Tuesday 29 September 2015

Photos of Luxembourg We Can’t Stop Looking At


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Luxembourg isn’t one of those travel destinations you hear all of your friends talking about. And that’s exactly what makes this small western European country, also known as the Grand Duchy, so enticing. Luxembourg is a land of unexpected beauty, adventure, history and culture, luring visitors back time and time again. These 38 photos of Luxembourg are ones we can’t seem to stop looking at, and they might just be the inspiration you need to plan a trip there today.

#1. Waterfront Balconies in Luxembourg’s Old Town

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Luxembourg City’s Old Quarters and Fortifications are so attractive and steeped in history that they’ve been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1994. Whenever you’re seeking an escape from the city’s busy Kirchberg district, old-world charm is right nearby.

#2. The Famous Ferris Wheel at Luxembourg’s Christmas Market

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The Christmas Market Luxembourg is a must-see for anyone planning a visit in December. The Place d’Armes, Place de Paris and Place de la Constitution are transformed into a magical Christmas village. The event’s iconic Ferris wheel is the perfect place to get an unbelievable view of the city.

#3. The Place des Martyrs Garden Square in Luxembourg City

Place des Martyrs, Luxembourg
This garden square in Luxembourg City’s quarter of Gare is also known as the Rose Garden for the incredible number of roses planted throughout.

#4. Clervaux, Luxembourg in Winter

Clervaux, Luxembourg, in Winter
Clervaux is a small town and commune in northern Luxembourg that served as the site of the Battle of Clervaux in the Second World War’s Battle of the Bulge. The Clervaux Castle, featuring the Family of Man photo exhibition, is a must-visit site when visiting the town.

#5. Luxembourg’s Gorgeous Lake Echternach

Lake Echternach
Echternach is a gorgeous Luxembourg holiday resort town, and its massive 35 hectare lake surrounded by 375 hectares of forest is the center of many of the town’s outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, rollerblading, swimming, and an array of water sports.

#6. Luxembourg City at Night

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After a long day of sightseeing, Luxembourg’s non-stop nightlife offers visitors a way to let loose. Whether you’re interested in a hole-in-the-wall pub or a happening night club, there’s always a party going on in Luxembourg City.

#7. A Golden Field on a Sunny Day in Luxembourg

Luxembourg Nature
Although Luxembourg’s economy isn’t as reliant on agriculture as it used to be, many agricultural areas still exist around the Moselle River flood plains and the Luxembourg Ardennes. Crops like barley, oats, wheat, potatoes and grapes (for making wine) make for some picturesque country scenes.

#8. Inside the Notre-Dame Cathedral, Luxembourg City

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Luxembourg’s Notre-Dame Cathedral was constructed by the Jesuits between 1613 and 1621, but a number of influences have lead it to be the breathtakingly beautiful sanctuary that it is today. Neo-gothic confessionals, bronze gates by Auguste Trémont, stained glass from the 1800s and numerous other features make this cathedral one of Luxembourg’s most prized attractions.

#9. The Bourscheid Castle in Northeastern Luxembourg

Bourscheid Castle in Luxembourg
The Castle Bourscheid, or Bourscheid Castle, exudes royalty from its stance 150 metres above the Sûre river. The stone castle dates back to around the year 1000 and has undergone countless enlargements and reconstructions since. The castle was acquired by Luxembourg’s government in 1972, and is now open to the public for tours and visits.

#10. A Pier at Lake Echternach

Pier at Lake Echternach in Luxembourg
The city of Echternach is an ideal place for a summer vacation with a full calendar of events during the area’s warmest months. Concerts, festivals, flea markets and other fun outdoor events add to all of the holiday recreation the lake and forest provide.

#11. The Contrast of Old and New in Luxembourg City

View of Luxembourg
Luxembourg City, the country’s capital, has boomed in recent years as one of Europe’s premier banking and administrative centres. But away from the EU buildings and shiny banks is a the city’s more discreet, historical side. Visitors are urged to take in a bit of both atmospheres to gain a true understanding for how unique Luxembourg really is.

#12. The Bourscheid Castle in the Luxembourg Ardennes

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The Luxembourg Ardennes region is home to two national parks and is an ideal place for mountain bikers, hikers and nature lovers of all ages to soak in the beauty of the country.

#13. The Picturesque Town of Ehnen in Southeastern Luxembourg

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Ehnen is a small southeastern Luxembourg town known for its wineries, abstract circular church and famous wine museum. Trails through the town’s vineyards lead to unbelievable views of the Moselle valley.

#14. The Alzette River in Luxembourg City

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The Alzette runs through France and Luxembourg, passing through Luxembourg City, Esch-sur-Alzette and Mersch. The historic houses lining the river in the country’s capital city make for wonderful sightseeing and photo-snapping.

#15. A Fountain Near Luxembourg’s Famous Notre-Dame Cathedral

Fountain near Notre Dame cathedral in Luxembourg
A visitor could spend days dedicated to visiting Luxembourg’s numerous gardens and fountains. This famous fountain is located on the grounds of the Notre-Dame Cathedral.

#16. The Breathtaking Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial

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The 20.4-hectare Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial contains the remains of 5,076 American servicemen, most of whom perished in the Battle of Bulge. The 5,076 white headstones are certainly a sight to see, and with the Sandweiler German War Cemetery just 1.5 kilomtres away, you can visit both in one day.

#17. The Colours of Luxembourg City at Night

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Nights in Luxembourg are just as fun for visitors as the days. Sporting events, concerts, pubs, restaurants, and plenty of great night spots span from the City Centre to Hollerich, giving visitors something to do no matter what time it is.

#18. A Passage Through an Ancient Building to the Fish Market

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Travel back in time through Luxembourg’s historic Passage du Palais. Admire ancient stonework and exposed beams as you make your way to Luxembourg City’s fish market.

#19. The Famous Mullerthal Region, Also Known as Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland

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Luxembourg’s Mullerthal Region is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts. Fascination Rocks is one of the many gorgeous stops along the 112-kilometre-long Mullerthal Trail, which also passes forests, canyons, pastures and a number of unique rock formations. Once you see the region’s beauty for yourself, you’ll understand why it’s known as Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland.

#20. Gorgeous Gardens in Luxembourg’s Old City

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Visiting Luxembourg City is as much about spending time outside as it is exploring museums, galleries, shops and restaurants. The city’s numerous greenspaces are as mesmerizing as the historic sites.

#21. La Rue du Marche-aux-Herbes in Old Town Luxembourg at Night

Rue du Marche-aux-Herbes, Luxembourg city
The famed and historic Rue du Marche-aux-Herbes is home to some of Luxembourg’s favourite bars, restaurants and clubs. Exploring the city’s Old Town at night can be just as rewarding as in the daylight.

#22. One of Many Wrought Iron Street Lamps in Echternach

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The small and picturesque resort town of Echternach offers more than its lake and outdoor scenery. It is the oldest town in Luxembourg, displaying historic beauty and old world architecture in what feels like a town trapped in time.

#23. The Iconic Luxembourg City Hall

Luxembourg Town Hall
The Luxembourg City Hall is more than your average town government building. It’s used as the private office of the city’s mayor, but because of its location in one of Europe’s most influential capitals, it also hosts foreign dignitaries on a regular basis. The neoclassical building in the center of the city’s main square is a must-see for visitors.

#24. The Adolphe Bridge in Luxembourg City

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The prominent Adolphe Bridge, also known as the New Bridge, was constructed in Luxembourg between 1900 and 1903 during the Grand Duke Adolphe’s rule. The bridge’s massive double arch spreads across the Pétrusse valley for 85 metres and is a stunning 42 metres tall. The bridge is currently closed for restorations, but tourists can still admired it from afar.

#25. The Upper-Sûre Lake Near the Small Town of Esch-sur-Sûre

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Just 1 kilometre west of the scenic town of Esch-sur-Sûre is the picturesque Upper-Sûre Natural Park and Upper-Sûre Lake. The 380-hectare lake was dammed in 1961 and now provides drinking water supplies, generates electricity, and a separate large portion of it plays host to leisurely water activities like swimming, canoeing, sailing and windsurfing. Motor boats are not allowed on the lakes, but a trip on a solar boat is a must.

#26. A View of Luxembourg City from the Casemates

View from the Casemates on old Luxembourg City
Luxembourg’s Bock promontory is home to a natural fortification that towers high above the River Alzette. The area is where Count Siegfried constructed his famed Castle of LuciliburhucThe casemates, or Bock Casemates, are a system of underground galleries and passages that have become an extremely popular Luxembourg tourist attraction.

#27. An Early Morning View in Luxembourg

Early morning view in Luxembourg
Whether you’re in the city or countryside, Luxembourg’s fall colours are always impressive. Many fall foliage seekers travel to the country’s famous Mullerthal Trail in the Mullerthal region to see some of the most picturesque fall scenery in all of Europe.

#28. The Vianden Castle in Northern Luxembourg

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Luxembourg’s castles are some of the most beautiful in the world, and they’re some of the largest too. Vianden Castle in northern Luxembourg is one of the most massive fortified castles west of the Rhine river. The Romanesque style castle with Gothic transformations and a Renaissance mansion once fell into ruins, but it has since been restored and opened to the public.

#29. Luxembourg’s Petrusse Casemates

Old bridge in Luxembourg
The Petrusse Casemates date back as far as 1644 when the Spanish reinforced the casemates existing from medieval times. The Petrusse Casemates are one of few fortifications in Luxembourg to have been so well preserved.

#30. An Autumn Sunset in Luxembourg City

Autumn sunset in Luxembourg
The lush green foliage of Luxembourg turns vibrant shades of yellow, red and orange when autumn hits, making it one of the world’s top destinations for travelers seeking photo-worthy fall colors.

#31. Bridge Over the Alzette River in Luxembourg City

Lux 0244 Luxembourg City, Grund, bridge over Alzette river
The city of Luxembourg sits high on a sandstone plateau overlooking the fairytale-like Alzette River, which has cut winding ravines throughout the city centre.

#32. A Row of Historical Houses in Luxembourg’s Old Town

Historical houses in Luxembourg city
At one time, the city of Luxembourg was one of the largest fortresses in all of Europe. The town that once contained a single fort has changed drastically since the 10th century, but the city’s old quarters have been carefully protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site to preserve much of the city’s rich cultural heritage.

#33. One of Luxembourg’s Countless Historic and Scenic Back Streets

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Walking through Luxembourg’s historic cobblestone streets makes visitors feel miles away from the bustling banks and city life that are just blocks away.

#34. The Picturesque Village of Esch-sur-Sure

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Esch-sur-Sure is the second smallest commune in Luxembourg, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in charm. This tiny mountain town is grazed by the river Sûre and is home to the notorious Esch-sur-Sûre Castle, which is open to visitors and beautifully illuminated at night.

#35. Park Benches in one of Luxembourg’s Many Scenic Greenspaces

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Luxembourg is a capital city known for its numerous parks and green spaces. Elaborate sculptures, gorgeous flowers and impressive landscaping make these some of the best places to relax or meet with friends.

#36. An Aerial View of the Common Gray Luxembourg Rooftops

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It is expected that the earliest architecture in Luxembourg extends all the way back to the first century B.C.

#37. Another View of the Upper-Sûre Lake

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The Upper Sure Lake, within the Upper Sure Nature Park, was built in the 1960s to meet Luxembourg’s drinking water requirements. It now serves as one of the country’s most scenic outdoor attractions, offering visitors a wide range of outdoor activities.

#38.  A View of St. John Church and Luxembourg City’s Grund Quarter

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Luxembourg City is home to a number of stunning churches, but the church of St. John is one of the most impressive. The church was constructed in 1606, and the current appearance hasn’t changed much. Most of the church’s appearance dates back to 1688, and beautiful Boroque-style furniture still lies inside. Don’t forget to admire the church’s organ from 1710 on your visit.

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