I spent a weekend in one among Europe’s richest international locations, dwelling to greater than 70 castles, a royal household, medieval homes, countless forests, and 4 Christmas markets.
I visited one of many richest international locations in Europe (Picture: Shania King-Soyza)
Once I advised my family and friends I used to be heading to this European nation for the weekend, I used to be met with confusion and scepticism. Some did not know that this small nation existed, and a few thought it was quite a waste of a go to, given its geographical location. “There’s not a lot to do there, it’s best to go to France or Germany as an alternative,” mentioned a well-travelled pal of mine.
Nonetheless, when my greatest pal moved again dwelling to Luxembourg after seven years within the UK, I knew it was time for me to go to, whatever the consequence. She has advised me of its magnificence, historical past and tradition, however I did not actually know what to anticipate after I arrived. After a brief 50-minute flight from London Heathrow, I touched down in essentially the most tranquil nation I’ve ever visited, however one factor particularly shocked me essentially the most.
I ended on the Viaden Fort (Picture: Shania King-Soyza)
A rustic with greater than 70 castles
Located between Germany and France, Luxembourg started within the 900s when Rely Siegfried bought a fort known as Lucilinburhuc, which means “little fortress” or “small fort.” A city slowly fashioned across the fortress, and over the course of many centuries, the realm advanced into the nation that’s recognized at the moment.
The nation is one among Europe’s smallest, masking 2,590 km², which is roughly twice the dimensions of Los Angeles, reported the World Information. Nonetheless, the nation is wealthy in historical past and structure.
In accordance with the vacationer website, Luxembourg.lu: “To guard itself from invasions, many fortifications have been constructed over the centuries, which at the moment symbolize a wealthy heritage to not be missed by historical past fanatics. Certainly, 1,000 years of historical past and greater than 70 castles are ready for you in Luxembourg!”
I visited three castles on my journey, together with essentially the most well-known, the Vianden Fort, which was constructed between the eleventh and 14th centuries. It stays as one of the “lovely feudal residences of the Roman and Gothic durations in Europe.” Certainly, it was jaw-dropping to see its grand measurement and archaic design amidst the autumnal forests.
Nonetheless, my favorite fort to go to was the Fort Bourscheid. It’s the largest constructing of its form within the nation and underwent 4 phases of enlargement. The fort was accomplished in 1430, with the development of the massive advanced that includes quite a few gun towers, reported the fort’s official web site.
“The ruins have been labeled as a ‘historic monument’ in 1936 and bought by the state in 1972. Since then, the Stolzemburg home and the gatekeeper’s residence have been rebuilt, and the towers have been given new roofs. Skilled lighting immerses Bourscheid Fort in Luxembourg in a fairytale environment each night.”
What was really superb was that, regardless of its many restorations, the fort retains its untouched historic appeal. I visited over the last week of November, when a small Christmas market was held, that includes individuals dressed up as old-timey villagers and taking part in music as in the event that they have been being transported again to the Center Ages.
Probably the most superb side was the gorgeous views each inside and out of doors the fort. The ruins have been such a spectacle to see, but if you head to the highest of the fort, you might be greeted by essentially the most attractive views of mountains and forests. Even via the fog, you might be encapsulated by the fantastic thing about Luxembourg.
The monarchy of Luxembourg is the establishment headed by the grand duke (Picture: Shania King-Soyza)
Its personal royal household
One other shocking truth is that Luxembourg has its personal monarchy. In accordance with the Enterprise Traveller: “Luxembourg is the one remaining Grand Duchy on the planet – a monarchy the place the sovereign ruler holds the title of Grand Duke or Grand Duchess.”
When visiting Luxembourg, vacationers ought to head to the Grand Ducal Palace. It boasts gorgeous views and has guards standing out entrance similar to Buckingham Palace.
Reverse the palace is the Chocolate Home Nathalie Bonn. We stepped inside for a fast lunch and a scrumptious scorching drink. Earlier than tucking into the meals on the restaurant upstairs, you may check out the loopy choice of chocolate.
Select a flavour of scorching chocolate you want (it comes as a big piece of chocolate on a wood spoon, which you dip into your scorching milk) and luxuriate in it along with your meal. I picked the hazelnut and caramel, which was wealthy however nutty and clean, after which I took dwelling a pistachio flavour.
The Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge (Picture: Shania King-Soyza)
When visiting Luxembourg, make sure you cease by fashionable landmarks such because the Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge, also called the “Crimson Bridge.” It’s well-known for being one of the hanging symbols of town, providing panoramic views of the Petrusse Valley under.
The bridge connects town centre with the Kirchberg district, dwelling to many European establishments, and is a well-liked spot for each sightseeing and pictures.
What shocked me essentially the most
Amongst the intriguing historical past, gothic castles, and medieval chocolate-box homes, the nation is surprisingly wealthy and fashionable. In 2025, Luxembourg was named the second-richest nation in Europe.
It’s mentioned to have a GDP per capita (which means a rustic’s complete financial output, or Gross Home Product) of $152,915, in keeping with the World Atlas. Nonetheless, monetary specialists at The Visible Capitalist say Luxembourg is the richest nation on the planet this 12 months, primarily based on GDP per capita, at $140,941.
One factor shocked me essentially the most about this little nation (Picture: shania king-soyza)
Regardless of the clashing figures, Luxembourg is a small, service-based financial system centred on finance, aided by EU market entry, a cross-border workforce, and powerful regulation. With low debt, excessive dwelling requirements, and expert expertise, Luxembourg stays a number one financial system in Europe, mentioned the World Atlas.
I actually favored seeing the multi-coloured buses and trams amongst the nation’s backdrop. With free public transportation, it’s a blessing for each vacationers and locals to get round. However what shocked me essentially the most was how pleasant everybody was.
Locals of Luxembourg primarily converse three languages: Luxembourgish, French and German. Nonetheless, many did not battle with English, nor did they’ve an issue talking it.
There is a robust sense of group right here, which is at all times good to expertise when visiting a international nation. One girl even in contrast me to artwork in one of many museums attributable to my “magnificence”, which is past any flattery that I deserve.
Luxembourg has roughly 4 Christmas markets (Picture: Shania King-Soyza)
Loads of Christmas markets
Throughout my go to, I had the chance to take pleasure in quite a few Christmas markets. With giant Creation calendar homes, an enormous Santa, lovely Christmas bushes, loads of rides and actions, and meals galore, there was nothing however Christmas magic.
Like many European cities, Luxembourg’s Christmas market consists of a number of smaller markets unfold throughout town. This festive market will stay open till January 1, 2026.
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I actually loved tucking right into a white Luxembourgish sausage and these large hash browns with apple sauce, known as Gromperekichelcher. Nonetheless, as I went on the primary weekend the Christmas market opened, it was extraordinarily busy. I like to recommend heading to Luxembourg in a while this month to doubtlessly escape the crowds.
Regardless of the primary metropolis being bombarded by vacationers, this nation is really peaceable and enjoyable. I am going to admit that, after some time, there’s not a lot to do, however for those who’re in search of a peaceable weekend escape filled with unimaginable pure magnificence and gorgeous structure, then I extremely suggest visiting.
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