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Nice places to visit near on a weekend trip from Luxembourg
Wondering where to go if you only have a day to spare? Often, we find ourselves asking this question when time is limited, and we want to make the most of a Saturday or Sunday for a little adventure. In this article, we come to your rescue by offering the best day trips from Luxembourg, featuring great destinations conveniently close to the capital.
In both Luxembourg and its neighbouring countries, there's an abundance of incredible places to explore. No destination reigns supreme over another; it all depends on your preferences. In this guide, we'll showcase a bit of everything — from natural wonders and charming cities to fairytale castles, amusement parks, and much more.
Places to visit in Luxembourg and just nearby
In the following sections we will explore some unusual yet incredible destinations, starting with Luxembourg itself.
Land of wonders
Luxembourg boasts an impressive array of castles, “there are 76 castles and fortresses to explore”, as revealed in our interview on "Beautiful Places to Visit in Luxembourg,". These majestic structures offer a glimpse into the country's rich history and architectural heritage.
Then, shifting our gaze to natural landscapes, we'll explore hiking trails, cycling routes, camping spots, and more, highlighting the diverse outdoor experiences Luxembourg has to offer.
But our exploration doesn't end there. We'll also journey beyond Luxembourg's borders to discover enchanting destinations in neighbouring countries, revealing exciting weekend trips from Luxembourg that promise unforgettable adventures.
Luxembourg magnificent castles
When seeking places to visit near Luxembourg, castles are an excellent starting point. Despite its small size, Luxembourg boasts a plethora of castles scattered throughout its territory. Some are nestled close to the capital, while others are a bit farther away. However, thanks to Luxembourg's compact size, you'll never spend more than an hour reaching them.
Let's take a quick glimpse at some of these majestic fortresses, though we highly recommend diving deeper into our article on the Best Castles in Luxembourg for a comprehensive exploration.
🏰 Vianden Castle
Perched atop a small hill overlooking the town of Vianden in the northeast of the country, Vianden Castle is a sight to behold. Its magnificent exterior resembles something out of a fairytale. Beyond its beauty, the castle holds historical significance as it became the property of Grand Duke Adolphe of the Nassau dynasty in 1980 and remained in the possession of the grand-ducal family until 1977 when it became property of the Luxembourgish state. Besides its historical allure, Vianden Castle also appeals to its lively medieval festivals, which feature medieval music concerts, sword fights, musket shooting exhibitions and much more.
🏰 Beaufort Castles
Just 40 minutes from the capital, nestled amidst majestic flora and fauna, lie the two Beaufort Castles, one medieval and the other Renaissance. Guided tours are available, and in the summer, artists offer concerts in front of the castle, complemented by light shows. Situated in the region known as Luxembourg's Little Switzerland, it's worth combining a castle visit with a hike and stops to savour the region's culinary delights.
🏰 Bourscheid Castle
Located just 45 minutes north of the capital in the Ardennes region, Bourscheid Castle stands proudly atop a hill, 150 meters above the Sûre River. With its 11 towers, it's the largest castle in the country. What sets it apart is its breathtaking 360° view of the Luxembourgish countryside from its mountainous perch.
🏰 Wiltz Castle
Situated an hour north of the capital in the Éislek region, Wiltz Castle is a bit farther but well worth the journey. Renowned for its cultural offerings, it houses the National Brewery Museum, the Tannery Museum, and the Battle of the Bulge Museum. Since the 1950s, the monumental staircase leading to the garden and the castle's facade have served as the backdrop for the Wiltz European Open-Air Theatre and Music Festival.
Where to stay in Luxembourg?
If you want to visit the castles but do not live in Luxembourg and are looking for a place to stay in the capital, or if you live in the capital and are looking for a place to stay outside the capital, we recommend our article on Where to stay in Luxembourg when visiting the country.
Locations for nature lovers
While castles are certainly a draw, Luxembourg offers much more, especially for nature enthusiasts. Here, we present a curated list of some of the top cycling trails, hiking paths, and camping sites ideal for a Luxembourg weekend trip.
Biking routes
If you relish pedaling through beautiful landscapes along well-equipped routes, Luxembourg is the perfect destination for you. This small country boasts 600 kilometers of cycling routes and 700 kilometers of mountain biking trails.
Here are a few noteworthy routes.
🚴🏻♂️ Fähranleger in Oberbillig
A 43-kilometer loop starting and ending at Oberbillig's Fähranleger. Mostly flat and easy to navigate, this route runs alongside the water, offering serene views of nature.
🚴🏻♂️ Denkmal Schengen-Abkommen
An 81.6-kilometer bike route starting in Oetrange and passing through Schengen, Schengen-Grenz, and Wormeldingen. Geared towards intermediate cyclists, it offers an approximate biking time of 3.5 hours.
🚴🏻♂️ Hovelange Tunnel
This 85-kilometer route begins and ends in Hovelange, passing through Hivelange tunnel, Useldange Castle, and other attractions. Plan around 4 hours to complete this scenic journey.
Hiking trails
For those who prefer exploring on foot, Luxembourg offers an extensive network of trails, with over 5,000 kilometers of paths. Since we cannot list them all here, we will leave you with a selection of easy, easy-moderate and moderate trails, leaving out the more difficult ones because they usually take several days to complete.
🥾 Meditation Path in Rindschleiden
Located in the Guttland region, this 1.5-kilometer trail with 12 stations invites tranquility and meditation. Generally considered an easy walk, it takes about 24 minutes to complete.
🥾 Dream Loops in the Moselle Region
The Luxembourgish Moselle region boasts three certified dream loops labeled Premium, ensuring a high-quality hiking experience. These trails, ranging from easy to intermediate difficulty, take approximately 3.5 hours to complete.
🥾 Mullerthal Trail
Offering not one but three circular routes, the Mullerthal Trail traverses varied landscapes, including peculiar rock formations, mossy forests, picturesque stream valleys, and open meadows. These intermediate-level trails span 11 to 12 hours.
Camping sites
Luxembourg offers a wide range of camping options for adventurers of all kinds. Here are some alternatives for planning a weekend getaway in Luxembourg.
🏕️ Camping Route du Vin in Grevenmacher
Situated along the Moselle River in Grevenmacher, this picturesque camping site offers a plethora of amenities and attractions for a memorable stay.
🏕️ Camping du Nord in Goesdorf
Nestled in the heart of the Luxembourgish Ardennes, along the Sûre River in Goebelsmühle, this serene campground is within the tranquil Obersauer Natural Park, renowned for its stunning natural surroundings, scenic hiking trails, and excellent fishing opportunities.
🏕️ Camping at Camping Park Beaufort
It’s located in the heart of the beautiful Mullerthal region, near the German border, about 45 minutes from the capital. This campsite stands out for its variety of offers, it is possible to park your caravan or pitch your tent as well as to choose one of its rentals, such as wooden hikers' cabins, Indian-style tipis, luxurious igloos or fully equipped mobile homes.
If you would like to know more about these places and discover many others, we recommend our articles dedicated to cycling routes, hiking trails and campsites in Luxembourg.
Biking in Luxembourg: renting, trails and festivals for cyclists
All about hiking in Luxembourg
Camping in Luxembourg for nature lovers
Weekend trip from Luxembourg: top-cities and places
If you're scouring the map for the country of Benelux, we'll save you some trouble, you won't find it. But why does this matter? It's quite simple. In neighbouring countries like Belgium and the Netherlands, there's an abundance of incredible places that can be easily visited on short day trips or weekend getaways.
How to get to BeNeLux?
The term "Benelux" refers to the economic union formed between Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. The name "Benelux" is an acronym derived from the initial letters of each of these countries.
In the following sections, we will enter into some nice places to visit near Luxembourg, covering the enchanting landscapes and vibrant cultures of the bordering countries.
Trier
What will you find there?
Impressive cathedrals
Historical monuments
City crossed by a river
Birthplace of important people
Trier, situated in southwest Germany, just an hour away from Luxembourg City, is a historical treasure worth exploring. It stands as one of Germany's oldest cities, earning the moniker "the second Rome" for its political significance during the Late Roman Empire.
Trier boasts an array of historical sites, including the Porta Nigra, Aula Palatina, the amphitheater, and the imperial baths. Moreover, it's renowned as the birthplace of Karl Marx, whose childhood home has been transformed into a captivating museum showcasing his life and legacy. With its charming old town, cobblestone streets, and unique atmosphere, Trier captivates visitors with its rich history and beauty.
How to reach Trier from Luxembourg?
Driving by car
Driving is straightforward and swift, head east on the A1 for a journey of just under an hour. Google Maps provides detailed directions.
Public transport
Public transit offers a similar travel time, around an hour. Check Google Maps or Mobiliteit.lu for precise details on available buses and trains according to your planned travel dates.
Bicycle
While a bit adventurous, cycling to Trier is also feasible, albeit with a longer journey time of approximately three hours.
Cochem
What will you find there?
Impressive castle
Historical monuments
City crossed by a river
Interesting museums
Cochem, a picturesque town nestled along the banks of the Moselle River in Germany, lies approximately two hours from Luxembourg City. If you have a penchant for castles, Cochem is the destination for you, as it is dominated by an imposing medieval castle that overlooks the old town. While the castle stands as the city's main attraction, there's much more to Cochem. The town itself exudes charm, with its cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered houses, delightful shops, and cozy cafes.
Underground!
Additionally, a visit to the Bundesbank-Bunker Museum is well worth your time. Here, you can go on a guided underground tour of the former air-raid shelter, which once housed millions of German marks.
How to reach Cochem from Luxembourg?
Driving by car
Traveling by car is straightforward and swift. Simply head east on the A1 motorway for a journey of approximately two hours. Google Maps provides comprehensive directions for your convenience.
Public transport
Public transportation offers a convenient alternative, with a journey time similar to that of driving, sometimes even shorter, taking around one hour and 45 minutes. You can find precise details of available buses and trains on Google Maps or Mobiliteit.lu, tailored to your planned travel dates.
Bruges
What will you find there?
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Historical monuments
Abundance of waterways
Preserved historic center
Bruges, known as the Venice of the North, is a medieval city in Belgium that captivates visitors with its historic charm and picturesque canals. Situated a bit farther than the two preceding cities, it's about a four-hour journey, but we assure you, it's worth the trip.
Bruges's main allure lies in its historic center, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Although much of it has been reconstructed, the urban center remains one of Europe's greatest attractions, preserving intact structures. Its cobblestone streets, lined with fairytale-like houses and elegant churches, transport visitors to another era.
The Markt Square, with its imposing belfry, serves as the heart of the city and is the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere. Bruges is also famous for its delicious Belgian chocolate and beer, making every corner a sensory delight.
Must-see
Some must-see landmarks in Bruges include the Grote Markt or Market Square, the Belfry Tower, Burg Square, the Rosary Quay, and the Bonifacius Bridge.
How to reach Bruges from Luxembourg?
Driving by car
Traveling by car requires heading east on the A6 highway for a journey of approximately four hours. Google Maps provides comprehensive directions for your convenience.
Public transport
Public transportation takes about five hours, an hour longer than by car. You can find precise details of available buses and trains on Google Maps tailored to your planned travel dates.
Metz
What will you find there?
Impressive cathedral
Historical monuments
City crossed by a river
France's most beautiful train station
After exploring Belgium and Germany, our journey now takes us south to France, where we arrive in Metz, located just over an hour from Luxembourg City.
Metz is a city that seamlessly blends history, culture, and architectural beauty. Its historic center, characterised by cobblestone streets and light gray stone buildings, reflects its rich medieval heritage. One of its main attractions is the breathtaking Gothic cathedral of Saint-Étienne, renowned for its dazzling stained glass windows created by famous painters, making it a must-see. Additionally, Metz is home to the Centre Pompidou-Metz, an internationally renowned cultural center.
Exploration locations
Apart from the cathedral, don't miss landmarks like the German Gate, the Temple Neuf, the Museum of the Cour d'Or, Place Saint Louis, and the Plan d’Eau.
How to reach Metz from Luxembourg?
Driving by car
Take the A3 highway heading south for a journey of just over an hour. However, be prepared for heavy traffic, especially during peak hours, which may extend the travel time. Google Maps provides detailed directions.
Public transport
Public transit takes about an hour, similar to driving. You can find precise details of available buses and trains on Google Maps or Mobiliteit.lu according to your planned travel dates.
Europa Park
What will you find there?
Roller coasters
Aquatic experiences
Themed attractions
Adrenaline guaranteed
If city visits and castle tours don't quite pique your interest, and you're more of an adrenaline junkie seeking extreme experiences, then allow us to introduce you to Europa Park. Located in Rust, Germany, Europa Park stands as one of the largest theme parks in Europe, just a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Luxembourg's capital.
Europa Park offers an exhilarating blend of attractions, shows, and entertainment for visitors of all ages. With over 100 attractions inspired by different European countries, ranging from high-speed roller coasters to water rides, the park ensures fun for every taste. Additionally, it features live shows and themed restaurants, adding to the immersive experience.
How to reach Europa Park from Luxembourg?
Driving by car
Driving southeast will take you to Europa Park in approximately three and a half hours. Google Maps provides comprehensive directions for your convenience.
Public transport
Public transportation offers a convenient alternative, with a journey time almost equivalent to driving. You can find precise details of available buses and trains on Google Maps tailored to your planned travel dates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are there any special events or festivals happening in Benelux during the year?
Yes, several destinations near Luxembourg host special events and festivals throughout the year. For instance, Cochem in Germany celebrates its annual wine festivals during the summer months, offering visitors a taste of local culture and tradition. Similarly, Bruges in Belgium hosts the Procession of the Holy Blood in May, a historic and colorful event dating back to the Middle Ages. Metz in France boasts a vibrant Christmas market during the holiday season, transforming the city into a festive wonderland. These are just a few examples of the exciting events and festivals you can experience while exploring nearby destinations from Luxembourg.
Are there any guided tours available for exploring cities near Luxembourg?
Many of these destinations offer guided tours to enhance your exploration experience. For example, Trier in Germany provides guided tours of its historic sites, including the Porta Nigra and the Roman amphitheater, allowing visitors to delve deeper into the city's rich history. Additionally, Metz offers guided tours of its iconic landmarks, such as the Cathedral of Saint-Étienne and the Centre Pompidou-Metz, providing insights into the city's cultural heritage. Be sure to check with local tourism offices or tour operators for available guided tour options tailored to your interests.
Are there any family-friendly activities available around Luxembourg?
Yes, these locations offer plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy. Europa Park in Germany, for instance, is a paradise for families with its diverse range of thrilling rides, entertaining shows, and themed areas catering to visitors of all ages. Additionally, destinations like Cochem and Bruges boast scenic boat tours along their picturesque rivers, providing a fun and memorable experience for families. Moreover, many of these destinations feature interactive museums, parks, and playgrounds ideal for family outings. Whether it's exploring medieval castles or enjoying outdoor adventures, there's no shortage of family-friendly activities to discover near Luxembourg.
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Source: www.trier.de, es.wikipedia.org, today.rtl.lu, en.wikipedia.org, es.wikipedia.org, es.wikipedia.org, www.europapark.de
We took photos from these sources: David Grandmougin on Unsplash, Google Maps, Pixabay, tourisme-metz.com, Europa Park
Authors: Luz
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