Luxembourg is a small country with so much to offer. Don’t sleep on this beautiful place! Here is the perfect three day trip to Luxembourg. It’ll give you a taste of this incredible European country, and a few reasons to either extend the trip or revisit!

It’s super easy to drive around Luxembourg, so you can pack a lot into one day. I highly recommend renting a car. Although public transportation is free here, having a car will be so much more convenient and allow you to pack in full itinerary to get the most of your travels.

Day 1 of your trip to Luxembourg

Wake up in the gorgeous countryside town, Echternach, preferably in an adorable bed and breakfast.

Mullerthal Region

Drive to enjoy a nature walk to Schéissendëmpel waterfall in the Mullerthal Region, known as Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland since 1879. The waterfall is formed by the Black Ernz River, which plunges over 50 meters (164 feet) into a gorge below. Choose your own adventure. If you’re up for hiking, there are several hiking trails that lead to it. The most popular trail is the Mullerthal Trail, which is about 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) long. However, there is also a 15-20 minute nature walk from the parking lot to the waterfall that offers a much faster experience!

Luxembourg City

Next, head into Luxembourg City for the day. While here, you must be sure to visit these highlights:

Maybe you even want to take a free walking tour, with someone like TwentyTour.com.

Crément Tasting

Wrap up your day with some Crémant, which is sparkling wine made outside of the Champagne region in France. Visit Caves Bernard Massard Winery. Significantly, it is the oldest sparkling wine producer in Luxembourg, founded in 1921. The location in Grevenmacher puts it in the northern part of the Luxembourg vineyard. Caves Bernand Massard Winery produces a wide range of sparkling and still wines, including the renowned (and delicious) Cuvée de l’Écusson. Be sure to book your tasting in advance! Then grab dinner somewhere with a view 😉

Enjoy a leisurely dinner at a traditional Luxembourgish restaurant, savoring local delicacies like kniddelen (dumplings) or Judd mat Gaardebounen (smoked pork with broad beans).

Trip to Luxembourg – Day 2

Today’s itinerary is very castle focused. Just wait until you see these beautiful places! First, you’ll visit LaRochette Castle. The castle is also known as Fels Castle or Château de Larochette. It is is a medieval castle perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the village of Larochette in central Luxembourg. The castle dates back to the 11th century! It was once a formidable fortress, but it was largely destroyed by fire in the late 16th century. Today, the castle is a popular tourist destination, and its ruins offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Esch-sur-Sûre

Next, you’ll head to Esch-sur-Sûre.  This charming town is nestled in the heart of the Luxembourg Ardennes. Basically, this region is known for its stunning natural beauty and rich historical heritage. Situated on the banks of the beautiful River Sûre, Esch-sur-Sûre is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Pack your hiking boots because I highly suggest you take a 5.5mi/8.7km hike. Esch-sur-Sûre: Trail 1 is a great hike offering beautiful views of Château d’Esch-sur-Sûre and the countryside.

Vianden

Finally, end your day in the beautiful town of Vianden. Located in the Éislek region of northern Luxembourg, Vianden is known for its picturesque landscapes, rich history, and captivating cultural attractions. You’ll find yourself in the valleys of the Our River, surrounded by timeless charm. During your visit, go to Vianden Castle. This majestic 11th-century fortress is perched atop a rocky promontory overlooking the town.

Visitors can explore the castle’s labyrinthine corridors, ascend its spiral staircases, and immerse themselves in its captivating history. Especially, I highly recommend taking a tour here! From its origins as a Roman outpost to its role as a powerful aristocratic residence, Vianden Castle has witnessed centuries of intrigue, warfare, and societal transformations. You’ll absolutely love it.

Be sure to book a chairlift ride in Vianden in advance! The last ride up leaves at 4:30 pm most days. It’s a must do here. The views, oh, the views!

Beaufort

To end your day, if you’re up for it, go visit Beaufort Castle. It’s located in the town of Beaufort, in eastern Luxembourg. The castle is situated in the Eisch Valley, which is surrounded by rolling hills and picturesque landscapes.

Beaufort Castle’s history is intertwined with the noble families who held its ownership. The castle served as a strategic stronghold, controlling a vital passage between the Ardennes and the Moselle Valley. Beaufort Castle endured sieges and conflicts during the Middle Ages, and its resilience was further tested during the Battle of the Ardennes in World War II. Visitors can explore the castle’s ruins, wander through its enchanting courtyards, and delve into its rich history.

Day 3 of your trip to Luxembourg

Explore the picturesque town of Echternach, known for its historic Benedictine Abbey and its annual Dancing Procession, a UNESCO-listed tradition dating back to the 11th century.

Echternach Abbey & Museum

Start your day with a visit to the Echternach Abbey, a Benedictine monastery founded in 698 AD by Saint Willibrord, the patron saint of Luxembourg. The abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also, it is known for its beautiful Romanesque architecture. Here, explore the abbey’s church, which houses the crypt of Saint Willibrord. The crypt is a popular pilgrimage destination, and visitors can also admire the church’s stained glass windows and frescoes. Finally, you can visit the Abbey Museum, which tells the story of the abbey and its monks. The museum also houses a collection of illuminated manuscripts produced by the abbey’s scriptorium.

Town of Echternach and Sure River

Next, take a walk through the town of Echternach. The town is home to a number of historical buildings. Specifically, this includes the 12th-century Romanesque town hall and the 14th-century Gothic Saint Peter and Paul church. Since the town has a beautiful park, I recommend you picnic along the banks of the Sure River.

Dancing Procession

Finally, this evening, try to attend the Dancing Procession, a UNESCO-listed tradition that takes place every Whit Tuesday*. The procession is a religious pilgrimage that involves thousands of people dancing through the streets of Echternach. Conversely, if this doesn’t line up with your trip, simply take a stroll through the town center and soak in the atmosphere.

*Whit Tuesday is a moveable feast, meaning that its date changes from year to year. It is celebrated on the day after Pentecost Monday, which is the 50th day after Easter Sunday. This typically falls in late May/early June.

Reasons to plan a trip to Luxembourg

Luxembourg is a charming and underrated country with a rich history, beautiful scenery, and plenty of things to see and do. Shortly, here are three reasons to visit Luxembourg:

Historical Treasures

Luxembourg is a country steeped in history. You’ll find a wealth of castles, fortresses, and museums to explore! The UNESCO-listed Old Town of Luxembourg City is a must-see, with its beautiful winding cobbled streets, medieval fortifications, and grand palaces. Visit Vianden Castle, one of the largest and most impressive castles in Luxembourg, or delve into the country’s military past at the National Museum of History and Art.

Natural Beauty

The landscape is a tapestry of rolling hills, lush forests, and winding rivers. She’s truly gorgeous! The Müllerthal region is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with hiking trails, waterfalls, and rock formations to discover. Explore the Mullerthal Trail, a scenic route that winds through valleys and past waterfalls. Afterwards, take a dip in the Clerve River.

Cultural Delights

Luxembourg’s culture is a unique blend of Germanic and French influences, reflected in its language, cuisine, and traditions. Try Luxembourgish specialties like kniddelen (dumplings), Judd mat Gaardebounen (smoked pork with broad beans), or flämkuchen (a savory tart with bacon, onions, and crème fraîche). Another thing to do is immerse yourself in the local culture by planning a trip to Luxembourg to attend one of the many festivals, such as the Echternach Dancing Procession or the Grevenmacher Wine Festival.


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