Discover the Charms and Rich History of Luxembourg
It’s easy to overlook the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg when planning a tour of Europe, dwarfed as it is by its neighbours France, Germany and Belgium. In the global imagination, Luxembourg features as a country known for important banking institutions and European Union bureaucrats.
This little country is located at the crossroads of several major European highways, and if you have reason 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 is hilly, densely forested and dotted with medieval castles, best known for being the site of the World War II Battle of the Bulge, while the Mullerthal is great for hiking, with a landscape of sandstone formations, waterfalls and forest. The Moselle wine-growing region is picturesque and famed for its white wines while Luxembourg City has grown up around an ancient fortified citadel in a unique and strangely beautiful setting.
The Grand Duchy also has a booming fine-dining scene, including a number of prestigious Michelin-starred restaurants. 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.
This is no more evident in the national motto which reads: ‘We want to remain what we are’. For travellers, the advantage of this stoic traditionalism is the country’s dedication to preserving history and culture, and the many traditional parades and festivals to attend.
Key Facts
- Language:
- The official language in Luxembourg is Luxembourgish, a conglomerate German/French dialect. French and German are commonly used and English is widely spoken.
- Passport/Visa:
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.
- Currency:
The currency in Luxembourg is the Euro (EUR), which is divided into 100 cents. Foreign currency can be exchanged at all Luxembourg banks and bureaux de change, as well as the airport and post office. Major hotels will also exchange currency, though rates are high. Major credit cards are widely accepted.
- Electricity:
- 230 volts, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are used.
Health Notes when travelling to Luxembourg
No vaccination certificates are required for entry to Luxembourg and there are no health risks associated with travel to the country. Medical facilities are of a high standard in cities but may be limited outside of urban areas.
After Brexit, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. The GHIC allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance.
If travellers require certain medication during their trip, it’s best to bring it in its original packaging with a signed and dated letter from a doctor detailing what the medication is and why it is needed.
Safety Notes when travelling to Luxembourg
Travel to and around Luxembourg is very safe and the country has low crime rates. Visitors should take normal precautions against pick-pockets and petty theft, but trips are likely to be trouble free.
Customs in Luxembourg
Luxembourg is a proud and stable country, with a culture surprisingly closed off to foreign influences and marked by formal social interactions. European visitors will find Luxembourg’s social milieu to be very similar to that of France or Germany, although perhaps slightly more conservative.
Be sure not to put your feet up on tables or chairs, or to point your finger when referring to someone as this is rude. Body language is quite muted in Luxembourg and it’s considered impolite to inquire about someone’s private affairs unless you know them well.
Duty Free in Luxembourg
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%, 2 litres of spirits with alcohol content below 22%, 4 litres of wine, 16 litres of beer or a proportional mix of these. Other goods allowed include gift items and souvenirs to the value of €430 per adult travelling by sea or air, €300 per adult travelling overland, and €175 for children below 15 years.
Doing Business in Luxembourg
French is the language of business in Luxembourg, though some German and English is also used. Translators are readily available but some effort at speaking French will be appreciated. Business exchanges are quite formal, beginning with a handshake and an exchange of business cards.
Punctuality is essential and dress is formal, with a suit and tie the norm. Surnames and titles are usually used. Luxembourgers are polite and cautious, and it’s important to build personal relationships. Business hours are usually 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, often closing for an hour at lunch.
Communication in Luxembourg
The country code for Luxembourg is +352. Free wifi is widely available at hotels, cafes and restaurants in tourist areas.
Tipping in Luxembourg
Hotel and restaurant bills generally include a service charge in Luxembourg. Porters and doormen in upmarket hotels appreciate small tips and taxi drivers expect a tip of around 10 percent.
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.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Luxembourg. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Luxembourg. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Luxembourg. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Luxembourg. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Luxembourg. No visa is required.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Luxembourg. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Luxembourg. A visa is required.
Tourist Offices
Luxembourg Tourism Website: http://www.ont.lu
Luxembourg Embassies
- In the United States:
Luxembourg Embassy, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Canada): +1 202 265 4171.
- In the United Kingdom:
Luxembourg Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7235 6963.
- In Australia:
Netherlands Embassy (responsible for representing Luxembourg), Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6220 9400.
- In Ireland:
Honourary Consulate of Luxembourg, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 286 7285.
- In South Africa:
Honorary Consulate of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Johannesburg, South Africa: +27 (0)11 463 1744.
Foreign Embassies in Luxembourg
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Luxembourg: +352 460 123.
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian Embassy, Brussels (also responsible for Luxembourg): +32 (0)2 741 0611.
- British Embassy
British Embassy, Luxembourg: +352 229 864.
- Australian Embassy
Australian Embassy, Brussels (also responsible for Luxembourg): +32 (0)2 286 0500.
- Irish Embassy
Irish Embassy, Luxembourg: +352 450 6101.
- New Zealand Embassy
New Zealand Embassy, Brussels, Belgium (also responsible for Luxembourg): +32 (0)2 512 1040.
- South African Embassy
South African Embassy, Brussels (also responsible for Luxembourg): +32 (0)2 285 4492/64/53.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
