Europe Travel

Luxembourg City

June 29, 2015

However insignificant the small country of Luxembourg may look on a map next to its French, German and Belgian counterparts, the country hosts a unique character of its own. The capital, Luxembourg City, was built around the historic castle as a Frank settlement in the Middle-Ages and remains to this day a beautiful city. Situated in the heart of Western Europe the city is a recognised UNESCO site due to its interesting heritage.

Although the city is not as large as other capital city counterparts, there is plenty to see and do. The twice European Capital of Culture is host to a range of shops, and Michelin-starred restaurants. The city is straddled over several levels covering high precipitous cliffs and valley gorges formed by the Alzette and Pétrusse rivers. Large viaducts and bridges span the gorges to provide access across the city, making for picturesque views from on high.

Luxembourg City is best viewed from the unique vantage points provided by the precipitous cliffs.

Admittedly, our visit to what is now my ‘must-see’ spot in Luxembourg city was inspired by an image I saw on Pinterest; ‘The hanging gardens’, situated beneath the rocky ledge of Rocher du Bock. These gardens are beautiful even prior to the summer bloom and can be viewed perfectly from above by walking along Chemin de la Cornishe which provides an excellent panoramic view of the city.

Simply taking in your surroundings as you wander around the city makes for an enjoyable afternoon but if you’re interested in sight-spotting notable things to see within the city include the beautifully engineered bridges and viaducts (including the Adolphe Bridge, the Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge and the Passerelle), the many fine museums (such as the City History Museum, the Museum of Modern Art and the Natural History Museum) and the more abstract buildings of the Philharmonic Hall, Centre of Sports and European Parliament, all situated to the north-east of the city.