The (unknown) Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

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Neumunster Abbey

Neumunster Abbey

The first thing that comes to mind when we think of Luxembourg If this ever happens, it is because it is a tax haven where the finances and officials of the European Union flourish. A scene that does not sound appealing to a large number of tourists.

Perhaps this is one of the best assets of this small and prosperous country of only half a million inhabitants, whose mere existence can be considered a miracle, having successfully managed to survive as Buffer state between France, Germany and Belgium, and that today is full of little gems that deserve to be discovered.

Vianden Castle

Vianden Castle

THE CITY OF LUXEMBOURG

It is located at the confluence of the Alzette and Pétrusse rivers , in the south of the country, and yes, capital and country have the same name. Founded in 963 with the construction of a castle owned by Sigifred I of Ardenne, Its walls and fortifications in the old town earned it recognition from UNESCO in 1994 as World Heritage.

An excellent example of the defensive nature of the capital are the Casemates of the Pétrusse, some secret tunnels built by the Spanish in the 17th century in order to hide the movement of troops.

Much of Luxembourg's charm lies in the Chemin de la Corniche , a considered pedestrian promenade “the most beautiful balcony in Europe”, that zigzags along the 17th-century ramparts, providing views of the river canyon and fortifications.

It is also essential to get lost in the ancient walls of the Place de la Constitution and the alleys old town , around the Palais Grand-Ducal . The Place Guillaume II , dominated by neoclassical Hotel de Ville, It is the heart of the capital.

Chemin de la Corniche

Chemin de la Corniche

The multicultural and cosmopolitan character of the capital, 70% of its inhabitants are foreigners of 167 different nationalities , and the high purchasing power has contributed to raising not only the number but also the level of the gastronomic offer. Luxembourg is currently the city with the highest number of Michelin stars per inhabitant worldwide.

MOSELLA VALLEY

Luxembourg's gastronomic offer is always accompanied by an extensive list of locally produced wines in the Moselle valley , which we will not easily find abroad despite its good reputation.

The reason is that Luxembourgers are thirsty, the country is the second largest consumer of wine per capita globally, only behind the vatican , and the local production does not arrive to supply the great demand.

the moselle it is the longest tributary of the Rhine (560 kilometers). born in the Vosges massif in France and, after passing through Luxembourg, enters Germany to empty into the Rhine. The wine It has been part of the culture of the valley for 2,000 years, when the Romans began to cultivate vines on the slopes, creating terraces between which the river runs, giving the valley a singular beauty.

The most widespread strain is rivaner , but there are also other varieties such as pinot gris, riesling, pinot blanc, elbling and pinot noir.

the moselle valley

the moselle valley

Along the banks of the Moselle there are cycle paths that allow visit this region by bike , perhaps the most sensible option if we want to stop taste wines in one of the vineyards that open their doors to the public such as: ** Cep D'or, Mon Vieux Moulin and Dominique Henri Ruppert.**

One of the most popular, without a doubt, is the cream, a sparkling wine similar to champagne but with fewer bubbles and lighter.

MULLERTHAL: THE LITTLE SWITZERLAND

Often known as the Little Switzerland of Luxembourg, müllerthal owes its name to **its mountainous landscape reminiscent of Switzerland**. This little traveled region is ideal to enjoy nature as it is full of sandstone formations, streams, caves, waterfalls and lush forests.

It is an ideal place for hiking enthusiasts since Mullerthal can be traversed along the 112 kilometers of roads signposted. If we prefer to discover the landscape on two wheels, we will have hundreds of kilometers at our disposal because the old train tracks have been converted into cycle paths.

If we choose this option, we will not have to deprive ourselves of a good meal, since the old train stations have also been transformed into breweries where craft beer is made and you can enjoy a local meal, such as in the Becher Gare, located in Bech and which also has excellent views.

The famous Schiessentümpel Mullerthal waterfall

The famous Schiessentümpel waterfall, Mullerthal

THE ARDENNES

The Luxembourg Ardennes occupy almost a third of the country and they are the continuation of the Belgian region of the same name but somewhat more depopulated, which is perceived as soon as you cross the border. This area offers a landscape full of wooded hills, slate roofs and valleys where sinuous rivers run.

The castles rise on the heights and dominate the Sure Valley, highlighting those of Vianden and Bourscheid. It is also here where two of the most important nature reserves in the country are located: the Natural Park of Our and that of Haute-Sûre.

The town of Clervaux welcome permanently the photographic sample most visited in history The family of Man. A collection made up of 503 photographs by 273 authors (of 68 nationalities), some well known as Robert Capa, Dorothea Lange or Robert Doisneau.

The idea of ​​displaying a fresco on humanity came from a Luxembourger: **Edward Steichen, director of MoMA's photography department ** between 1946 and 1961, who intended to offer a portrait of humanity , emphasizing not only the coincidences between men, but also their belonging to a common family. An important thing to remember in a region that has gone down in history for the well-known battle that took place during World War II.

Clervaux

Clervaux

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