I stayed in Luxembourg for a week as I was house/ pet sitting (read more on that here), so I had plenty of time to explore the city. If you’re here for more than a couple of days, I’d recommend a day trip. As Luxembourg is such a small country, it is also a great base to travel to Germany, France, or Belgium. If you’re staying in the city, you can find my guide here for the best things to do.
Vianden
I visited Vianden for the castle and was captivated by this fairytale town full of cobbled streets and medieval architecture. It took nearly two hours from my house-sit in Bridel, but the journey was scenic through the countryside. Most importantly, all public transport in Luxembourg is free! If you have a car, it’s around a 45-minute drive from Luxembourg City and definitely worth the trip. The walk from Vianden Gare station displays the impressive castle looming over the valley.
Take the chairlift for panoramic views
To get to the castle, I took the chairlift, a 5-minute walk from the station. Tickets are €6.50 for one way (recommended, the return walk is enjoyable) or €9 for a return. The short journey takes you up over the houses, the River Our, and the forest to the top of the valley for phenomenal views of Vianden Castle and the commune below. There’s a cafe at the summit, but I packed a lunch, and it’s an incredible picnic spot!
Vianden Castle
Not only is the vantage point of Vianden Castle of cinematic quality, but the castle interior is beautiful. The castle holds an interesting history; tours are €10 and audioguides are €2. Showing authentically staged rooms and impressive architecture, the coloured pillars in the upper chapel are especially aesthetically pleasing. Constructed in the Gothic era, the castle was the seat of the Counts of Vianden but then left to ruin in the 1800s under the new king’s reign. In 1977 the castle was transferred to state ownership and the government invested in its magnificent restoration.
Eat, Drink, Stay
After the tour, I explored the cobbled streets leading back down to the river. The area is quiet, but there are bars, restaurants, and Ancien Cinema; an independent cinema and cafe. You can see Vianden in a day, but if you’re exploring the surrounding area (Bourscheid and Clervaux are close by), there’s a hostel and hotels in varying budgets and a large campsite just out of town in an idyllic riverside setting. I had a beer at the aptly named The River. I didn’t eat, but the food looked average and not cheap – I think there are better dining spots. But with sunny riverside tables and a direct view of the castle, you can’t beat the location.Â
Trier
Only a 50-minute train ride from Luxembourg station, Trier in Germany makes the perfect day trip. Founded in 16 BC, Trier is the oldest city in Germany and houses UNESCO world heritage site Roman structures. The main square is bustling, surrounded by ornate buildings, and market stalls and restaurants spill onto the cobbles. A wine stall was a popular spot for tasting local wine while enjoying live music from street performers. Just off the square is St Peter’s Cathedral, an impressive building with an equally stunning interior.
Porta Nigra
Trier’s preserved Roman city gate, or ‘black gate’ in Latin, Porta Nigra is a good starting point to explore. The large structure consists of various rooms, former churches, and courtyards displaying intricate stone carvings and columns. The entrance of €4 allows access to all four levels, offering panoramic views of the city and beyond.
Kaisertherman
Even in its ruins, the Kaisertherman or Imperial Baths offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the upper class of the Roman Empire. Unfortunately, construction came to a halt in the third century, and the baths were never completed to their intended use. Instead, they converted the structure into a castle and then a monastery. Today, you can also visit the maintenance wing; a fascinating underground tunnel network that the staff would have used. Entrance to the site is €4.
Amphitheater
The final stop on the Roman triad is the Amphitheater. An entertainment arena where 20,000 bloodthirsty spectators could be seated to see animals and humans fight to the death. You can visit the basement and cages where they kept the fighters and walk out onto the expansive arena, just as the gladiators did all those centuries ago. The entrance fee is also €4.
Eat and drink
Located in the Moselle wine region, sampling local wine is a must, and most restaurants offer an extensive list. I had lunch at Weinstube Kesselstatt, a busy wine bar with a large terrace, opposite the cathedral. You order at the bar (you can ask for an English menu), then find a seat. I was lucky enough to grab a small outside table. There were limited vegetarian options, so I had a small cheese plate and fries, and a glass of their own brand Reisling. Food service was slow but the restaurant was extremely busy, and it was a great sun-trap and people-watching spot.
Moselle Region
For wine or nature lovers, the Moselle region is a must-see. This beautiful area follows the Moselle River through Luxembourg, France, and Germany and is known for producing internationally renowned wines. A river and wine-tasting tour takes you from Luxembourg City to explore the region. Firstly to Schengen to learn about the Schengen treaty and visit the Musee A Possen, then to Remich to enjoy tastings at local wineries.
Mullerthal Region
The Mullerthal region is an area I didn’t get to explore due to a reduced Easter bus timetable. But I would recommend a visit; only 30 minutes by car or around two hours by bus from Luxembourg City. Referred to as ‘Little Switzerland’, the Mullerthal region is known for its beautiful landscape and hiking trails. For experienced hikers, the Mullerthal trail is a multi-day hike spanning 112 km. For everyone else, you can hike shorter sections of the trail through towering rock formations and peaceful forests.
How much I spent on a day trip to Vianden
Transport: FREE. All public transport across the country is free in Luxembourg
Â
Food/ drink: €6
Â
Activities: €16.50
Â
TOTAL: €22.50
How much I spent on a day trip to Trier
Transport: €10.55
Â
Food/drink: €16.05
Â
Activities: €12
Â
TOTAL: €38.60