Summer is the season of possibilities. Whether you’re thirsty for culture, keen to discover the region or simply want to relax, Luxembourg offers a multitude of new activities, some of which are free.
From forest baths to corn mazes and concerts, we’ve put together a list of things to do this summer!
1- Open-air cinema
This year, the City of Luxembourg and the Cinémathèque have chosen the recently renovated Place Guillaume II (“Knuedler”) to host an open-air cinema from July 21 to 28.
There’s a giant screen with something for everyone. This is your chance to discover or rediscover great classics such as Top Gun, Moonrise Kingdom or films by Charline Chaplin or Alfred Hitchcock.
The square will be able to accommodate up to 500 people, with screenings starting at around 7:30pm. In case of rain, ponchos will be available.
2- Discover hidden Luxembourg
Escape the heat and discover the history of Luxembourg’s vast network of underground tunnels by visiting the Bock and Pétrusse casemates.
The first were built under Spanish rule in 1644. 40 years later, the casemates were enlarged by the famous French military engineer Vauban, then by the Austrians in the mid-18th century. Some tunnels are up to 40 meters deep and could house thousands of soldiers, their equipment, including cannons, and horses.
Discover Luxembourg’s fascinating history on this unusual tour. The Bock casemates are open from 10am to 5pm. Entrances are every 15 minutes and are located at montée Clausen. For a visit in English, entrances are at Place de la Constitution, Monday to Saturday at 3pm and Sunday at 2.30pm.
3- A barefoot stroll
Kick off your shoes, stretch your toes and feel the earth beneath your feet on one of Luxembourg’s three barefoot trails.
You can choose between 750m of walking in Merdernach, near the Kengert campsite, or the 500m of Parc Le’h in Dudelange, which features sensational passages paved with pine cones, sand, coconut bark and even slate with suspension bridges; and finally the Salzmännchegaart barefoot geological trail in Born.
4- Get lost in a maze of cornfields
Visit Sënnesräich Park in Lullingen for a 15,000 m² cornfield the size of two soccer pitches.
There are 48 ways to get lost, and six areas with interactive stations revolving around the sense of sight. You can also visit the main center, which has indoor and outdoor stations to test your five senses, or take part in a themed children’s workshop on Saturday afternoon. Another corn maze will open at Lintgen on July 8.
5- Visit the palace
One of the reception rooms inside the Grand Ducal Palace
Discover the sumptuous decorations and paintings of the Grand Ducal Palace, open to the public from July 17 to September 3.
Tours are available in four languages, including English, and are accessible to people with reduced mobility. They last 75 minutes and include a visit to the Grand Duke’s office, the dining room and the Salon des Rois. It’s the perfect way to get a taste of Palace life in the beautiful country of Luxembourg.
Tickets can be purchased from the Luxembourg City Tourist Office. Proceeds will go to the Fondation du Grand-Duc et de la Duchesse, which supports humanitarian initiatives to help vulnerable people.
6- Listen to classical and military bands
Are you a fan of classical music, brass instruments or military bands?
So come and enjoy Plëss, various orchestras, groups and choirs from several communes including Differdange and Kleinbettingen, as well as Musique Militaire, performing on the 19th-century bandstand on Place d’Armes in the old town. Various dates are on offer from June 21 to September 6. Twice a month, lunchtime concerts are also scheduled in the Villa Vauban park.
7. Find your serenity in the forest
Head to the forests near Ettelbruck for some Shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, a tradition that originated in Japan.
The 2.5 km trail has six stations that encourage you to discover the forest with each of your senses and avoid distractions such as your cell phone or the use of headphones for music. The forest bathing trail starts at the campsite and climbs up to Wëllerbësch, where the first station is located.
If you prefer a bit of mindfulness, try the relatively new Achtsamkeitspfad, created by the Center for Socio-emotional Development. This 1.5-hour trail, accessible to people with reduced mobility and the visually impaired, invites you to experience a moment of mindfulness. Along the way, you’ll be able to download audio files guiding you in mindfulness and meditation in the magnificent setting of the Château de Munsbach park.
There’s no shortage of activities in Luxembourg, so take advantage of the summer break to discover as many as you can.