Why Luxembourg for a Honeymoon
Luxembourg works for couples who like old stone, good wine and short distances. The capital's Chemin de la Corniche, a walkway along the ramparts, is often called the most beautiful balcony in Europe. Below it the Alzette winds past the Grund's slate roofs and the former abbey of Neumünster.
Outside the city, the landscapes shift quickly. The Moselle runs along the German border, its slopes covered in vines that produce Riesling, Pinot Gris and crémant, the local sparkling wine. In the Mullerthal, nicknamed Little Switzerland, footpaths thread through narrow sandstone gorges and past a small waterfall at Schiessentümpel. Vianden's castle, rebuilt from medieval ruins, crowns a hill above a riverside village.
The practical side helps. The country is tiny, so you can base in one hotel and still see everything. Trains, buses and trams cost nothing in second class. English is spoken almost everywhere. The food scene is far stronger than the country's size suggests.
Best Time to Visit
May to September is the best stretch. Average highs climb from about 65°F in May to the mid 70s in July and August. Terraces open, hiking trails dry out and vineyard festivals fill Moselle villages on weekends.
June adds National Day on June 23, with fireworks over the capital's valley on the eve and celebrations across the country. Late August into early September brings the Schueberfouer, a funfair with roots in the 14th century, to the Glacis square in the capital.
September and October are harvest months on the Moselle. Days are mild and the forests of the Ardennes and Mullerthal start to turn. Rain is spread through the year, so pack a light jacket in any season.
Winter is gray and chilly, with highs near 40°F. The capital's Christmas markets and lights are pleasant for a few days, but countryside hotels may close and short days limit hiking. For a honeymoon, aim for late spring through early autumn.
Where to Go
Luxembourg City is the base for most couples and has its own guide on this site. Spend at least two nights in the old town or the Grund to enjoy the evening walks.
The Moselle valley is the romantic counterpart. Villages such as Remich, Wormeldange and Grevenmacher sit beside the river, with wine cellars and riverside promenades. The village of Schengen, which lent its name to Europe's open-borders treaty, is at the southern end. Sparkling wine houses in Remich and Grevenmacher offer tours of their cellars.
The Mullerthal region, around Echternach, is the place for gentle hikes through moss-covered rock formations. Echternach itself has a basilica and a pretty market square.
In the north, the Ardennes hold the castle town of Vianden, the ruins of Bourscheid and Clervaux, where the castle houses The Family of Man photography exhibition. The Upper Sûre lake near Esch-sur-Sûre offers summer swimming and kayaking in a wooded valley.
Sample 10-Day Itinerary
Luxembourg needs four or five days. This plan pairs it with Belgium.
- Day 1: Arrive at Luxembourg Airport and take the free tram into the city. Evening walk on the Chemin de la Corniche.
- Day 2: Casemates, the Grand Ducal Palace and dinner in the Grund.
- Day 3: Moselle valley. Cellar tour, lunch by the river and a vineyard walk.
- Day 4: Mullerthal hike from Echternach or Berdorf, then on to Vianden for the night.
- Day 5: Vianden Castle in the morning, Clervaux in the afternoon.
- Day 6: Train to Brussels, about three hours. Dinner around the Grand-Place.
- Days 7–9: Bruges and Ghent for canals, chocolate and beer.
- Day 10: Fly home from Brussels.
For a wine-focused version, swap Belgium for the German Moselle or Alsace in France. Both are easy to reach by car from the Luxembourg Moselle.
Budget and Costs
Luxembourg is one of the most expensive countries in Europe. These figures are approximate and for two people.
- Hotels: good hotels in Luxembourg City often cost $200 to $350 a night, with luxury properties higher. Countryside hotels in Vianden or the Moselle tend to be a bit cheaper.
- Dining: dinner with wine at a good restaurant often costs $120 to $200. Lunch menus are better value.
- Wine: tastings and cellar tours on the Moselle are reasonably priced, often $15 to $30 per person.
- Transport: free in second class on trains, buses and trams nationwide.
- Car rental: about $50 to $90 a day if you want one for the countryside.
A five-day stay, excluding flights, can easily run $2,000 to $3,500 for two. Save money by eating a big lunch, picnicking on hikes and relying on public transport. Cards are accepted almost everywhere.
Getting There and Around
There are no nonstop flights from the US. Most couples connect through a European hub such as Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Paris, London, Munich or Zurich to Luxembourg Airport (LUX). The tram links the airport with Kirchberg and the city center in about half an hour. Buses run there too.
Another option is to fly into Frankfurt, Brussels or Paris and continue by train or shuttle. High-speed trains reach Paris in a little over two hours. Brussels is around three hours by train.
Inside the country, public transport is free in second class. Trains link the capital with the Moselle, the Ardennes and Echternach area via connecting buses. Service is good but less frequent in rural areas, especially on Sundays.
A rental car is handy for hopping between castles, vineyards and trailheads in a short time. Roads are excellent and distances are short. Fuel is cheaper than in neighboring countries.
Culture and Etiquette
Luxembourgers are polite, reserved and multilingual. Most people switch between Luxembourgish, French and German, often in the same conversation. English is widely spoken, especially in the capital. A simple moien (hello) or merci goes a long way.
The country is home to a large international population. Close to half of residents are foreign nationals and many more commute across the borders each day. That gives the capital a cosmopolitan feel.
Dress is smart casual. Restaurants in the capital lean formal at dinner, so pack one nicer outfit.
Service charges are included in restaurant bills. Rounding up or leaving 5% to 10% for good service is appreciated but not required.
Luxembourg is a constitutional monarchy led by a Grand Duke. Locals take national pride seriously. Avoid joking that it is part of Belgium or Germany. Public affection is fine.
Quick tips
- Public transport is free nationwide on trains, buses and trams in second class, airport tram included.
- Book weekend dinners ahead; the capital's best tables fill with diplomats and bankers.
- Many shops close on Sundays outside the capital, so stock up for picnics on Saturday.
