The calming, picturesque capital of Luxembourg

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I was really looking forward to visiting Luxembourg because I was going to be hosted for 4 nights by Stefano a guy who I met through Couchsurfing and we already got to meet one time he was visiting London so I knew he was genuine and we got on really well. I was excited by the fact that I'd be visiting a country I had not visited before; country number 28! the rules are simple a friend recently told me, you have to at least visit the same number of countries as your age or more. That means I am 3 countries behind, so I better get planning my next couple of trips!

As soon as I arrived in Luxembourg City, Stefano made me feel very welcome. He wanted to ensure my car was parked safely and prepared lunch as soon as we were at his apartment. You can really tell how passionate he is about hosting guests from all over the world. It was good to catch up with Stefano and he was very interested in all the places I had visited so far in Belgium. We then decided to head into the city centre and Stefano gave me a guided tour showing me where everything was.

I knew Luxembourg was a small country, but discovered that it measures only 50 miles (About 80km) from top to bottom. It is surrounded by Belgium to the west, France to the south and Germany to the east. In 2011, Luxembourg was ranked as having the second highest per capita in the world, with the city having developed into a banking and administrative centre. I also discovered that Luxembourg was one of the six original members to join the European Union. Now when it comes to the official language, Stefano told me that there is Luxembourgish but it's just a dialect of German. However, in all of the shops and restaurants they seem to speak French.

Whilst walking around the city, I found the capital of Luxembourg to be very calming and picturesque. The city does have many tourists, but the crowds are painless compared to visiting the likes of London or Brussels. There are many things to see in the city but the Golden Lady statue, Royal Grand Ducal Palace, Notre-Dame cathedral and the Bock shouldn't be missed.

I had planned my visit to Luxembourg well as the annual funfair known as Schueberfouer was on. This annual event is usually held for two weeks between the end of August and beginning of September. It's one of the biggest funfairs I have ever been to and the atmosphere was incredible. I was told that the funfair has up to 200 attractions.

On my second day, Stefano took me to a small town called Remich. This small town lies on the left bank of the river Moselle and on the right side you have Germany. Stefano pointed out the cars coming over from Germany via the bridge come into Luxembourg to get their tax free alcohol and petrol. I couldn't resist the temptation myself and brought bottles of 1 ltr spirits for under £9. Whilst staying in Luxembourg I also topped up my car with petrol at 83p a ltr. It sure made me realize how much the Brits get ripped off by the UK government.

I found there was not much to see at Remich except the opportunity for a boat trip down the river Moselle. The boat trips seem very popular and there is even the option to have a three course meal. The boat trip offered beautiful greenery views. Whilst sitting on the top deck, I felt alive and alert as the wind blew on my face and made my hair go in all different directions. The trip lasted an hour and took us all the way down to Schengen, the small town that's in Luxembourg but borders both France and Germany, and is where five of the ten current states signed the treaty of free moment within the European union.

North of Luxembourg city, Stefano took me on a scenic tour known as 'Vallee des Sept Chateaux', which I believe in English is called the 'Valley of Seven Castles' this tour is recommended and offers many spectacular views of medieval castles in lush greenery.

On my last day in Luxembourg city, I visited the Bock, a very popular attraction. A fortified castle was built on the Bock around 963 by Count Siegfried and became the cradle of Luxembourg City. Within the bock are tunnels with mood coloured lighting and every so often has holes showing amazing views of the city where once upon a time cannons would sit to protect this great city.

My last night in Luxembourg Stefano and myself decided to eat out at a nice restaurant called Beim Siggy, this restaurant offered traditional Luxembourg food. The weather was mild and so we sat outside and enjoyed the nice views of the city in the sunset whilst eating and drinking wine.

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Comments

[D MJ Binkley]

I like that rule
As you informed us you must visit the same number of countries as your age or more. We are also just a few behind so we will take your advice and get busy. Wow, great photos. Sounds like you found a new friend and he really did a fantastic job showing you around.

[Readingfcboi]

The good rule
Glad to hear that you're both taking up the rule and look forward to reading your future travel blogs. Stefano did a great job looking after me and he also has a holiday apartment in the south of France so I hope to visit him there next year for some more travel adventures :)

[Dancing Dave]

Couchsurfing
There is something rather special when you can travel to a country being entertained and shown the sites by a local who probably gets as much out of it as you. Looks like a rewarding visit to Luxembourg Alan, being the guest and doing just that.

[Readingfcboi]

Hosting
Absolutely! I have returned the favour and hosted Stefano for one night on a quick visit. Next time, I hope he stays longer so I can show him places of England that he's never even heard of! Couchsurfing is a good network, same we TravelBlog :)