Found in the heart of Western Europe, Luxembourg is a stylish country in the perfect location and the last Grand Duchy in the world.
Known for ancient castles as well as glass skyscrapers, Luxembourg combines the best of the old world and the new. Visitors are often stunned by what a beautiful country Luxembourg is upon arrival.
These Luxembourg fun facts will show you why it’s such an awesome place to visit!
1. One of the Richest Countries in the World
Walking the streets of Luxembourg city, you can tell immediately that you’re in a wealthy nation.
Rich countries typically have a lot of cool things to do and Luxembourg is no different. It’s hard to choose where to go with an endless plethora of bars, restaurants, museums, and art galleries to choose from.
But what makes Luxembourg so rich? Tax laws are favorable for large companies and when calculating GDP, only people who reside in Luxembourg are counted. Workers who commute into the country aren’t considered in the equation.
2. More Than 50% of Workers Live Abroad
Speaking of a commuting workforce, Luxembourg isn’t a cheap place to live. More than half of all workers live in nearby France, Germany, or Belgium!
3. The World’s Longest Wine List
If you want to see the world’s longest wine list, you’ll need to visit Restaurant Chiggeri in Luxembourg. Their list features 2200 different vintages. They also offer a special dining experience called Dinner in the Dark for small groups!
4. One of the World’s Smallest Countries
Luxembourg is the 7th smallest country in Europe, but don’t let its diminutive size skew your perception!
Smaller countries are great places to explore on vacation because you can see and do a lot without wasting a ton of time in transit!
5. Home of the Moselle River Wine Region
If you enjoy sparkling white wine, straw wine, and ice wine, you should visit the vineyards in the Luxembourg Moselle region.
The regional specialties here include late-harvested wine and seasonal varieties not found anywhere else! Guided tours of the local vineyards are available if booked in advance.
6. The City of Luxembourg is Protected
The only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Luxembourg is the City of Luxembourg itself. It was added to the list in 1994 for its fortifications in the old parts of the city.
7. Pretzel Sunday is Romantic
Pretzel Sunday or Bretzelsonndeg is a special day in Luxembourg celebrated on the 4th Sunday of Lent. Men prepare puff pastry with sugar icing and almonds and gift them as tokens of love.
If the love is reciprocated, the man will receive an egg at Easter. If not, they will receive only an empty basket. The tradition is reversed during leap years!
Even if you aren’t here on Bretzelsonndeg, you can still buy one of these sweet pretzels at a bakery if you want to try the traditional treat!
8. They Burn Away Winter
Another awesome holiday is Buergbrennen when the young people of Luxembourg light fires and burn effigies to signify they are fed up with the winter chill!
Buergen are typically built by young people who also organize a procession from their village to the Buerg, and torch it in front of the cheering crowd.
9. Fuesent Carnival Season
Carnival season (known as Fuesent) is the greatest time of year to enjoy traditional sweet treats. One of the most popular foods is Verwurrelter or Verwurrelt Gedanken which are fried pastries glazed with icing sugar.
10. Tagging Graffiti is an Art Form
Graffiti is controversial and many believe it’s simply the defacement of public property.
Tagging, or spray painting surfaces, was illegal in Luxembourg for many years but in the last 20 years has come to be a celebrated part of the culture.
Spaces have been specifically created for taggers to display their art and some are paid for it too!
11. Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland
The Natur & Geopark Mëllerdall is one of Luxembourg’s nature reserves and is located along the German border. This area has stunning rock formations, sensational panoramic views, and steep mountain slopes that overlook lush forests and valleys.
It earned the name Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland because you might think you were enjoying a Swiss landscape here!
12. Luxembourg Nightlife Is Incredible
Luxembourg has a surprising nightlife scene. English and Irish pubs can be found everywhere along with cafes, restaurants, and places to enjoy performances such as Neumunster Abbey Cultural Exchange Centre.
Clubs such as Melusina have an international reputation and you can keep the party going until the wee hours of the morning.
If you’re bored after dark, simply hit the cobblestones streets – you’re sure to find something to do!
13. Prime Minister with Same-Sex Partner
The first leader in the European Union to have a same-sex marriage was Xavier Bettel, Luxembourg’s Prime Minister. They got married in 2015!
14. Luxembourg Has Just One Gold Medal
Thanks to Josy Barthel, Luxembourg has one gold medal to its name. The Olympic swimmer won the men’s 1500 meter in the 1952 Summer Olympic Games.
15. Cuisine Combines French and German
Luxembourgish food combines French and German influences into something unique and beautiful.
This type of fusion has stunning results. Rieslingspaschtéit (wine and meat pie) is a favorite dish, as well as the national dish Judd mat Gaardebounen which features broad beans and pork.
You also can’t beat the Quetschentaart (plum tart) for dessert!
16. Visit Roman Ruins in Luxembourg
The oldest city in the country is Echternach, which has ancient roots and was once the location of a Benedectine Abbey.
The outskirts of the city have the remains of an expansive Roman Villa which is a favorite attraction for historians and tourists.
17. Home of 100 Castles
If you enjoy castles – Luxembourg is an awesome place to visit. Home to over 100 castles and châteaus, a great deal of the buildings are in decent shape and open to the public!
Some of the most popular castles are:
- The Grand-Ducal Palace
- Vianden Castle
- Beaufort Castle
- Bourscheid Castle
18. Public Transportation is Free
In a classy move, Luxembourg was the first country to give public transportation for free to everyone traveling within the nation.
Fees only apply if you want to visit Germany, France, or Belgium, or just travel in first class.
19. Defensive Underground Shelters and Cannons
Luxembourg City has hidden tunnels beneath the city streets Bock and Pétrusse casemates. These underground tunnels (some with cannons) were built between 1644 and 1700 and were later used as air-raid shelters during WWII.
The defenses were so impressive that Luxembourg was given the nickname “Gibraltar of the North”. 17 kilometers if the tunnels remain to this day and are open to the public.