Destination:
Luxembourg

Overview

It is easy to overlook the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, a tiny little country dwarfed between its neighbours France, Germany and Belgium, when planning a tour of Europe. If it is thought of at all, it is probably as a rather unexciting place full of important banking institutions and European Union bureaucrats. This little country is, however, located at the crossroads of several major highways, and if you are going to travel through it, don't hesitate to stop awhile and probe behind the glass office blocks and official buildings to find a land of fascinating medieval fortresses, rolling woodlands, sun-drenched castles, and quaint villages.

The entire country is only 51 miles (85km) long and 32 miles (52km) wide, but there is a lot in this small package. The Ardennes region is hilly, densely forested and dotted with medieval castles, best known for being the site of the World War II Battle of the Bulge. The Mullerthal area is great for hiking with its curious sandstone rock formations among waterfalls and forest, the Moselle wine-growing region is picturesque and famed for its white wines, and Luxembourg City has grown up around an ancient fortified citadel in a setting that is unique and strangely beautiful. As if that were not enough to attract attention, bear in mind that the Grand Duchy also has more Michelin-starred restaurants per capita than any other country in the world.

Luxembourg's long history is concerned mainly with warding off and withstanding invasion, occupation and siege, which is perhaps why its people seem a little more conservative than their neighbours, with a national motto that reads: 'We want to remain what we are'. However Luxembourgers do enjoy their traditional parades and processions, and there are some jolly bars and cafes in the city where beer flows with good cheer.

Basics

Electricity
220 volts, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are used.

Language
The official language in Luxembourg is Letzeburgesch, a conglomerate German/French dialect. French and German are commonly used, and English is widely spoken.

Health
No vaccination certificates are required for entry to Luxembourg, and there are no health risks associated with travel to the country. British citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), in order to qualify for free emergency medical treatment. Medical insurance is recommended.

Tipping
Hotel and restaurant bills generally include a service charge in Luxembourg. Porters and doormen in smarter hotels appreciate a tip of EUR1 to EUR2 and taxi drivers expect a tip of around 10%.

Safety
Travel to and around Luxembourg is very safe and trouble free. Take normal precautions against pick-pockets and petty theft.

Customs
Luxembourg's motto is " Mir wëlle bleiwe, war mir sin" - which means, "We want to remain what we are." This idea gives potential visitors to Luxembourg a good idea of what to expect: a society with a proud and stable culture, closed off to foreign influences, and marked by formal (even ceremonial) social interactions. European visitors will find Luxembourg's social milieu to be very similar to that of France or Germany, although perhaps with a greater suspicion of spontaneity to boot. Be sure not to put your feet up on tables or chairs, or to point your finger when referring to someone, as this is considered rude. Body language is generally quite muted in Luxembourg, and it is considered impolite to inquire about someone's private affairs unless you know them well.

Business
Business in Luxembourg is usually conducted in French, though some German and English is also used. Translators are readily available, but some effort at speaking French will be appreciated. Business tends to be conducted formally, beginning with a handshake and an exchange of business cards. Punctuality is essential. Dress is formal, with a suit and tie the norm. Surnames and titles are usually used. Luxembourgers are polite and cautious, and it is important to build personal relationships. Business hours are usually 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, often closing for an hour at lunch.

Communications
The country code for Luxembourg is +352. The outgoing code is 00, which is followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are not in use. The country is amply covered by GSM mobile phone networks and there are several Internet cafes in Luxembourg city.

Duty Free
Travellers over 17 years arriving from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g tobacco, or a proportional mix of these; 1 litre spirits with alcohol content higher than 22%, or 2 litres dessert wine not exceeding 22% and sparkling wine, and 2 litres table wine; perfume up to 50g or 250ml eau de toilette. Other goods include beer, gift items and souvenirs to the value of EUR175 per adult or EUR90 for children below 15 years. Providing goods are bought for personal use, there are no restrictions on carrying tobacco and alcohol between the 15 original countries of the EU (including the UK), with the exception of Finland, Denmark and Sweden.

Currency

The currency in Luxembourg is the Euro (EUR), which is divided into 100 cents. Foreign currency and travellers cheques can be exchanged at all Luxembourg banks and bureaux de change, as well as the airport and post office Major hotels will also exchange cheques and currency, though rates are high. Major credit cards are widely accepted.

EUR 1 =

US$ 1.27

£ 0.83

C$ 1.29

A$ 1.23

R 10.70

EUR 1.00

NZ$ 1.60

Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

Health

Health Overview
No vaccination certificates are required for entry to Luxembourg, and there are no health risks associated with travel to the country. British citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), in order to qualify for free emergency medical treatment. Medical insurance is recommended.

Visa

Americans


UK nationals


Canadians


Australians


South Africans


Irish nationals


New Zealanders

Passport/Visa Note
The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries. Additionally, passengers not having visible means of support, and those who are suspected of being a danger to public security, tranquillity or order may be refused entry to Luxembourg. Moreover, it is advised that non-EEA passengers hold return or onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, as refusal of entry upon arrival can lead to serious difficulties and costs for passengers and transporting airlines. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

Contacts

Luxembourg Tourism
Luxembourg Tourist Office: +352 428 2820 or www.ont.lu.

Foreign Embassies in Luxembourg

Luxembourg Embassies

Regions and Cities

Luxembourg-Ville

In the early morning haze Luxembourg City is reminiscent of an ancient fairytale city, with its towers and turrets. The old centre of town, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, can trace its history back to the 10th century, when Siegfried, Count of the Ardennes, built a castle on a rock above the Alzette River. He named the castle Lucilinburhuc. Over the centuries the castle and surrounding town was strengthened with numerous additional fortifications, walls and gates until it became known as the 'Gibraltar of the North'. Today the various components of the fortress are the city's chief tourist attraction. There are some other interesting sights in the old centre of town too, including several museums.

Modern Luxembourg on the plateau du Krichberg is more concerned with business than pleasure, as the work of a major international financial centre goes on inside the many modern office complexes in the area. Luxembourg has the highest number of banks of any city in Europe, and it is also home to numerous European Union institutions. The European Council of Ministers holds their sessions in the city for three months every year, and the European Court of Justice presides here too.

Moselle

The Moselle Valley is a region in eastern Luxembourg that has been promoted as a wine-growing region since the 19th century and has developed an important tourist industry around its renown as a rural idyll.

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg shares its important asset with neighbouring Germany - the wide, navigable Moselle River, tributary of the Rhine. Along the Luxembourg riverbanks are vineyards that produce a wine which connoisseurs rate as among the best in the Moselle Valley. A wine tour through the quiet villages and wine cellars of the region is a scenic and relaxing experience.