The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is an independent sovereign state, tucked between Belgium, France and Germany. It is 51 miles long and 36 miles wide, encompassing an area of 999 square miles with a population of 405,000 inhabitants (in 1996).
The country is divided into two clearly defined regions: -The "Eisléck" or "Oesling" in the north, which is part of the Ardennes, covers one-third of the territory. It is a wooded country of great scenic beauty. Highest point: 1823 feet. -The "Good country" in the Center and the South, covering the remaining 68 % of the territory, is mainly rolling farmland and woods. Average height: 900 feet. Culminating point 1400 feet. It is bordered in the East by the wine-producing valley of the Moselle, and in the extreme South West by a narrow strip of "Red Earth" which forms the Luxembourg iron- ore basin.
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The Ardennes:
High forested plateaux, deep valleys, rivers and lakes, numerous feudal castles and fortifications bear witness to the rich past of this region.
The Luxembourg Ardennes,called "Eisleck" in Luxembourgish, spreads its charms all over the North of the Grand Duchy.
Clervaux is located in the deep and narrow valley in the midsts of the Ardennes. The Benedictine Abbey overlooks the valley of the river Clerve. The feudal castle houses among other exhibits, the "Family of Man" photo collection and a WW II Museum.
The Vianden Castle, ( 7th Century ) skillfully restored dominates the delightful, lively small town by the river Our. The Counts of Vianden, whose earldoms covered as large a territory as that of today's Grand Duchy, left a highly precious cultural and historical inheritance. This superb manor, where one can admire antique weaponry and armour, magnificient furniture and Gobelin Tapestry, draws us back to the times of the crusades, the wars of succession and family quarrels, typical for the Middle Ages.
Luxembourg City:
The Grand Duchy's Capital is the center of the good Land. Founded in 963 by Count Siegfried, became one of the most powerful fortresses of Europe. The excavations on the bock Promontory, the Casemates and the ruins of the fortifications are listed as World Heritage by UNESCO.
Walk through the narrow streets and ravines of the old town, over bridges and under watch-towers, along ramparts, on the remains of one of the most powerful fortresses in Europe, once called Gibraltar of the North. Walk through the casemates, kilometers of narrow subterranean tunnels cut deep in the rock to give the besieged inhabitants and troops shelter. Pedestrian shopping zones, wide avenues, historical squares; rose gardens and porches are Luxembourg-City's major touristic assets.
Enjoy the atmosphere of the out-door cafes on the Place d'Armes and Place Guillaume and the fine restaurants to suit all pockets.
Visit museums, concerts and theaters or mingle with the local population in well known taverns and pubs.
Mullerthal:
Literally meaning " Miller's Valley", is a small delightful region in the East of the Grand Duchy. Famous for its many scenic hiking trails, unusual rock formations and pristine nature.
The "Moellerdall" region, often referred to as Luxembourg’s "Little Switzerland"is a hiker’s paradise. Its extensive network of valleys, rugged cliffs, romantic waterfalls contribute to the region’s favorite tourist attractions. Numerous archeological finds are proof that the area was already inhabited by Stone Age Man.
Cultural and folklore events abound in the region. The medieval town of ECHTERNACH on the banks of the river Sure at the entrance to the "Moellerdall" attracts thousands of visitors each year on Whit Tuesday. Here takes place the famous DANCING PROCESSION, a religious event during which the participants dance to an ancient haunting tune in honor of the patron Saint Willibrord. The procession winds through narrow copplestone streets along old patrician houses and ancient ramparts The 12th Century feudal castle of BEAUFORT in the "Moellerdall" is a fun place to visit. The romantic setting of the castle complete with a lake, swans and torture chamber delight young and old. Cassis liqueur, made from black currant, is a Beaufort specialty which can be tasted when visiting the castle.
Land of the Red Rocks:
The prosperity of the Grand Duchy came from the red earth, in which a mineral rich in iron, was mined. The industrial Patrimony testifies men's activities of former times. In the abandoned quarries caused by men, nature took back what belonged to it. . Esch-sur-Alzette, the second largest town in the country, has an established reputation as business center and, thanks to its many art-deco houses, as an architectural gem. Well-known for the local theater and its numerous expositions.
The development of the iron and steel industry brought affluence, even wealth to the country.
Thanks to its diversity and the composition of its color, the scenery of the mining area becomes a pleasure to the explorer's eyes as he wanders through town and villages.
Extensive hiking trails run through scenic wooded areas, over rugged plateaux and stretches of grassland. The regions major cities are Esch-sur-Alzette and Dudelange.
Impressive mansions, in the purest of Art Nouveau and Art Deco style, were built along the roads. Their facades, adorned with masks and rosettes, bear witness of the prosperity.
Moselle:
The Moselle river already enchanted the Roman Poets some 2000 years ago. Today, the river region attracts many visitors for the quality of its wine and gastronomy, quaint romantic wine growers villages. Guided tours and wine tasting in the cooperatrive cellars along the river.
The delightful scenery of the Moselle region flourished already under Roman rule when wine growing was introduced in the Valley. Today almost three thousand two hundred acres are devoted to wine growing. Guided tours and wine tasting in numerous wine cellars are a favorite past-time for visitors. In Spring and Fall, the Moselle area is host to many grape and wine festivals with folklore parades. These are fun loving events with concerts and dancing, fully enjoyed by young and old. Delightful restaurants will satisfy even the most gourmet minded. "Friture" (small fried fish) is a favorite of the region.
Mondorf-les-Bains offers a beautiful park, a modern thermal health resort, fitness centers and saunas. The Thermal installations which rank among the most modern, are fed by springs supplying a very mineralized water used in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders and rheumatism. The sports club includes among others a climbing wall, squash and tennis courts. Throughout the year, Mondorf-les-Bains offers a wide choice of attractions including world renowned tennis, fencing and archery tournaments.The nearby Casino 2000 (French and American Roulette, Black Jack, Slot machines) provides a variety of weekly entertainment including music and dancing.
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