It is easy to overlook the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, a tiny little country dwarfed between its neighbours France, Germany and Belgium, when planning a tour of Europe. If it is thought of at all, it is probably as a rather unexciting place full of important banking institutions and European Union bureaucrats. This little country is, however, located at the crossroads of several major highways, and if you are going to travel through it, don't hesitate to stop awhile and probe behind the glass office blocks and official buildings to find a land of fascinating medieval fortresses, rolling woodlands, sun-drenched castles, and quaint villages.

The entire country is only 51 miles (85km) long and 32 miles (52km) wide, but there is a lot in this small package. The Ardennes region is hilly, densely forested and dotted with medieval castles, best known for being the site of the World War II Battle of the Bulge. The Mullerthal area is great for hiking with its curious sandstone rock formations among waterfalls and forest, the Moselle wine-growing region is picturesque and famed for its white wines, and Luxembourg City has grown up around an ancient fortified citadel in a setting that is unique and strangely beautiful. As if that were not enough to attract attention, bear in mind that the Grand Duchy also has more Michelin-starred restaurants per capita than any other country in the world.

Luxembourg's long history is concerned mainly with warding off and withstanding invasion, occupation and siege, which is perhaps why its people seem a little more conservative than their neighbours, with a national motto that reads: 'We want to remain what we are'. However Luxembourgers do enjoy their traditional parades and processions, and there are some jolly bars and cafes in the city where beer flows with good cheer.

Luxembourg Basics

Time: Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October).
Electricity: 220 volts, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are used.
Language: The official language is Letzeburgesch, a conglomerate German/French dialect. French and German are commonly used, and English is widely spoken.
Health: No vaccination certificates are required for entry to Luxembourg, and there are no health risks associated with travel to the country, although travellers visitng the counrty from November through April are advised to have an influenza vaccine. British citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), in order to qualify for free emergency medical treatment. Medical insurance is recommended.
Tipping: Hotel and restaurant bills generally include a service charge. Porters and doormen in smarter hotels appreciate a tip of €1 to €2 and taxi drivers expect a tip of around 10%.
Safety: Travel to and around Luxembourg is very safe and trouble free. Take normal precautions against pick-pockets and petty theft.
Business: Business in Luxembourg is usually conducted in French, though some German and English is also used. Translators are readily available, but some effort at speaking French will be appreciated. Business tends to be conducted formally, beginning with a handshake and an exchange of business cards. Punctuality is essential. Dress is formal, with a suit and tie the norm. Surnames and titles are usually used. Luxembourgers are polite and cautious, and it is important to build personal relationships. Business hours are usually 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, often closing for an hour at lunch. It may be hard to agree meetings during July and August when most locals take their annual holiday.
Communications: The country code for Luxembourg is +352. The outgoing code is 00, which is followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are not in use. The country is amply covered by GSM mobile phone networks and there are several Internet cafes in Luxembourg city.
Duty Free: Travellers over 17 years arriving from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g tobacco, or a proportional mix of these; 1 litre spirits with alcohol content higher than 22%, or 2 litres dessert wine not exceeding 22% and sparkling wine, and 2 litres table wine; perfume up to 50g or 250ml eau de toilette. Other goods include beer, gift items and souvenirs to the value of €175 per adult or €90 for children below 15 years. Providing goods are bought for personal use, there are no restrictions on carrying tobacco and alcohol between the 15 original countries of the EU (including the UK), with the exception of Finland, Denmark and Sweden.

Luxembourg Passport & Visa Requirements
Entry requirements for Americans: United States citizens must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: British citizens must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months if holding a passport endorsed British Citizen, British Overseas Territories Citizen, British Subject or British National (Overseas). In all other cases a visa is required.
Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.
Entry requirements for Australians: Australians must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.
Entry requirements for South Africans: South African nationals require a valid passport and a Schengen visa.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand citizens must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish citizens must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to three months.
Passport/Visa Note: Passports must be valid for at least 3 months after period of intended stay. It is recommended that visitors have return or onward tickets, documents required for next destination and sufficient funds.The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that, in principal, allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. Passports must be valid for at least 3 months after period of intended stay.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

Luxembourg-Ville
In the early morning haze Luxembourg City is reminiscent of an ancient fairytale city, with its towers and turrets. The old centre of town, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, can trace its history back to the 10th century, when Siegfried, Count of the Ardennes, built a castle on a rock above the Alzette River. He named the castle Lucilinburhuc. Over the centuries the castle and surrounding town was strengthened with numerous additional fortifications, walls and gates until it became known as the 'Gibraltar of the North'. Today the various components of the fortress are the city’s chief tourist attraction. There are some other interesting sights in the old centre of town too, including several museums.

Modern Luxembourg on the plateau du Krichberg is more concerned with business than pleasure, as the work of a major international financial centre goes on inside the many modern office complexes in the area. Luxembourg has the highest number of banks of any city in Europe, and it is also home to numerous European Union institutions. The European Council of Ministers holds their sessions in the city for three months every year, and the European Court of Justice presides here too.

Clervaux
In the heart of the Ardennes Mountain region about 30 miles (50km) north of Luxembourg City, the village of Clervaux is overlooked by a 15th-century castle, a Romanesque church with twin spires, and a large Benedictine monastery. The castle houses three small museums, including one that features a collection of World War II memorabilia from the Battle of the Bulge that was fought in the region. Another room is dedicated to the Luxembourg Holocaust victims, its walls lined with mementoes of Luxembourgers who died in concentration camps. Behind the castle a road leads uphill to the monastery, where the monks sometimes hold Gregorian chant concerts. The town itself has numerous appealing restaurants and cafes.


Echternach
The beautiful town of Echternach lies on the border between Germany and Luxembourg on the banks of the Sûre River. It boasts a famed abbey, founded in the 7th century by St Willibrord, whose remains are contained in a magnificent white marble sarcophagus in the crypt of the Basilica. There are also three museums in the town, one dedicated to the history of the abbey, another showcasing ancient artefacts and a third detailing rural architecture. Echternach also has its own unique event: a centuries' old traditional dancing procession takes place each Whit Tuesday, attracting thousands of pilgrims and spectators. The town is also a jumping-off point for hikers wishing to explore the area known as the Mullerthal, a fascinating landscape of curious sandstone rock formations, waterfalls, creeks, springs and forests. Also known as 'Little Switzerland', this region is criss-crossed with hiking trails and dotted with picturesque villages.

Grand Ducal Palace
The city residence of the Grand Ducal family is right in the heart of the old town, and is surprisingly unpretentious, recognisable more by the fact that there are sentry boxes outside. The building features ochre yellow stone decorated with spires and railings, overlooking a paved pedestrian square. It was originally the site of a medieval town hall that was destroyed by a gunpowder explosion in 1554, and rebuilt 20 years later. An annex to the building was built in 1859 and is the seat of the Chamber of Deputies. Guided tours are available in July and August by arrangement with the Luxembourg City Tourist Office.

Address: 17, rue du Marché-aux-Herbes; Telephone: 22 28 09; Opening time: The palace can be visited on a guided tour between 18 July and 2 September; Admission: €6 (adults), €3 (children)

Hamm Cemetery
In a silent forest clearing near the village of Hamm, a few miles east of Luxembourg city, lie the graves of more than 5,000 American soldiers killed during World War II, when the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg became a battleground in the Allies’ last bid for victory on the Western Front. One of the graves is that of the legendary commander, General George Patton, who died in a traffic accident just after the war. The cemetery has become a place of pilgrimage and homage, and is immaculately maintained by members of the American Battle Monuments' Commission. Not far away, at the village of Sandwieler, is a German war cemetery with some 10,000 graves.

The Fortress
The mighty fortress started by Count Siegfried atop the Rock of Bock in 963 eventually became a citadel with three girdles of battlements, the inner one fortified with bastions, and the other two containing a total of 24 forts along their length. As the centuries passed the stone cliff foundations underneath the castle were excavated to form a network of 14 miles (23km) of underground tunnels, called casemates, where thousands of soldiers could shelter and workshops for artillery and arms, kitchens, bakeries and slaughter-houses could be housed. The fortress saw many sieges and battles, until 1867 when the Treaty of London declared that it be demolished. Despite this, several sections of the fortress still remain, and the subterranean casements are open for viewing. Visitors can also enjoy a sound and light tour on the history of the castle. The best way to view the remaining parts of the fortifications is on foot, strolling through the cobbled streets of the old town, armed with a map from the tourist office (on the Place d’Armes).
Opening time: Daily 10am to 5pm (March to October); Admission: €1.75 (adults), €1 (children)

The National Museum for History and Art
This museum was recently substantially refurbished and contains some major archaeological finds from the Gallo-Roman period, which are displayed in underground galleries. Collections of fine arts, medieval artefacts, coins, medals and arms are also on display.

Address: Marché-aux-Poissons; Telephone: 47 93 30-1; Transport: Bus 19 or 20 to Kasinosgaass stop; Opening time: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm; Admission: €5 (adults); free for children under 18

Vianden
The picturesque village of Vianden, situated on the banks of the Our River and guarded by a magnificent restored medieval castle, makes a pleasant day trip about 25 miles (40km) north of the city of Luxembourg. The castle dates back to the 9th century and was originally the home of the counts of Vianden, powerful nobles between the 11th and 13th centuries. The ruined castle was restored in the 1980s and now houses a museum that recaptures life in the Middle Ages and recounts the area's troubled history. In the small town below visitors can sip tangy Moselle wines beside the stream and the cobblestone streets, while enjoying the view of the green hills.