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SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS |
Catch up on history, take in an art exhibition, pick up some fine china, and end the day on a hearty note with a generous portion of wild boar as you sip a glass of Pinot Noir. Jump on a “Hop On-Hop Off” tour bus – commentaries are given in seven languages – to experience the full flavor of Luxembourg City. Here’s a sampling of the colorful Sights and Attractions that make Luxembourg a must-see destination.
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BACK IN TIME - HISTORY AND LANDMARKS
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Long for Yesterday
Travel back in time as you witness 1,000 years of history in a mere 100 minutes. The Wenzel Walk takes you through Luxembourg’s oldest quarters, allowing you to experience the culture and history of this rich city. Its oldest sections were declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Among other fascinating sights, you’ll view the Bock Promontory; Castle Bridge, built in 1735 from red sandstone; and the Church of St. Ulric, the city’s oldest parish church. To learn more about the development of this multi-faceted city, history enthusiasts can view audio-visual programs in the archeological crypt of the Bock Promontory and in the Jacob Tower.
CONTACT:
Luxembourg City Tourist Office
B.P. 181, L – 2011 Luxembourg
30, place Guillaume II, L – 1648 Luxembourg
Tel.: (352) 22 28 09
Fax: (352) 46 70 70
touristinfo@lcto.lu
www.lcto.lu/ |
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That’s History
Get the inside scoop on military operations in the Ardennes at The National Museum of Military History in Diekirch, which emerged from the Diekirch Historical Museum. The Museum offers an in-depth education about the Battle of the Bulge in Luxembourg. There’s an extensive collection of weapons, uniforms, military equipment, along with soldiers’personal belongings, photographs, and maps. Another part of the museum caters to the history of Luxembourg’s own armed forces.
CONTACT:
The National Museum of Military History
10, Bamertal – L-9209 Diekirch
Telephone: (352) 80 89 08
Fax: (352) 80 47 19
Web site: www.nat-military-museum.lu |
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In Remembrance
The General Patton Memorial Museum in Ettelbruck contains more than 1,000 photographs and documents pertaining to the German invasion in May 1940, the period of occupation of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg, and the liberation of the country by American troops in September 1944. You’ll find weapons and equipment that were discovered or excavated on the Ardennes battlefield. Take a photo next to the larger-than-life size statue of General George S. Patton Jr., commander of the 3rd U.S. Army, whose troops liberated the town of Ettelbruck on December 25, 1944. Many have come to know Ettelbruck as “Patton Town.”
CONTACT:
General Patton Memorial Museum
L-9054 Ettelbruck
Telephone: (352) 81 03 22 |
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Just in Case
Wind your way through a network of several levels of underground fortifications dating back to 1644 that are known as the Bock Casemates. Originally 14 miles of underground defensive passageways, some as deep as 131 feet, the casemates have earned the title of “Gibralter of the North.” The archeological crypt is the site of an audiovisual presentation conveying the history of this massive site, deemed the cradle of Luxembourg. It’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
CONTACT:
Luxembourg City Tourist Office
Place d’Armes P.O. Box 181
L-2011 Luxembourg
Telephone: (352) 22 28 09
Fax: (352) 46 70 70
Email: touristinfo@lcto.lu
Web site: www.lcto.lu |
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Making a Splash
Overlooking the River Our, you’ll find the bold, brilliant, and skillfully restored Vianden Castle (photo above). Enter this enchanting 11th century gem to admire antique weaponry and armour, ornate furniture, and Gobelin tapestry. Afterwards, stroll through the charming medieval town of Vianden with its gothic churches, quaint lanes, and fortified towers. French Writer Victor Hugo stayed in Vianden during his exile. Stop by the newly renovated Victor Hugo House – operating as a museum since 1935 - where you’ll find original works and furniture, along with other personal documents. As you approach the museum, look for Rodin’s famous bust of Victor Hugo.
City Slickers
In the heart of the old part of the city, the Luxembourg City History Museum reveals the city’s history through original objects and through interactive multi-media technology. Check out the scale models depicting the city’s evolution from the 10th century and onwards. Be sure to inquire about special exhibitions on display.
CONTACT:
Luxembourg City History Museum
14, rue du St-Espirit
L-2090 Luxembourg
Telephone: (352) 4796-4500
Fax: (352) 47 17 07
Web site: www.musee-hist.lu |
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Swan Lake
The ruins of the Beaufort Castle in Echternach are a great tribute to medieval times. The 12th century feudal case is situated near a lovely lake graced with delicate swans. For more daring visitors, there’s even a torture chamber. Summertime brings plays and concerts to this cherished area.
Show Me the Money
The Bank Museum (Musee du Banque) offers a golden history - nearly 150 years - of banking from the good ol' piggy bank to the ATM. There's even an exhibit about bank robbers. You won't need to use the ATM (or your piggy bank) - admission is free.
CONTACT:
Musee de Banque
1 Place de Metz
Telephone: (352) 40 15 59 03 |
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In Flight
Nature lovers will delight in the brilliance of the Butterfly Garden in Grevenmacher. In just a single visit to this unique hothouse, you’ll discover everything you need to know about butterfly species from all over the world. You’ll even find exotic tropical plants. If you time it right, you may very well witness butterfly births in the “hatchery.”
CONTACT:
Butterfly Garden
Route de Vin
Grevenmacher
Telephone: (352) 75 85 39
Fax: (352) 75 06 06
Web Site: www.butterfly.lu |
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The Power of Faith
Where else but Luxembourg can you view world-class photography inside a 12th century feudal castle selected by UNESCO for inscription on the “Memory of the World Register.” Created by Luxembourg-born Edward J. Steichen, “The Family of Man” is now a permanent exhibition at the Castle of Clervaux that boasts more than 500 black & white photos by 273 photographs from 68 countries. The theme of this powerful imagery is love and faith. Before its arrival to the Castle, the photos were on display at New York City’s Museum of Modern Art, where Steichen served as Director of Photography from 1947 through 1962. He organized “The Family of Man” collection while holding this position.
CONTACT:
The Family of Man at the Castle of Clervaux
L-9712 Clervaux
Telephone: (352) 92 96 57
Fax: (352) 92 96 58
Web site: www.cna.lu |
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Modern Art
Conceived by I.M. Pei, The Musee d’Art Moderne Grand-Duc Jean opened its doors in 2006. The collection will boast 200 works of art – from the 1980s to the present – by more than 100 artists from around the world.
CONTACT:
Musee d'Art Moderne Grand-Duc Jean
Web site: www.mudam.lu
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More, More, More...
For a comprehensive listing of Luxembourg City’s museums and exhibitions, visit www.statermuseeen.lu.
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A Bottle of White
Dry white wines are a big draw for the Moselle Valley (photo above). For starters, order a glass of Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, or Elbling. Take a guided tour and participate in wine tastings at the numerous wine cellars in this scenic and fresh region.
CONTACT:
Web site: www.bernard-massard.lu and www.vinsmoselle.lu
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Health Is Wealth
At Mondorf le Domain Thermal, relax at Europe’s most modern and expansive spa situated near a magnificent park in Mondorf-les-Bains that is truly a greenery wonderland with its rich assortment of plants, woodlands, and well-manicured lawns. Get medicinal benefits from a mineral spring that’s 25 degrees Celsius. Let a fitness coach devise an exercise regimen to meet your unique needs. Wellness is king here with 70 weekly classes and a generous supply of cardio equipment and weights. Head for the climbing wall or to the squash courts. There’s also a Sauna Pavilion complete with Turkish bath, sauna, footbaths and whirlpool. Let your worries just float away. Mondorf-les-Baines is also home to Casino 2000, Luxembourg’s only casino. First-class restaurants are also on the premise so dress accordingly.
CONTACT:
Mondorf Le Club
Avenue des Baines
B.P 52, L-5601
Mondorf-les-Bains
Telephone: (352) 23 66 60
Fax: (352) 23 66 10 93
Web site: www.mondorf.lu
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Star Performances
Luxembourg has more Michelin-star (13-star) restaurants per capita than any other country in the world. Many describe the country’s cuisine as a blend of French finesse and German heartiness. Local dishes include “Judd matt Gaardebounen” (smoked collar of pork with broad beans), “Friture de la Moselle” (small deep fried river fish), “Pike in Riesling Sauce,” “Ardennes Ham,” “Wild Boar,” among other sumptuous specialties. Don’t forget to order a side of sausage and sauerkraut, and a bottle of wine. Or, opt for a beer, preferably Diekirch, Mousel, or Bofferding. Top it off with a cup of Luxembourg’s fine coffee and a slice of cake at one of the city’s many patisseries.
CONTACT:
Web site: www.restaurant.lu
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Table Talk
For nearly 250 years, Villeroy & Boch has set the scene for elegant meals. You’ll see the finest antique porcelain on display as you discover the inner workings of this household name in fine china. And, they haven’t stopped spinning their wheels. Choose from a vast selection of tableware, crystal, and cutlery - in a wide variety of patterns, shapes, and colors - that will certainly add a touch of class to any recipe.
CONTACT:
Villeroy & Boch
Faiencerie Septfontaines
Visitor’s Centre
330, rue de Rollingergrund
L-1018 Luxembourg
Telephone: (352) 46821359
Fax: (352) 461553
Web Site: www.villeroy-boch.com/en/
Well Worth It
Roam through the upscale boutiques in the Old City spotlighting clothes from European designers, along with galleries selling fine art. There’s also an abundance of souvenir shops brimming with handcrafted items, porcelain plates, paintings, and other items that are sure to bring a smile to the folks back home.
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One Step at a Time
Luxembourg is a hiker’s paradise, and there are countless opportunities to witness its many assets on foot. This is especially true in “Little Switzerland", a region with a network of marked trails that allows hikers to embark on peaceful strolls or opt for more challenging routes with rope-climbing and bold cliffs. There are also unique rock formations, awe-inspiring waterfalls, and delightful valleys. The Good Land is another area ripe for walkers who want to stroll along the Attert or Eisch rivers, or just meander from village to village. Brilliant apple trees and orchards are in full bloom every spring.
Spinning Wheels
The Ardennes region (photo above) is ideal for mountain bikers who want to feast their eyes on the marvels of this scenic region. Whether your emphasis is on strenuous exercise or an easy ride , you can choose from fifteen routes. Routes vary with intensity so you’re sure to find something that suits your fitness level. Each route, ranging from 6.2 to 26 miles long, is clearly marked with user-friendly signage revealing the highlights of each specific route. There are even routes specifically designed for kids. The Ardennes is also a great place for avid hikers.
CONTACT:
Editions Guy Binsfeld
14, Place de Parc
B.P. 2773
L-1027 Luxembourg
Telephone: (352) 49 68-1
Fax: (352) 40 76 09
Web site: Visit www.editionsguybinsfeld.lu to purchase cycling booklets, along with other tourist publications.
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Stay On Track with the Luxembourg Card
Reap the expansive rewards of the one, two, or three day Luxembourg Card, available to parties from one to five individuals. In addition to access to public-transportation throughout Luxembourg (including trains and buses on the National Public Transport network), you’ll get free or reduced admission to more than 50 popular attractions, such as Bock Casemates, “The Family of Man” exhibition, Victor Hugo Museum, and the Butterfly Garden. Get a 30 percent discount on sightseeing coaches, too. The card, offered year round, can be purchased at designated tourist offices, hotels, campsites, and youth hostels, along with certain railway and bus stations. For additional information on the Luxembourg Card, visit the The Luxembourg National Tourist Office at www.ont.lu/card-en.html. Another option available year-round is the La Carte-Musee, which is good for three days and can only be used in Luxembourg City.
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copyright © 2008 Luxembourg National Tourist Office in the United States
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