luxembourgtodo

Luxembourg

Luxembourg is a small country but it is big on beauty. Most of these small duchies attractions lie in its natural beauty. I however, am lazy so I will be sticking to the cities. I will spend 2 days in Luxembourg City, 1 in Vianden, and 1 in Dickirch. I won�t be adding an extra day as I could almost walk from one city to the next if the trains aren�t running!

                                                     Luxembourg City

In 963 Siegfried, Count of the Ardennes built a castle in what is now known as Luxembourg City. The town grew around the castle. Then in 1443 it was seized by Philip the Good of Burgundy. Until 1714 the town, and the country, shared its history with The Netherlands. During the French Revolution it became part of France. In 1814 the Congress of Vienna made the area of Luxembourg a grand duchy. During WWII the German army occupied the city. It was then liberated in 1944.

Things to Do:

Bock Casemates- This 10th century fortress was part of Luxembourg�s original castle. During WWII it was used as a shelter.

Mus�e National d�Histoire et d�Art- This museum chronicles the influence that various empires had over Luxembourg.

Mus�e d�Histoire de la Ville de Luxembourg- This museum deals with the history of the city.

Cathedral of Notre Dame- This early Baroque church houses the tomb of John the Blind.

Palis Grand Ducal- This has been used as a ducal residence since the 16th century. You can take a guided tour. Tickets are available only at the city tourist office.


                                                   Vianden

I tried, but couldn�t find much info on this town online. However, it does look like this might be easily done as a daytrip from a small town called Ehelbr�ck.

Things to Do:

Ch�teau- This is one of the most impressive castles in Western Europe. The structure itself is a mix of Carolingian, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture. Be sure to check out the great view over the river.

Maison Victor Hugo- This is his former home and is now a museum. You weren�t able to find Quasimodo at Notre Dame in Paris, perhaps he is here.

                                                                 Diekirch

Once again I didn�t have any luck finding anything more than museum information. However, it might be smarter to stay in Ehelbr�ck when you visit here.

Things to Do:

National Museum of Military History- This museum focuses on the Battle of the Buldge in WWII. Take note of the section containing photos taken by a German propaganda unit of captured U.S. soldiers.