During our trip last summer, we spent three nights in Luxembourg, with one day set aside a day to explore the Luxembourg countryside! The backstory is that we discovered some ancestral ties to Luxembourg during the covid pandemic, and wanted to take the chance to explore the country. This particular day trip was filled with stunning castles and other really nice sites. In hindsight, we realized that we probably should have taken more time to see these sights, but we still got a good overview.

To navigate beyond Luxembourg city, we chose the practical option of picking up a rental car. Our pre-trip research had informed us that public transit in the Luxembourg countryside primarily catered to the daily commute to and from the capital, making it less conducive to point-to-point castle visits.

Breakfast/Leaving Luxembourg City

One of the delights of staying in a hotel or apartment without included breakfast is that it forces you to venture out into the neighborhood to find food. In our case, we found one near our apartment. With all of the French and German influences on the food, you are not likely to be disappointed!

After breakfast, we hopped into our car and had a slight adventure getting it out of the very tight garage, and through a “car elevator.” We were relieved when we made it out without any scratches! While we’re happy the rental place gave us an upgrade, compactness and maneuverability are also worthwhile traits in tight European garages and streets.

Vianden Castle

Our first destination, and highlight of our day, was the historic Vianden Castle (Château de Vianden) perched on a hill that overlooks both the Our river and the town of Vianden. It is one of Luxembourg’s most iconic and well-preserved medieval castles. If you visit the Ardennes region of Luxembourg, this castle should definitely be on your itinerary!

Vianden Castle has a rich history that dates back to the Roman era. Originally built as an ancient fortress during the Roman occupation of the region, it underwent many extensive renovations and expansions over the centuries. While the current castle primarily dates from the 11th to the 14th century, in the 19th century, King William II of the Netherlands made even more renovations. The restoration efforts aimed to preserve the castle’s medieval character while also making it more accessible to visitors.

Inside the castle, we found that the furnishings were somewhat sparse compared to other European castles, but the charm was undeniable. We were able to explore various rooms, including the Knights’ Hall, the chapel, the dining room, and the Grand Banquet Hall, and were able to gain a glimpse into the castle’s historical grandeur.

The castle also houses a museum that showcases the history and evolution of Vianden Castle. It includes exhibits on medieval life, weaponry, and the architectural development of the castle. Visitors can learn about the castle’s restoration and its historical context.

Today, Vianden Castle is a popular tourist attraction in Luxembourg. It welcomes visitors from all over the world, offering guided tours, historical reenactments, and special events, such as medieval festivals and concerts.

Clervaux

Our adventure continued through the Ardennes and we made our way to Clervaux, a town that held its own unique charm. Clervaux was historically associated with the Clervaus Abbey, also known as the Abbey of Saint Mauritius, although today the town has a stronger connection with World War II’s Battle of the Bulge.

Lunch

Feeling hungry, our first mission was to find lunch. Knowing that we had a long day ahead, we decided to visit a self-service cafe that ended up having some nice quiche.

Satisfied and reenergized, we ventured deeper into the town to explore the castle. To our surprise, we learned that there was no castle tour, but only a collection of castle museums. Disappointing, but when you travel, you need to go with the flow.

Museum of the Ardennes Counteroffensive

Our next stop was the Museum of the Ardennes Counteroffensive, which was a small museum that showed the history of the Battle of the Bulge, forever etched into the town’s identity. There was supposed to be an American Tank on display outside the castle, but after spending a bit of time looking for it, we were disappointed to learn that it had been removed for restoration.

Museum of Models of the Castles and Palaces of Luxembourg

We also visited the Museum of Models of the Castles and Palaces of Luxembourg, a captivating glimpse into history and artistry. There really wasn’t much to it, but if you like miniatures, you will have fun.

Family of Man Photo Exhibition

Regrettably, we decided to skip the Family of Man photo exhibition, a decision that would later leave us questioning what we had missed. Billed as the “greatest photo exhibition of all time”, we really should have gone in, but it really wasn’t our type of museum and we were feeling a little cranky that there wasn’t a “traditional” castle tour. That said, if you visit this town, other guidebooks indicate that this is probably the primary exhibit you should see.

Clervaux Abbey

On our way out, we drove a fairly treacherous road up to the Clervaux Abbey. While the road allows for traffic in both directions, it is really not wide enough to make this all that safe. As a relatively modern abbey, it was founded in 1909, and built in an impressive neo-Romantic style. The monks at Clervaux Abbey follow the Benedictine way of life, which includes prayer, work, and communal living.

We stopped by the crypt and gift shop, where we were able to view a fairly nice photo exhibition. Able to read French, Jeremy probably got the most out of the experience.

Echternach, Little Switzerland

Next, our curiosity led us to Echternach, also known as “Little Switzerland.” The town, while undeniably charming, didn’t quite meet the lofty expectations implied in the name (our guidebook did try to soften expectations).

Nevertheless, we had fun, and stopped at a local bakery. Savoring a snack and a cup of coffee, we allowed ourselves to absorb the essence of this picturesque town.

Navigational Challenges

As the day unfolded, our journey was not without its challenges. Navigational mishaps found us taking a wrong turn on our way to the Moselle Valley, steering us off course. Fortunately, our mistaken path led us through the stunning Luxembourg countryside, celebrated for its vineyards and wine. I believe the picture below is near Remich:

Another wrong turn caused us to miss our intended destination, Schengen. So, we kept driving, snapping a few pictures on the way.

By this point, it was late afternoon, and we were still effectively in eastern Luxembourg. We decided to pivot towards a site that caught James’ interest closer to Luxembourg City. Unfortunately, we encountered heavy commuter traffic on the way. You win some, you lose some.

Return to Luxembourg City

Streamlining some of our end-of-the-day plans, we ultimately decided to return to Luxembourg City. After wrangling out car into the tight parking spot, we got a nice dinner in the city, and were able to rest from the day.

Our day in the Luxembourg countryside was an adventure filled with unexpected twists and turns, offering a mix of delightful discoveries and minor setbacks. While not every plan unfolded as expected, the journey left us with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the beauty and history of this unique European destination. Hopefully, our experiences will serve as a guide for those planning their own trip to Luxembourg. Don’t forget that the true essence of travel lies in embracing the unexpected and finding joy in the journey itself!

Additional Reading: 3 Days in Luxembourg

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