Travel guide – luxembourg
luxembourg
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Overview
It is easy to overlook the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, a tiny little country dwarfed between its neighbours France, Germany and Belgium, when planning a tour of Europe. If it is thought of at all, it is probably as a rather unexciting place full of important banking institutions and European Union bureaucrats. This little country is, however, located at the crossroads of several major highways, and if you are going to travel through it, don’t hesitate to stop awhile and probe behind the glass office blocks and official buildings to find a land of fascinating medieval fortresses, rolling woodlands, sun-drenched castles, and quaint villages.
The entire country is only 51 miles (85km) long and 32 miles (52km) wide, but there is a lot in this small package. The Ardennes region is hilly, densely forested and dotted with medieval castles, best known for being the site of the World War II Battle of the Bulge. The Mullerthal area is great for hiking with its curious sandstone rock formations among waterfalls and forest, the Moselle wine-growing region is picturesque and famed for its white wines, and Luxembourg City has grown up around an ancient fortified citadel in a setting that is unique and strangely beautiful. As if that were not enough to attract attention, bear in mind that the Grand Duchy also has more Michelin-starred restaurants per capita than any other country in the world.
Luxembourg’s long history is concerned mainly with warding off and withstanding invasion, occupation and siege, which is perhaps why its people seem a little more conservative than their neighbours, with a national motto that reads: “We want to remain what we are”. However Luxembourgers do enjoy their traditional parades and processions, and there are some jolly bars and cafes in the city where beer flows with good cheer.
Regions and cities within Luxembourg...
Luxembourg-Ville
Moselle
Climate
Luxembourg's weather is generally temperate, with the warmest months from May to September. Snow is possible in winter, and the northern area is wetter and colder than the south.
Health
No vaccination certificates are required for entry to Luxembourg, and there are no health risks associated with travel to the country. British citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), in order to qualify for free emergency medical treatment. Medical insurance is recommended.
The basics
Time
GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October).
Electricity
220 volts, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are used.
Language
The official language is Letzeburgesch, a conglomerate German/French dialect. French and German are commonly used, and English is widely spoken.
Tipping
Hotel and restaurant bills generally include a service charge. Porters and doormen in smarter hotels appreciate a tip of €1 to €2 and taxi drivers expect a tip of around 10%.
Safety
Travel to and around Luxembourg is very safe and trouble free. Take normal precautions against pick-pockets and petty theft.
Communications
The country code for Luxembourg is +352. There are no area or city codes. The outgoing code is 00, which is followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). The country is amply covered by GSM mobile phone networks and there are several Internet cafes in Luxembourg city.
Duty Free
Travellers over 17 years arriving from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g tobacco, or a proportional mix of these; 1 litre spirits with alcohol content higher than 22%, or 2 litres dessert wine not exceeding 22% and sparkling wine, or 2 litres table wine; perfume up to 50g or 250ml eau de toilette. Other goods include beer, gift items and souvenirs to the value of €175 per adult or €90 for children below 15 years. Providing goods are bought for personal use, there are no restrictions on carrying tobacco and alcohol between the 15 original countries of the EU (including the UK), with the exception of Finland, Denmark and Sweden.
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