s a pleasure to stroll through. Bridges, old stone houses and streams form a bucolic landscape. And in the evening, take advantage of the many bars and restaurants that have made it one of Luxembourg’s trendiest districts.
To get there, you can either take the Holy Ghost elevator to the upper town, or the cobbled streets leading down to it. Don’t miss a visit to Neumünster Abbey, which was a prison until 1984, but has since been restored and is now a cultural center. You can also visit the National Museum of Natural History and St. John’s Church.
4. Visit Vianden Castle
Located 50 kilometers north of Luxembourg, Vianden Castle is the most imposing castle in the Duchy. Perched on a hill, it looks like something out of a book of tales and legends, with its massive silhouette, towers, ramparts and coachmen. Built between the 11th and 14th centuries, it is one of the most important feudal residences of the Romanesque and Gothic eras in Europe. It has benefited from exceptional restoration since 1977, and in 2019 was named one of the 21 most beautiful castles in the world by CNN.
5. Hike the Mullerthal Trail
If nature soothes and rejuvenates you, Mullerthal is the ideal destination for a green getaway. Nicknamed Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland, Mullerthal offers breathtaking scenery. Lakes, waterfalls, rock formations, mossy forests and pastures provide the backdrop for the Mullerthal Trail and its 112 km of hiking trails. There are three main routes, each with its own unique characteristics. Whatever your time or fitness level, you’ll find a trail to suit you.