Feb. 24, 2007
Not even big enough on most maps of Europe to contain the letters of its name, Lilliputian Luxembourg makes up in snazz what it lacks in size. It has a wealth of verdant landscapes crisscrossed by rivers and dotted with the sort of rural hamlets that most people associate with fairy tales.
Best Time To Go
Springtime
is a great time to be amongst the riot of wildflowers, celebrations and folk festivals nationwide. The weather from late-spring to early-autumn is also usually good for outdoors activities - so long as you don't mind a bit of rain and battling the tourist swell. Winter is not as extreme in Luxembourg as it can be in nearby countries, so if you find yourself visiting during the colder months, you needn't weigh yourself down with polar gear.
Luxembourg Geography
The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
covers two thousand six hundred square kilometres. The Duchy is landlocked and bordered by France, Belgium and Germany. The capital city is also called Luxembourg.
Luxembourg is divided into twelve cantons: Capellen, Clervaux, Diekirch, Esch, Echternach, Grevenmacher, Luxembourg, Mersch, Redange, Remich, Vianden and Wiltz.
The north of Luxembourg is part of the Ardennes; the south is mainly rolling farmland. The Moselle valley with its vineyards is to the east and the iron and coal mining region is in the extreme south. Luxembourg's major rivers are the Moselle, Sure, the Alzette, and the Our.
The climate is temperate with mild winters and cool summers.
Luxembourg Architecture
The traditional architecture
of Luxembourg is typical of the forested and mountainous regions of Europe, with timbered and stone buildings combining housing with barns and animal stabling.
Luxembourg's central position in Europe has made the country militarily important and this is reflected in its military architecture. The country has many castles and the fortress of Luxembourg itself was, until sections had to be dismantled under the terms of the Treaty of London (1867), one of the world's greatest strongholds.
Examples can be found, throughout Luxembourg, of the architecture of earlier ages including Roman and Gothic. The EU Court of Justice is an example of modern architecture.
Luxembourg Environment
One-third of Luxembourg is covered by forest
. The Ardennes, in the north, form part of The Natural Germano-Luxembourg Park which extends into Germany. The Nature Park of the Upper-Sure is a protected area. The flora and fauna are similar to the surrounding countries and the mountainous and forested regions are known as Little Switzerland.
Like most European countries, Luxembourg has not escaped air and water pollution in urban areas, but as a member of the European Union, the country participates in European initiatives to protect the environment. The mining areas of the south have suffered particularly.
Luxembourg Languages
Languages
Lëtzebuergesch or Luxembourgish, French and German are all official languages. English is also spoken.
Luxembourg Food
Many of Luxembourg's speciality dishes are appropriate to forest areas: for example jugged hare and Ardennes ham. Other local foods include black-pudding, sausages and fish from the rivers (trout and pike). Desserts include plum tart and apple cake.
Luxembourg shares the Moselle valley with Germany and the local white wines are justly famous. Like other northern European countries, Luxembourg is also well known for its beers.
