The country provides the adventuresome traveler with hiking trails and the historical fortresses of yesteryear, impressive remnants of the continual influx of the Spanish, French, Austrian and German soldiers.

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Finally in 1867, and after the signing of the Treaty of London, neutrality was restored to the small yet significant country.

The Luxembourg of today is very prosperous with a constitutional monarchy; is part of the European Union, and a tax haven for worldwide investors.

The country possesses a “rich” landscape: with hilly and wooded settings found in the north and fertile vineyards of the Moselle Valley located in the south.

The country's capital is a high powered banking center: quite different from Luxembourg's countryside. The capital is Luxembourg City and may be easily classified as one of Europe's most beautiful capital cities.

The next stop after Luxembourg City should be Vianden. The village of Vianden offers a lovely chateau and many outside activities making it well worth the trip.

Fast Facts about Luxembourg:

The official name is the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. The capital, as noted herein is Luxembourg City. The climate is mild with a considerable amount of precipitation. The Moselle Valley tends to have more sun than the rest of the duchy. Languages spoken are French, German, and Luxembourgian. The government is a constitutional monarchy.

The geography consists of forested highlands in the north and several river valleys.

Luxembourg City is undoubtedly one of Europe's most dramatic capitals. The city towers above the embankment of its medieval fortress, and overlooks two magnificent river valleys. Although it is a center of world-class banking, it is also a very relaxed city.

The city centers around Place d' Armes and plays host to most of the museums and eating establishments.

To reach the museums, Grand Ducal Palace and Boch Casemates walk directly ahead from the tourist office, located in the town hall onto Rue Sigerol.

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Facing the tourist office, turn right down R. Chimay to Blvd. Roosevelt.

Should you like to find a “bite to eat” the area around pl. d'Armes is covered with outdoor terraces and live music. There are fast food options and pricey restaurants.

The restaurant Bacchus located at 32 r. Marche-aux-Herbes, and down the street from the Grand Ducal palace is the place to go for pasta and pizza and is quite popular with locals and travelers. Reservations are recommended at night.

Le Beaujolais, 2a r. des Capucins, next door to the tourist office offers Italian fare with prices that are reasonable.

Giorgio, II r. du Nord, offers vegetarian selections.

Places to Visit:

The Boch Casemates fortress was built during the 10th century and is part of Luxembourg's original castle. The fortress rises above the Alzette River Valley and offers spectacular views (of the Grund and the Clausen.)

The country's stronghold was put out of commission during 1867 when Luxembourg signed an act of neutrality. It was used once again during World War II as a shelter for thirty five thousand people.

The Petrusse Casemates were constructed by the Spaniards in the seventeenth century and later improved upon by the Austrians.

The former site may be accessed at the entrance on r. Sige frol just past the bridge leading to the hostel; the latter historical site is located at: Pl de la Constitution.

The Musee National d Histoire et d Art provides a most eclectic collection chronicling the different European empires that governed the country. (Marche-aux-Poissons at r. Boucherie and Sigefrol.)

The Musee d Histoire de la Ville de Luxembourg reviews the history of the city by way of archived photographs, films and music clips. (Location is 14 r. du St.-Esprit.)

The Grand Ducal Palace built during the period of the Renaissance (in 1574) as a city hall became the official (city) residence of the Grand Duke in the late nineteenth century.

Nearby is the Notre Dame Cathedral constructed in the 1500s. The structure provides architectural features of the Dutch Renaissance and early Baroque styles.

The church houses the tombs of: John the Blind, the King of Bohemia of the fourteenth century; the Count of Luxembourg as well as other members of the Grand Ducal family. (Entrance is at bd. Roosevelt.)

Entertainment:

Free concerts are held almost nightly on the pl. d'Armes.

A younger set is found (across the river) at Scott's Pub, Bisserwee4. Up the street in the Clausen, Pygmalion, located at: 19 r. de la Tour Jacob Clausen, serves up pints Sunday through Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.; Friday and Saturday from 4:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.

Excursions from the capital city (Luxembourg City):

Grevenmacher

The Moselle Valley was the discovery of French winemakers as an alternative for the Champagne region and is known for its sparkling and still wines, in example, Riesling and Pinot Gris. Grevenmacher is at the center of the wine culture. You will need to plan your visit with a tour of the Bernard-Massard Winery (r. du Pont), wherein the Champagne process is explained and visitors are provided samples of the product.

One way to reach the site is: from the bus stop, make a left onto r. de Treves; left on r. de la Moselle, and then right on rte. du Vin, then enter the cave through the gate and garden just under the bridge.

A small and striking Jardin des Papillons (Butterfly Garden) lies in the opposite direction on rte. Du Vin.

In order to reach Grevenmacher from Luxembourg City, take the train to Wasserbillig (forty minutes) and the bus to Grevenmacher. From the bus stop, turn left on r. de Treves, left on r. de la Moselle, and stop by the tourist office, 10 rte. Du Vin, at the end of r. de la Moselle.

The Ardennes

The Battle of the Bulge, in 1944, crushed the country into a landscape of mud. Six decades later the Ardennes forest is one of green vegetation with quiet towns, impressive castles, and monuments of the Second World War.

Vianden

The village of Vianden is hidden from sight, tucked away in the dense forest of the Ardennes woods. It is home to one of the most magnificent castles in Western Europe. Wealthy Europeans, on weekend getaways travel Vianden's curvy roads in their antiquated sports cars while backpackers kayak and hike along the Sure River or bike to Diekirch (a fifteen to twenty minute ride) and Echternach (a thirty minute trek.)

The chateau is a mix of Carolingian, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture. The architectural masterpiece is filled with the armor of medieval times; 16th century furniture, and rich tapestries.

During the months of April through may and September through October, the chateau hosts classical concerts on the weekends.

In conclusion, your stopover in the beautiful country of Luxembourg may be one of the best experiences of your trip when traveling in Europe.