Luxembourg – A Quick & Quirky Guide
Official name: Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (Groussherzogtum Lëtzebuerg / Grand-Duché de Luxembourg / Großherzogtum Luxemburg)
Area: ~2,586 km² – tiny but mighty (yes, it’s smaller than Rhode Island)
Population: ~660,000 (2024)
Location: Western Europe, bordered by Belgium, France, and Germany
Form of government: Constitutional monarchy + parliamentary democracy
Head of State: Grand Duke Henri
Head of Government: Prime Minister Xavier Bettel
Capital city: Luxembourg City – ~130,000
Time zone: Central European Time (UTC+1 / +2 in summer)
Official languages: Luxembourgish, French, German
Currency: Euro (€)
EU member: Yes, founding member
Schengen area: Yes
Top 10 Largest Cities (population approx.)
- Luxembourg City – ~130,000
- Esch-sur-Alzette – ~36,000
- Differdange – ~26,000
- Dudelange – ~21,000
- Ettelbruck – ~10,000
- Diekirch – ~7,000
- Strassen – ~8,500
- Bertrange – ~7,500
- Remich – ~5,500
- Grevenmacher – ~5,000
Popular Tourist Cities & Regions
- Luxembourg City: Old Town, casemates (fortified tunnels), and panoramic views.
- Vianden: Castle straight out of a fairy tale.
- Echternach: Medieval streets and famous dancing procession festival.
- Moselle Valley: Vineyards and wine tasting along the river.
- Clervaux: Castle, museum, and charming village atmosphere.
Climate
Temperate oceanic: mild summers (20–25 °C), cool winters (0–5 °C), and regular rain. Perfect for exploring castles or sipping wine by the Moselle.
Culture & Daily Life
- Multilingual society: French, German, and Luxembourgish spoken daily — switch languages like a pro!
- Festivals: Wine, music, and medieval events.
- Castles galore: History lovers rejoice.
- Friendly locals: Small country, big hospitality.
Food & Drink
- Local dishes: Judd mat Gaardebounen (pork with broad beans), Bouneschlupp (green bean soup).
- Pastries & sweets: Quetschentaart (plum tart), pralines, and buttery treats.
- Beverages: Moselle wines, local beers, coffee culture.
- International influence: French, German, and Belgian cuisines everywhere.
Summary
Luxembourg may be small, but it packs castles, riverside vineyards, and history into a compact package. Luxembourg City dazzles with its fortifications, Vianden feels like a storybook, and the Moselle valley is a wine lover’s paradise. Perfect for short trips, scenic drives, or just soaking up the quiet charm of Europe’s little giant.