If you’re traveling Luxembourg but fancy a getaway from the only Grand Duchy in the world, you’re in for a treat!
Growing up in the Grand Duchy, I often took weekend trips from Luxembourg to nearby countries like Germany, Belgium, France, or the Netherlands. Those trips sparked my love for travel as a kid.
Luxembourg’s central location in Western Europe and its participation in the Schengen Area makes it easy to visit dream destinations like Paris, Amsterdam, and more.
Ready for a bit of adventure outside the Grand Duchy? Here are my insider tips on nearby places and what to do in these exciting places.
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Pssst…??!! You can’t get enough of Luxembourg? Have a look at my other posts:
1. Weekend Trip to Brussels, Belgium
Between 2-3 hours travel time, Brussels is one of the must-do weekend trips from Luxembourg by train, or take a two-hour drive by car.
When I first set foot in Belgium’s capital, Brussels, I realized it had some kind of formal character since it is home to many European institutions. Still, the city has some of the most beautiful places in Belgium, too.
One is the gothic Grand Place, a 17th-century cobbled market square.
Just a three-minute walk from the Grand Place, a statue of a small boy caught my eye. It is peeing into the 15th-century public fountain called the Manneken Pis.
Another famous landmark in Brussels is the Atomium, a giant atomic structure rising over 102 meters.
Since you’re at the world’s finest chocolatiers, try Belgian chocolates (Leonidas, Neuhaus, and Guylian) and the caramelized Liège waffles.
2. Weekend in Paris, France
The City of Light is just a little over 2 hours to reach by train from Luxembourg City. Best explored on foot or by bike, you can get around the major landmarks for a weekend!
I’ve heard so much about the Louvre Museum and the Eiffel Tower. Visiting these iconic landmarks up close made my experience surreal.
From the famous Mona Lisa to Venus de Milo and much more, the Louvre Museum has over 35,000 works of art.
If you’re the chic and romantic kind, go for a Parisian picnic at Champs-Élysées or stroll along the streets of Montmartre in the 18th arrondissement where Picasso and Dalí once lived.
A day trip from Paris to Luxembourg won’t be complete without experiencing Parisian cuisine and nightlife. Cap off your weekend in Paris with a romantic dinner cruise along the Seine.
Get Luxembourg to Paris train tickets here
3. Cologne, Germany
Cologne is a cultural city in Western Germany, famous for its Gothic architecture. From the top of the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom), overlooking the Rhine River and the city skyline, I found it sophisticated and fascinating.
Cologne’s Old Town (Altstadt) is quaint but quite impressive. It was destroyed during World War II, but its former glory remains intact. Visit the Old St. Alban Memorial, the Stapelhaus, and the Museum Ludwig.
A Cologne to Luxembourg day trip takes less than 4 hours. This is the fastest if you book day trips from Luxembourg by train.
Don’t miss sampling a glass of Kölsch, a local brew in Altstadt. I also tasted some chocolate from the fountain at the Chocolate Museum (Schokoladenmuseum).
4. Luxembourg Ardennes
What can you see in Luxembourg in one day? You’ll never run out of places to visit, including its medieval castles and quaint villages of Ardennes in the north.
Two of the best castles in Luxembourg can be found in the Ardennes, such as the Vianden Castle, the largest of them all, and Clervaux Castle, featuring The Family of Man photograph collection.
Many nature reserves in the Ardennes are rich in scenic trails and landscapes. I often unwind at the Upper Sûre Nature Park, a famous swimming spot from May to September.
Book Vianden Castle entry tickets here
5. Strasbourg, France
Across the border from Germany, a high-speed train to Strasbourg is just 1 hour and 34 minutes from Luxembourg Station.
The capital city of the Grand Est region on the Rhine in France, exploring the stunning city of Strasbourg is one of the best day trips from Luxembourg City and one of the things to do near Luxembourg.
The Gothic-style Strasbourg Cathedral and La Petite France are two of my favorite spots, offering a unique blend of history and culture.
Surrounding La Petite France are half-timbered houses and cafes along the banks of the Ill River. Stop for lunch and sample local Alsatian cuisine such as kugelhopf (sweet yeasted cake) and tarte flambée (Alsatian pizza).
The European Parliament is also situated in Strasbourg. Here, you can tour the iconic building for free.
6. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Less than 6 hours away from Luxembourg, the historic Dutch capital of Amsterdam is easily accessible by road.
Taking the Flixbus offers a direct route, which is more convenient than taking the train to Brussels.
Amsterdam is one of the places to see near Luxembourg. I often visit the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, where Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh artworks are displayed.
The Venice of the North is laid out with iconic canals that are perfect for navigating onboard a romantic cruise.
I passed by Amsterdam’s popular landmarks, including the Anne Frank House, dedicated to Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank.
My cruise also went past the vibrant Jordaan district, a charming neighborhood where locals and tourists stop for a beer or dinner at one of the many cafes and restaurants in the area.
Get Flixbus tickets here
7. Heidelberg, Germany
I then took a detour to Heidelberg, a one-day trip from Luxembourg. This medieval and picturesque city in Germany is perfect for a romantic weekend getaway.
The fastest land route from Luxembourg to Heidelberg is by train for an hour and a half, but if you want the privacy of riding a car, it’s an average two-hour drive.
If you’re fond of castles in Luxembourg, you wouldn’t want to miss Heidelberg Castle (Schloss Heidelberg), which has elegant castle gardens and partial ruins atop a hill.
The grand castle overlooks the Old Bridge (Alte Brücke), built in 1786.
Wondering where to shop in Heidelberg? Check out Hauptstraße, a popular shopping street in the Old Town (Altstadt).
The Synagogue Square is also within reach, which serves as a memorial to the Jewish community that once thrived in Heidelberg.
For scenic nature views, consider walking the Philosophers’ Way (Philosophenweg) above the Neckar River.
8. Weekend in Luxembourg’s Wine Region
Nestled between France and Germany, the Moselle Valley is famous for its rolling vineyards and scenic landscapes, which are among the most beautiful places in Luxembourg.
In summer, I did wine tasting in the Moselle Valley at Caves de Wormeldange, where I tasted different grape varieties while relaxing on the sunny terrace.
Remich and Grevenmacher are two major wine-producing regions in Luxembourg.
Both towns host wine and grape festivals, where you can try some Luxembourg traditional food and Luxembourg desserts to sample wines, including Riesling and Pinot Blanc.
I also took a scenic boat cruise along the Moselle River with Marie Astrid, which provided stunning views of the vineyards.
If you want to enjoy Luxembourg’s wine culture, head to one of the Moselle towns, Grevenmacher, Remich, or Stadtbredimus, and sample some wine on the numerous terraces.
9. Black Forest, Germany
Hidden southwest of Frankfurt is Black Forest, Germany—the land of evergreen landscapes, gentle green slopes, and scenic hiking trails.
You can get to Black Forest by train and bus from Luxembourg, but the fastest route is going by car for almost 3 hours.
One of my favorite day trips in Luxembourg, Black Forest, is a mix of luxe and unhurried lifestyle with its fairytale villages and Michelin-star restaurants.
Visit Freiburg im Breisgau, where you can picnic in one of its green spaces or enjoy a cold pint in many of its beer gardens.
I went to Black Forest to try their famous Black Forest cake. The cherry season starts at the end of June, so you might want to visit by then.
Another must-see attraction is the House of 1000 Clocks, featuring cuckoo clocks specially curated in the Black Forest. Clockmaker Franz Ketterer developed the first cuckoo clock in 1737.
10. Bruges, Belgium
The UNESCO World Heritage medieval city of Bruges in Belgium sits on water, yet it’s a walkable city. 168-miles away from Luxembourg, you can get here by train and travel an average 4 hours and 20 minutes.
I’ve winded through the lovely canals of Bruges on bobbing boats, and it was a magnificent experience. The memorable boat trip led me to romantic bridges, secret gardens, and medieval facades in Bruges.
Can’t get enough of the scenery?
Check out some of the Instagram places in Bruges like the 83-meter-high Belfry of Bruges and the Basilica of the Holy Blood, a rare example of Romanesque architecture.
If you get hungry exploring the city, dine at one of the many places to eat in Bruges. I’ve been to Zet’Joe, one of the best restaurants in Bruges with an amazing wine selection and tender meats.
Of course, a trip to Belgium won’t be worthwhile without beers and chocolates. After all, these taste better on home turf.
My final thoughts on weekend trips from Luxembourg
From the City of Light Paris to the Dutch Capital of Amsterdam, the medieval city of Bruges, and more, the best day trips from Luxembourg are just around the corner.
A city awash with medieval castles, scenic vineyards, and hiking trails, you’ll also enjoy the places to visit in Luxembourg City in one day.
Want a short escape? Start planning your next weekend getaway from Luxembourg.
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Do you have your own favorite weekend trip experiences? Share them in the comments below!
Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! ??
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