GAY FRIENDLY LUXEMBOURG
Travel solutions with itineraries to discover all the wonders of this destination, places not to be missed, advice on where to sleep and what to eat, and above all special suggestions to make the most of your trip!
Welcome to Luxembourg, a small country in the center of Europe, which hides great treasures. Breathtaking views, imposing castles and much more!
LUXEMBOURG GAY FRIENDLY
Luxembourg is a very gay friendly country. In 2014, Luxembourg was the eleventh European state to approve same-sex marriage and the possibility for them to adopt children. The following year Xavier Bettel became the first leader of a European Union country to marry his partner.
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
Visiting this destination at its best depends essentially on how long you have to fully enjoy it. Here is a solution based on the number of days available to you:
Day 1 - Italy / Luxembourg City (Kirchberg area) - Google Maps
Day 2 - Luxembourg City - Schengen - Remich - Moselle Wine Region - Google Maps
Day 3 - Moselle Wine Region - Echternach - Chateau de Beaufort - Chateau de Larochette - Mullerthal - Google Maps
Day 4 - Mullerthal - Vianden - Chateau de Bourscheid - Esch-sur-Sûre - Chateau de Clervaux - Chateau d'Urspelt - Google Maps
Day 5 - Chateau d'Urspelt - Luxembourg City - Google Maps + Walking Tour Luxembourg City Google Maps
Day 6 - Luxembourg City / Italy - Google Maps
(By opening the Maps with Google, you can easily follow our path)
Click'n'Go - Click on the places to find them on the Map
WHAT TO SEE in LUXEMBOURG?
10 THINGS TO SEE in LUXEMBOURG
Luxembourg City
Luxembourg City is characterized by nature and green spaces, remnants of its past, such as the fortress and the old town, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, historic buildings and contemporary architecture. Medieval, classical and contemporary architectural styles mix in Luxembourg City. From the grand ducal palace to the melting pots of urban life, to the small cobbled streets and side cafes, the visit takes you through numerous cultural attractions and historical heritage, the Grund (old town) area.
Éislek & Chateau de Vianden
Éislek is the northern region of Luxembourg, famous for its wild nature and beautiful hilly landscapes. This region offers lovers of outdoor life the best conditions for hiking and cycling.
Vianden Castle is located in this region, one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in all of Europe. It is considered one of the largest and most beautiful feudal residences of the Romanesque and Gothic periods and is a popular photography location, also due to its perfect location.
Moselle Wine Region & Mondorf-les-Bains Wine Region
The Moselle Region owes its name to the Moselle River, a tributary of the Rhine. On the left bank of the region is Remich, a city famous above all for its wine production and for this reason there are countless wine cellars that offer wine tastings and guided tours, granting a unique experience for food and wine enthusiasts. Another city not to be missed is Mondorf-les-Bains, a spa town located in the heart of Luxembourg and offers a variety of tourist attractions such as the very famous spa center where you can relax in thermal pools, saunas, steam baths, massages and wellness treatments . The city is also famous for its extraordinary parks and gardens, such as 'Mondorf Park' which offers peace and tranquility and you can admire beautiful flowers and ancient trees.
Schengen
Schengen is undoubtedly the village best known for its European status thanks to the “Schengen Agreement” signed on 14 June 1985. It is another wine-growing village that was chosen for its common border with France, Germany and the European Union Benelux economy. In this city there is the European Schengen Museum which clearly retraces the first stages and developments of this decisive treaty. In 2017, Schengen was awarded the European Heritage Label.
Mullerthal Region
The Mullerthal region takes its name from a very small village and is nicknamed "little Switzerland" for its hilly landscapes, which are reminiscent of the Swiss country. This region is characterized by fascinating and surprising rock formations formed thanks to the erosion of rock and soil, which has led to the creation of a landscape that is truly a small paradise.
Echternach & Benedictine Abbey
Echternach, the capital of the Mullerthal region, is the oldest city in Luxembourg, on the border with Germany. The Benedictine Basilica is famous for its dancing procession which takes place every year in memory of the Saint, San Villibrordo.
Ardennes & Clervaux Castle
The Ardennes region is a real naturalistic place for hikers thanks to its two immense natural parks and the largest lake in Luxembourg. In this area there are also splendid castles and ancient medieval festivals are celebrated. Memory tourism is important in this area as it occupies a special place thanks to the countless sites, monuments and museums that pay homage to those who fought for freedom, especially during the Battle of the Bulge. Unmissable here is Clervaux Castle, one of the largest fortified castles west of the Rhine. With origins dating back to the 10th century, the castle was built in Romanesque style from the 11th to the 14th century. Gothic transformations and finishes were added at the end of this period. A Renaissance palace was added in the 17th century, but in 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge, it has recently been fully restored and is open to visitors.
Bourscheid Castle
Bourscheid Castle is one of the oldest buildings in the country and is characterized by six Gothic towers which give it the recognition of the largest fortress in Luxembourg. The building stands out throughout the Sûre valley and its walls are illuminated at night, giving it a wonderful appearance.
Upper Sûre Natural Park & Esch-sur-Sûre
The Haute Sûre Natural Park is Luxembourg's aquatic region located in the north-west of Luxembourg. The natural park expands over 230 square kilometers and includes 6 municipalities. The center of the park is used as a drinking water reservoir and recreational area for the town. In 2010 this park received the EDEN Award which contributed to spreading sustainability measures.
Esch-sur-Sûre is a very cute municipality located in the north-west of Luxembourg. It is located at the foot of a castle, surrounded by a green forest and crossed by the Sûre river which gives it its name. In the Esch-sur-Sûre Nature Park Centre, which once housed a textile factory, you will find the Nature Park administration office and a sales point for regional products.
Chateau de Beaufort & Chateau de Larochette
Beaufort Castle is located in the eastern part of Luxembourg and consists of the ruins of a medieval fortress dating back to the 11th century and an adjacent Renaissance castle. It is a suggestive castle immersed in the greenery of the forest!
Larochette Castle is positioned on top of the town of Larochette, in central Luxembourg. It also dates back to the 11th century and was initially destroyed by fire but was then rebuilt. This castle is one of the main monuments of the city and offers a wonderful view of the neighboring valley.
WHAT TO SEE in LUXEMBOURG CITY?
10 THINGS TO SEE in LUXEMBOURG CITY
Grand Ducal Palace
The Grand Ducal Palace, or Groussherzogleche Palais, is the official residence of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg. a beautiful historic building located in the center of Luxembourg City. The palace is open to the public only in the summer months. every two hours you can witness the changing of the guard.
Pont Adolphe
Also called New Bridge, it was built between 1900 and 1903 during the reign of Grand Duke Adolf. This event was also followed with great interest from abroad, because until then the bridge had the largest stone arch in the world. The large double arch extends over 85 meters across the Pétrusse valley, at a height of 42 meters and with a total length of 153 metres.
Place de la Constitution
The Place de la Constitution is located on the edge of the historic center of Luxembourg City, in a panoramic point overlooking the promontory that divides the upper city from the modern core.
Kirchberg European District
Luxembourg is one of the three cities that host the institutions of the European Union, together with Brussels and Strasbourg. In the “European quarter”, Kirchberg, you will find many of them. Its “centre” – although not geographical – is the Plaza de Europa, where the European Congress Center and the local headquarters of the European Parliament are located.
Philharmonie Luxembourg
Also in the Kirchberg district the most surprising building is undoubtedly the Luxembourg Philharmonic, which can be visited on Saturdays in summer.
MUDAM - Museum of Contemporary Art
The MUDAM, Museum of Modern Art, is undoubtedly the ideal cultural place to visit for art lovers. It is considered the essential museum of the capital as it offers the best of contemporary art.
Fort Thüngen & Musée Dräi Eechelen
The MUDAM is built on part of the Luxembourg fortifications. In particular, it is located on the remains of Fort Thüngen, built in the 18th century by the Austrians on another fortification of the omnipresent Vauban. The fort was once surrounded by a very deep moat and could only be accessed through a 169 meter long underground tunnel dug into the rock! In the keep of the fort there is now the Dräi Eechelen Museum, another interesting and free museum on the history of Luxembourg and its fortifications. From this museum you can access the tunnels and underground mines of the old fort, largely in the original state of the last phase of its expansion at the beginning of the 19th century.
Pfaffentahl Panoramic Lift & Red Bridge (Pont Grande Duchesse Charlotte)
Another thing not to be missed is the Luxemburg Panoramic Lift, opened in 2016, which takes you from the historic city center to Pfaffenthal. From here you will have a breathtaking view of the valley and the Grande Duchesse Charlotte bridge, with its red colour, impossible not to recognise.
Chemin de la Corniche & Chemin de Wenzel
The Chemin de la Corniche begins next to the Pont du château, the so-called "most beautiful balcony in Europe", the work of a Luxembourger. It is a beautiful panoramic walk carved into the rock on the walls built by the Spanish and French on the edge of the Alzette river trench. It leads from the Bock promontory to the Rondellen, the lower part of the ancient citadel of the Holy Spirit, today the Cité Judiciaire. There are old houses, but the important thing is that from here you will have one of the best views of the city and the Alzette river valley, with the Grund district and Neimënster Abbey. The Chemin de la Corniche is also the starting point of the Wenzel Circular Walk, which we recommend you do in its entirety or in stages: we did part of it in the afternoon.
Grund & Neumünster Abbey
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Grund is one of the most beautiful and representative neighborhoods in Luxembourg. The area offers small historic cobbled streets where there are small shops, bars and restaurants, as well as several cultural organisations. Don't miss Neumünster Abbey.
WHAT to DO in LUXEMBOURG
Visit the Bock Casemates and the Petrusse Casemates
Unmissable in Luxembourg City are the Casamates, an integral part of the ancient city wall of Luxembourg City, which represent an excellent example of military defensive architecture built and expanded over several centuries. They were built around 1000 and were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
Dancing and Singing at Rockhal
In the south of Luxembourg, in Belval, near Esch-sur-Alzette, Rockhal is a cultural location for those who love music and concerts. This concert hall welcomes the greatest international artists in the Grand Duchy.
Exploring the little Switzerland of Luxembourg
Located in the eastern part of Luxembourg, Müllerthal, the Little Switzerland of Luxembourg, is the ideal meeting place for lovers of hiking and cycling in the heart of nature. The Müllertrail is a 112 kilometer route between rocks and forests, with spectacular views!
Wine Tasting in the Moselle Region
An experience not to be missed is a wine tasting in the Moselle region together with a visit to a winery. We tried the Wine Tour at the "Caves St. Martin", where you can venture into underground tunnels in the rock, and at the end enjoy a delicious wine tasting with local wines.
MOST BEAUTIFUL EVENTS in LUXEMBOURG
Schueberfouer
The Schueberfouer is the large fair of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. It takes place from the last week of August (the feast of San Bartolomeo) to mid-September and lasts 20 days. It is the traditional and popular event in Luxembourg with over 2 million visitors! First authorized in 1340 by Jean l'Aveugle, Count of Luxembourg, the Schueberfouer was originally a trade fair. Traditionally the "Fouer" is announced through the streets of the town by a procession of musicians. They perform the “Hämmelsmarsch” (sheep march) through the streets of the town, accompanied by sheep decorated for the occasion with ribbons. The sheep “Lämmy” is Schueberfouer's mascot. There are over 260 attractions for young and old, including the traditional Ferris wheel and other thrill rides and more leisurely rides. Every time, new rides delight visitors. Families return year after year. Schuebi” is a true Luxembourg tradition.
Fairytales
Fairytales is Luxembourg's biggest party which comes to life at Club Lenox, 3 to 4 times a year. It's an LGBT Party with a simple aphorism: offering the best gay club experience, in a warm and extravagant atmosphere.
“Fuesend” – Carnival Festival
In Remich, Luxembourgers celebrate Carnival between Candlemas (2 February) and Ash Wednesday in March. Masquerade balls and processions take place throughout the country and at the end of the carnival, the “Stréimännchen”, the straw man, is completely burned.
“Bretzelsonndeg” – Pretzel Sunday
The Bretzelsonndeg is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent and the peculiarity is that a man gives a pretzel to the woman he has chosen (only in leap years the tradition is reversed: the woman offers the pretzel to the man).
“Gënzefest”, Monday in May
The Gënzefest is the broom festival and takes place every Whit Monday in Wiltz. This festival is famous for the broom parade, consisting of more than 40 floats.
WHERE TO SLEEP in LUXEMBOURG?
BEST GAY FRIENDLY HOTELS in LUXEMBOURG
Luxembourg City - Sofitel Le Grand Ducal *****
Luxembourg City - Hotel Le Place d’Armes *****
Luxembourg City - Hotel Parc Beaux Arts ****
Luxembourg City - Mama Shelter Luxembourg *** ® Testato dai World Mappers
Luxembourg City - ibis Styles Luxembourg Centre Gare ***
Luxembourg City - Parc Hotel Alvisse ****
Luxembourg City - Hotel Vauban ***
Luxembourg City - Domus Hotel ***
Luxembourg City - Hotel Bristol **
Urspelt - Chateau d'Urspelt **** (Ancient Castle transformed into a Hotel!) ® Tested by World Mappers
Vianden - Hotel Heintz ***
Vianden - Auberge Aal Veinen ***
Stadbriedemes - Hôtel-Restaurant de l'Ecluse **** ® Tested by World Mappers
Berdorf (Mullerthal) - Camping Martbusch Berdorf (Glamping)
Useldange - Péitche Lauer (Glamping)
WHERE TO EAT in LUXEMBOURG?
BEST RESTAURANTS in LUXEMBOURG Quality / Price
Luxembourg City - €€€ - Vinoteca (Bar)
Luxembourg City - €€€ - Bazaar Bar and Restaurant ® Tested by World Mappers
Luxembourg City - €€ - Café-Restaurant Um Dierfgen ® Tested by World Mappers
Luxembourg City - €€ - Bella Ciao
Luxembourg City - €€ - Hertz Pop/Up Luxembourg City - €€ - Dipso
Luxembourg City - €€ - Vins Fins
Luxembourg City - €€ - Konrad Café & Bar
Remich - €€€ - La Péniche Vintage ® Tested by World Mappers
Bourschied - €€ - AM KELLER pub in an old watermill
Vianden - €€ - Auberge Aal Veinen Beim Hunn
Wormeldange - €€ - Bistro Brasserie Koeppchen ® Tested by World Mappers
TRAVEL TIPS about LUXEMBOURG by World Mappers
The "Luxembourg Card" is very useful: it is very convenient and offers free access and great discounts for more than 90 tourist attractions, including museums, wineries, castles and attractions. You just need to have the QR on your phone to use it.
Taste the "Judd mat Gaardebounen": the typical Luxembourg dish based on pork (it is the most used) accompanied by broad beans. Alternatively, the Bouchée à la Reine, puff pastry filled with a milk cream and chicken, or the Kniddelen, soft gnocchi which are boiled and served with a rich buttery sauce and larded bacon, are also very good.
The Most BEAUTIFUL PANORAMIC POINTS in LUXEMBOURG
Enjoy the region from one of its fantastic Best Photography Viewpoints. Our favorites are:
GAY FRIENDLY TOURS
Do you want to discover the city more deeply through Luxembourg's Best Gay Tours? We recommend the following local operators:
Gaily Tour - Tour Operator offering tours and excursions dedicated to the LGBT + community throughout Europe. Special Tours and Gay & Lesbian Friendly Guides ready to make you discover the beauties of this destination. Info & Booking: info@GailyTour.com
Luxembourg • Gay Friendly Tour & Mermaid's Secrets
Be ready for an extraordinary LGBT Friendly tour through time and space, connecting the Upper and Lower towns. You will visit the “Bock” promontory, Old Town, Wenceslas ring wall, Alzette valley with its unique fortifications. Learn the LGBT soul of Luxembourg and the legend of the Bock Promontory, which is not only regarded as the mythical founding place of the city, but also as the legendary realm of Melusina, the mermaid. According to the legend, Siegfried, the first Count of Luxembourg, married a mythical creature with the name of Melusina. He had promised never to look at her on Saturdays but jealousy saw him break his promise and thus he looked through a keyhole and saw that his wife had a fishtail on Saturdays. Thereupon Melusina vanished in the depths of the Alzette and was never to be seen again, although she is said to appear at the Bock Promontory every seven years. Included: * Gay or Lesbian Friendly Tour Guide for City Tour (2 hours) * Entrance Fee - Bock Casemates
Luxembourg by Night • Gay Tour
Enjoy an enlightened Luxembourg and an amazing walking tour through Luxembourg's gay & lesbian bars and clubs to live on your skin the magic atmosphere and LGBT scene of the city. Enjoy your included drink (also alcohol free drink available) and own the night !
Included:
* Gay or Lesbian Tour Guide for Night Tour (2 hours)
* Drink in Gay Bar (1 Drink)
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CHEAP CAR RENTAL in LUXEMBOURG
To travel around Luxembourg you need a rental car. We have chosen to rely on DiscoverCars.com, the best car rental website where you can search, compare and save up to 70%, a real bargain right? They will help you choose the perfect car for your next trip, without having surprises of car delivery surcharges, and where it suits you best. Then just download their App to manage your booking wherever you are.
TRAVEL INSURANCE for LUXEMBOURG
Before any trip it is good to take out insurance to cover any inconveniences that could ruin the experience. We always rely on HeyMondo which allows you to choose the right insurance for every need. We recommend that you always protect yourself with health insurance and coverage for any cancellations, delays and, if you use them, for theft or breakage of electronic equipment. Medical treatment in Luxembourg can be very expensive. Health insurance in this country is not mandatory by law but is strongly recommended; without it, even a routine visit can make you shell out staggering amounts.
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