Luxembourg is one of the prettiest countries in the world! Or, is it a city? Only one way to find out! In this fact file, we break down everything you could possibly ever want to know about this occasionally confusing locale. Here are some fun facts about Luxembourg City to take away with you.
1. A city or a country?
Luxembourg is, weirdly enough, both a city and a country! Well, they both have the same name. Luxembourg City is the country’s capital and is also the largest city of what’s known as the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, a tiny landlocked country towards the west of Europe.
2. What’s your lingo?
Luxembourg is a multilingual city. This means that people speak multiple languages here. In Luxembourg, three languages in particular are widely spoken: Luxembourgish, French, and German.
3. UNESCO’s made its mark here!
The historic core of Luxembourg City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site! It is recognizable for its incredible blend of fortifications, stunning architecture, and natural landscapes. Not bad for a city / country that’s altogether pretty small compared to its neighbours!
4. Gibraltar of the North!
You may have heard Luxembourg City referred to as the “Gibraltar of the North”. This is due to its historic fortifications, such as the famous casemates.
5. It’s the centre of Europe in several ways.
Luxembourg City is a significant centre for various European Union institutions and organizations. These include the European Court of Justice, the European Investment Bank, and parts of the European Commission! So, all in all, it’s a very important city!
6. Come and see the Duke!
The Grand Ducal Palace plays host as the official residency of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg. It is an architectural landmark and is open to public viewings during the summer months if you’d like to see where the Duke lives!
7. What are the Bock Casemates?
The famous Bock Casemates are a series of underground tunnels and chambers that were part of the city’s fortifications back in old times! They give us a special insight into the city’s military history. They also provide incredible panoramic views of the surrounding area, too.
8. Take a look across the Alzette and Pétrusse Valleys.
Luxembourg has both the Alzette and Pétrusse Valleys running through its city. These valleys create a big reason why the city is so beautiful, and offer great opportunities for outdoor activities! In fact, it is probably best to visit Luxembourg in the warmer months if you can, that way, you can start taking complete advantage of everything there is to do outside!
9. A financial centre for many.
Luxembourg City is a major financial centre! It is known for its thriving banking and financial sector. Many international financial institutions have their headquarters or offices in the city.
10. It’s a hub of culture, too!
As you might have guessed slightly from all the different languages and the various remains from history, Luxembourg City has a great cultural scene! It has numerous museums, art galleries, theatres, and music festivals. The city hosts many cultural events throughout the year, attracting locals and visitors from all over!
FAQs about Luxembourg City
What currency should I use in Luxembourg?
Since Luxembourg is a full member of the European Union, they use Euros as their currency. This goes for Luxembourg City as well as the country!
Is it worth visiting Luxembourg?
Thanks to the incredible views, history, festivals, and vibrant culture, it is absolutely worth visiting Luxembourg! It is best to start in the city to get as much out of your adventure as possible, but if you can, it is definitely worth seeing other parts of the country, too!
How do you say “hello” in Luxembourg?
Since Luxembourg is a multilingual city, you can pretty much say hello in any of its three main languages (French, German, and Luxembourgish). But, if you are worried, using Luxembourgish to greet people is often the best way! To say hello in Luxembourgish, simply say “Moïen.” And, to say goodbye, you can say “Äddi.”
Further reading:
https://facts.uk/tag/Europe
https://www.visitluxembourg.com/destinations/luxembourg-city
https://www.luxembourg-city.com/en/things-to-do
Do you know any fun facts about Luxembourg? Share them in the comments below!