A visit to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Thanks to the Deutschland Ticket, we had the opportunity to travel freely to our neighboring country, Luxembourg. Well, it’s not entirely free, as we did pay a nominal fee for the ticket for a month. Luxembourg is the smallest country in the EU and landlocked and shares its border with the German state of Rhineland-Palatinate, and I reside in a state that also borders Rhineland-Palatinate. This means that it takes approximately five hours to reach this luxurious country from my location, assuming that the German trains are running on schedule. (Note: It’s important never to forget your passport when crossing the borders of Germany.)
Luxembourg (Western Europe) shares its borders with not only Germany but also, as a landlocked country, with France and Belgium. The European Union (EU) has established its primary and most significant institutions in four different countries: Brussels (Belgium), Frankfurt am Main (Germany), Luxembourg (Luxembourg), and Strasbourg (France). The EU Parliament is divided between Brussels, Luxembourg, and Strasbourg, while the EU Central Bank is located in Frankfurt am Main. The choice of these countries as EU hosts is rooted in the historical context of rivalry that once led to World Wars, and their reconciliation played a crucial role in the process of European Union integration. Luxembourg is also a capital city, as a country is not divided into a system of states or provinces. Instead, it is subdivided into three administrative districts: the District of Luxembourg, the District of Diekirch, and the District of Grevenmacher.
This nation is known as the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, a designation that signifies its governance by a grand duke or duchess, a hereditary title with similarities to that of a monarch. In Luxembourg, the residents communicate in three primary languages: Luxembourgish, French, and German. However, when it comes to legislation and official documents, the French language takes precedence and is predominantly used.
How did we start our journey here?
Luxembourg is an exceptionally small country, and to provide a perspective, the combined area of Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru in India is approximately 2,796.4 square kilometers, while Luxembourg’s entire country covers around 2,586 square kilometers. Despite its small size, Luxembourg stands out as one of the wealthiest countries globally. During our visit, we couldn’t help but notice the notably sparse population. We strolled through the streets during the morning, noon, and night and could easily count the number of people on the roads, usually no more than 20 to 30 individuals at a time.
The cost of living in Luxembourg is notably high, with grocery items, food, and various goods being exceptionally expensive (I found myself longing for the affordability of Germany). A unique observation was that many restaurants closed during the afternoon hours, leaving hungry visitors with the option of indulging in snacks from local bakeries.
During our four-day stay, we were pleasantly surprised to discover a multitude of Asian restaurants scattered throughout the city. While Luxembourg does have its own cuisine, such as “Judd mat Gaardebounen” served with boiled potatoes and Diekirch beer, it appears that the influence of Asian cuisine has grown significantly. Perhaps the locals have realized that in such a prosperous country, traditional dishes like boiled potatoes might not be the first choice for everyone.
Although Luxembourg boasts a few tourist attractions, four days proved to be more time than needed, leading to the somewhat unexpected choice of watching a Barbie movie to pass the time.
On our first day, we opted to unwind and explore the charming cafes of Luxembourg City after a lengthy 6-hour journey. The following day, we took advantage of the free admission for students to visit the Luxembourg City History Museum, a rich repository of historical narratives. This museum thoughtfully covers a diverse array of historical themes, from the city’s role as a fortified stronghold to its evolution into a financial hub, all while celebrating its cultural heritage and significant place in the tapestry of European history. What made the museum even more engaging was its incorporation of interactive exhibits and educational displays, ensuring an enlightening and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages. Following our museum visit, we indulged in a delightful afternoon beverage at an open-air cafe that offered us a picturesque view, as showcased in the first picture.
The subsequent day, we explored the Museum d’Art Moderne, an art museum that left a lasting impression. Notably, some of the artworks were projected onto walls and animated, adding a unique dimension to our visit. Though we wanted to visit the EU Parliament, unfortunately, it is still not open to visitors.
In the evening, we ventured into Luxembourg’s nightlife district, Mousel Rives De Clausen, where the enchanting ambiance took us by surprise. Despite the scarcity of people, the place exuded a remarkable beauty, resembling something out of a fairytale story.
Our fourth day was dedicated to a hike to a location affectionately known as “Little Switzerland” or Mullerthal. It proved to be a breathtaking experience, made all the more remarkable by the benevolent weather. Our hike culminated in the discovery of a stunning waterfall, a perfect finale to our Luxembourg sojourn.
Other notable places that can be visited in Luxembourg include Echternach, Notre-Dam Castle, Vianden Castle, Bourscheid place for camping and hiking, and the picturesque Chemin de la Corniche.
Some General Knowledge (Source - Wikipedia):
There are 7 EU institutions,
1. European Parliament (EP): located in three locations — Brussels (Belgium), Strasbourg (France), and Luxembourg City (Luxembourg).
2. European Commission (EC): headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. It is responsible for proposing and implementing EU policies and legislation.
3. Council of the European Union: does not have a permanent location as it meets in different configurations. However, most of its meetings occur in Brussels.
4. European Council: It meets in the Europa building in Brussels.
5. European Central Bank (ECB): responsible for monetary policy in the Eurozone, is located in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
6. Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU): located in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg.
7. Court of Auditors: audits EU finances, and is headquartered in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg.
As you can observe, the majority of EU institutions are concentrated in Brussels, Belgium, effectively designating Brussels as the de facto capital of the European Union. I’m eagerly anticipating my upcoming solo trip to Brussels, which will mark my first solo adventure in Europe, and I look forward to sharing my experiences in the city.
Why Luxembourg is so rich? Refer to this article
https://medium.datadriveninvestor.com/how-luxembourg-get-so-rich-49a3cdbe755f
