A Little Bit Lux: Shona Explores Luxembourg
I was lucky enough to be invited on a FAM trip hosted by Luxair & Visit Luxembourg, where we spent 3 nights in Luxembourg, flying over from Edinburgh with the new Luxair route. If you’re looking for a European getaway that combines beautiful scenery, fascinating history, great food and a little bit of luxury, Luxembourg should definitely be on your list.
Flying to Luxembourg with Luxair
The flight from Edinburgh with Luxair was so relaxed. There’s something quite nostalgic about being served lunch and refreshments on board rather than grabbing a snack from the trolley. A particularly nice touch, we were given a sweet just before landing – perfect for helping those ears pop after the flight!
Where We Stayed: Mama Shelter Luxembourg
For our 3 nights in Luxembourg, we stayed at Mama Shelter Luxembourg. Located in the Kirchberg district, getting to the hotel was easier than ever thanks to the city’s free public transport. Yes, you read that correctly!
Kirchberg is known as Luxembourg’s business district, but don’t let that put you off. I found it to be a peaceful and comfortable area to stay, away from some of the busier parts of the city. If you prefer somewhere a little quieter while still being well connected, I’d definitely recommend considering Kirchberg. The bedrooms at the hotel were spacious, comfortable and full of quirky touches. The decor had plenty of personality, with amusing details that made the room feel fun and different from your typical hotel.
Day One: Exploring Luxembourg City
Our first full day was all about exploring Luxembourg City on foot, taking in some of its most interesting sights and discovering a few of its beautiful neighbourhoods along the way.
Museum of Modern Art & Fort Thüngen
We started our sightseeing at the Museum of Modern Art and Fort Thüngen, an area that combines Luxembourg’s history with its more modern architectural side.
One of the highlights was the Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge, commonly known as the ‘Red Bridge’. Opened in 1966 and named after Grand Duchess Charlotte, the bridge is one of Luxembourg’s most recognisable landmarks.
Discovering Pfaffenthal
We then wandered through Pfaffenthal, one of the most picturesque districts in Luxembourg. With its charming streets and historic surroundings, it felt like stepping into a completely different side of the city. We made our way to the elevator, which took us up towards the stunning city park.
Luxembourgish Lunch
Having worked up quite the appetite, we had a delicious lunch at a traditional Luxembourgish restaurant. On the menu was a traditional dish called Wäinzoossiss and Kniddelen. We of course had to try the local Crémant and apple pie too. Well earned if you ask me!
Palais Grand-Ducal & The City Centre
Next, we headed towards the Palais Grand-Ducal, the official residence of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, and the nearby Ministry of Foreign Affairs. From there, we continued to Place de Clairefontaine, one of the city’s most recognisable squares.
We also spotted the Golden Lady, one of Luxembourg’s most famous monuments. Officially known as the Monument of Remembrance, the golden statue stands high above the city and has become one of its defining landmarks.
Dinner at Häerz
After a busy day exploring, it was time for dinner. We headed to Häerz, where we enjoyed a lovely evening meal.
Day Two: Castles, Lunch & Cider
Our second day took us outside Luxembourg City and into the countryside for a completely different experience.
Vianden Castle
First stop was Vianden Castle, one of Luxembourg’s most spectacular sights. Perched high above the town of Vianden, the castle looks like something straight out of a fairytale. The surrounding scenery makes the journey worthwhile too, with beautiful views across the valley. It was definitely one of the highlights of our trip and somewhere I’d recommend adding to any Luxembourg itinerary.
After exploring the castle, we stopped for a lovely lunch before continuing the day.
Cider Tasting with Ramborn
Next up was something a little different. A cider tasting with Ramborn. Ramborn is a Luxembourgish cider producer, and visiting gave us the chance to discover more about the local cider-making tradition and, of course, sample some of the cider for ourselves! It was a really enjoyable experience and a great way to see another side of Luxembourg beyond its castles, museums and historic buildings.
More Food!
After a full day of sightseeing and cider, we finished the day with a delicious traditional dinner. It was the perfect end to another brilliant day in Luxembourg.
Our Luxembourg Getaway
Our time in Luxembourg gave us a mix of city exploring, history, beautiful scenery, great food and a few experiences I wouldn’t necessarily have expected from a short European break.
From the relaxed Luxair flight and quirky comfort of Mama Shelter, to wandering through Pfaffenthal, admiring the views and discovering Luxembourg’s cider scene, there was something different around every corner.
Luxembourg may be small, but there’s certainly plenty to discover. With free public transport, beautiful historic sights, fantastic food and some wonderfully unique places to stay, it’s a destination that’s definitely worth adding to your European travel list.
Thinking about a Luxembourg adventure? To find out more about Luxembourg, or if you’re interested in a similar trip, give the team a call on 0131 243 8098 or send us an email.
