Long regarded as lacking in terms of leisure activities and cultural scene, Luxembourg has successfully invested in overcoming this reputation! Today, the country is brimming with activities for all ages.
Outdoor Activities
Hiking
Luxembourg's diverse landscapes, with dense forests, winding rivers, and lush valleys, make it a perfect playground for those who love to recharge in and reconnect with nature. The country boasts one of the densest networks of walking tracks in Europe, with no less than 5,000 km of hiking trails. A staggering figure, especially given the size of Luxembourg! One of the most famous routes is undoubtedly the Mullerthal Trail, nicknamed Luxembourg's "Little Switzerland." This trail takes hikers through spectacular landscapes of sculpted rocks, waterfalls, and deep forests.
However, the Mullerthal is far from being the country's only gem. Other hikes are aplenty, from the Bettembourg Forest to the Upper-Sûre Lake or around the town of Clervaux. The Remerschen Lakes, in the southeast, are also popular, being home to many bird species. Some trails pass through villages well worth visiting, such as Echternach or Bourglinster. These outdoor adventures can also be coupled with a visit to one of the country's many castles.
Lastly, long-distance walking enthusiasts will be pleased to know that Luxembourg is part of the European Long Distance Paths network (E-paths), with several routes crossing the country.
Cycling
The birthplace of the Schleck brothers, famed cycling champions and Tour de France participants, Luxembourg proudly offers a network of 600 km of cycle paths – a figure set to expand to 950 km in the future. You can also take your bike on the train for free, making it easier to access the cycling routes, and the country features a "Bed + Bike" label for accommodations providing secure bike storage.
You can explore Luxembourg's beautiful countryside by cycling along the ING Route du Vin or the Alzette cycle path, both ideal for families. Mountain bikers and thrill-seekers are also catered to, with 700 km of mountain biking trails. The Vélo Pomarium, for instance, offers a ride through the Moselle vineyards, while the RedRock MTB Trail, in the south, crosses the Land of the Red Rocks.
Want to travel light? Luxembourg offers a "Move we carry" service, which transports hikers' or cyclists' luggage for a fee, from one accommodation to another.
Water Sports
Kayaking, sailing, paddleboarding, fishing, swimming, waterskiing, jet skiing, surfing, wakeboarding, scuba diving… Luxembourg provides it all across its numerous rivers and lakes.
While there's no sea in Luxembourg, the country certainly doesn't lack bodies of water: the Moselle, Upper Sûre Lake, the Sûre River, the Remerschen Lakes, Rosport Dam Lake, Echternach Lake, the Our River, and Weiswampach Lake... These water spots offer diversity and plenty of opportunities for water sports lovers.
Parks and Green Spaces
In addition to its forests and omnipresent wild nature, Luxembourg offers a wealth of parks and green spaces. For example, you can take a walk in the capital, Luxembourg City, without ever leaving a park, or almost! The city also boasts a large central park. In summer, it's a perfect spot for picnics or outdoor concerts; in winter, it usually hosts a Christmas market and an ice rink.
It's worth noting that the country takes great care of its wildlife and flora, and a significant portion of its breathtaking natural areas are protected.
Year-Round Activities
Classes and Workshops
Moving to a new country often represents a chance to learn new skills and meet new people. Expats in Luxembourg can take advantage of a wide range of classes and workshops to improve their skills, whether for work or pleasure.
There's a broad selection of businesses offering classes and workshops to learn a new language, painting, photography, pottery, cooking, yoga, dance, computing… The list is almost endless! It's also possible to join groups or associations that provide affordable access to these classes. For instance, language cafes offer free language practice with other members, all while enjoying a hot drink.
Many municipalities also offer year-round classes at unbeatable prices: between €150 and €200 for 1 to 2 hours of lessons per week, over nine months.
The Chamber of Employees (CSL) also offers a range of evening classes for adults on various topics to improve skills, as well as courses for seniors on diverse subjects such as art history, yoga for staying fit, healthy cooking, veganism to better understand their children or grandchildren, learning Spanish, computing, chess, or even discovering organic wines from southern France.
Luxembourg is also home to over 1,500 sports associations. While horseback riding, golf, cycling, and tennis are the most popular sports in the country, many other activities are available. A directory of all the country's sports federations is available on the COSL website.
Wellness: Saunas, Hammams, and Jacuzzis
Like many of its Northern European neighbors, Luxembourg places great importance on body wellness. Nearly every municipal pool is equipped with a “wellness” area of varying sizes. Typically, there's at least one sauna and one hammam. The larger facilities have multiple saunas with different temperatures and may also offer cold baths, jacuzzis, relaxation rooms for napping, and some even have fireplaces!
The large number and popularity of these wellness centers make them affordable: starting at €12 for a day, though prices can go up to €50 per day on weekends at luxury establishments such as the Mondorf-les-Bains thermal baths.
It's important to note, however, that these wellness areas in Luxembourg are generally nudist, and while there may be reserved time slots for men or women, they are mostly mixed.
Cultural Activities
Movies and Theaters
Luxembourg boasts a dynamic cultural scene, with several movies and theaters scattered across the country. Alongside the modern Kinepolis group theaters projecting the latest releases in 2D, 3D, 4Dx, or even Imax, several arthouse and experimental cinemas also exist. The Cinémathèque in the capital holds weekly screenings of old films, as well as special Sunday showings for children.
The Luxembourg City Film Festival is yet another highlight event hosted annually to showcase international and local productions, attracting film buffs from all over the world.
In summer, several cities organize free outdoor movie screenings.
When it comes to theater, Luxembourg doesn't disappoint either! The National Theatre of Luxembourg or the Capucins Theatre, which offer both classic and contemporary plays, will attract fans of live performances with its variety of shows. Outside the capital, cities like Dudelange also provide quality theater programmes, with performances in multiple languages.
To make up for its initial lack of cultural offerings, Luxembourg now brings in shows from neighboring countries. Every year, for instance, a musical theater troupe from London performs in Luxembourg, usually in December and January.
That said, while the shows are of high quality, they sell out quickly. The theatre programme is usually announced in June, and it's best to book tickets for the entire season at that time to ensure availability. Ticket prices are very reasonable, typically between €20 and €25 for the top seats.
Museums
Luxembourg is home to numerous museums that trace the country's history while hosting exhibitions. One such museum is the Mudam (Grand Duke Jean Museum of Modern Art), which features works of modern and contemporary art by both local and international artists. It's also a must-see for architecture lovers, as the building was designed by Ieoh Ming Pei, the architect behind the Louvre Pyramid in Paris.
Other prominent museums include the MNHA (National Museum of History and Art), which traces Luxembourg's history from prehistoric times to the present day, and Villa Vauban, where visitors can admire masterpieces of painting.
Luxembourg's crown jewel is undoubtedly the "The Family of Man" exhibit in Clervaux. This photographic masterpiece, inscribed in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register, is a collection of 503 photographs curated by Edward Steichen, displayed in the town's castle in northern Luxembourg. This exhibition is a true ode to humanity and a must-see for photography enthusiasts.
Many other museums are scattered across the country, notably the Casino Luxembourg - Contemporary Art Forum, the National Mining Museum, and the European Schengen Museum.
In October, the Night of Museum offers visitors access to the country's seven main museums, with a special program featuring workshops and evening events with DJs. Another important event is held in mid-May: Luxembourg Museum Days. Around 40 museums open their doors for free over a long weekend.
Castles and Historic Sites
The Grand Duchy is known for its castles, particularly the Valley of the seven castles in Eisch. This unique route allows visitors to explore fortresses located in a picturesque valley, each offering distinct architecture and history. Other must-see sites include Vianden Castle, one of the country's most famous and imposing castles. Perched atop a hill overlooking the Our River, this historic site has much to offer! It also regularly hosts exhibitions and events, including an annual medieval festival. Lastly, Beaufort Castle, known for its picturesque ruins, offers guided tours that shed light on the fascinating history of the area.
Other iconic historic sites in Luxembourg include the casemates. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these underground fortifications in Luxembourg City provide spectacular views of the old town. There are two main sites: the Bock Casemates, which consist of large rooms, and the Petrusse Casemates, where narrow corridors require visitors to not be claustrophobic.
Concerts and Festivals
Luxembourg's music scene is rich and varied. The Luxembourg Philharmonic, located in the Kirchberg district, is a favorite with classical music lovers. It hosts concerts throughout the year, featuring world-renowned artists and orchestras. Its stunning architecture will also delight building enthusiasts.
In addition to classical music, Luxembourg offers a wide array of jazz, rock, and world music performances. Intimate venues like the Rotondes or Den Atelier host concerts by both local artists and international bands.
Several music festivals take place every year, such as the Francofolies in Esch-sur-Alzette or LOA (Luxembourg Open Air). And of course, the country also celebrates Music Day, which is held every June, typically for a full week.
Local Festivities and Seasonal Markets
The Grand Duchy is also home to numerous festivals and events throughout the year, offering a chance to discover local culture and enjoy festive moments.
Starting in late November, the country's main cities are adorned with lights and host traditional Christmas markets. Luxembourg City's market is particularly popular, with its craft stalls, local delicacies, and magical atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy mulled wine or beer around a fire pit while savoring sausages or potato pancakes.
Another seasonal highlight is the Schueberfouer. This gigantic funfair takes place every year between late August and mid-September in the capital, drawing thousands of visitors. Its rides, food stands, and lively atmosphere, make it a family-friendly event and a haven for thrill-seekers.
Throughout the year, towns and villages across the country organize their own local events and festivities. Examples include the Grevenmacher Grape & Wine Festival or the Vianden Nut Market, both great opportunities to experience local traditions.
The Kulturpass
For those with modest incomes, the country offers a Kulturpass. This pass provides free entry to all partner museums and access to cultural events (theater, dance, cinema, etc.) for just €1.50 per ticket.
Nightlife
Despite its small size, Luxembourg has a vibrant nightlife and dining scene. Lively bars and nightclubs can be found in the Grund and Clausen districts of Luxembourg City. Other towns, such as Esch-sur-Alzette, Differdange, and Dudelange, also offer a selection of places to party!
Moreover, Luxembourg boasts an impressive gastronomic scene, catering to both lovers of local cuisine and those with a taste for international flavors. The country also has a significant number of Michelin-starred restaurants, ensuring that even the most demanding foodies are satisfied. This is complemented by the presence of the Moselle wine region, known for its renowned Riesling and Pinot Gris wines.
Leisure for Children
Kids are far from left out when it comes to leisure activities in Luxembourg—quite the contrary! With a strong focus on boosting the birth rate, the country has a family-friendly policy. In addition to year-round courses that children can attend (dance, music at the National Conservatory or local schools, theater, sports…), there are associations offering a wide range of cultural, scientific, and creative workshops. Museums regularly organize workshops for little ones, as do cinemas with screenings tailored to different age groups. Overall, events for children are plentiful and varied, especially on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons (non-school days in the country), weekends, and school holidays.
Countless playgrounds are also available for children – it seems that every neighborhood in every village has its own space! Some of these playgrounds are truly extraordinary and make adults wish they could be kids again: full-size pirate ships, castles… Luxembourg's playgrounds are truly unique.
Beyond traditional playgrounds, Luxembourg offers more original activities like barefoot paths, allowing children to discover nature through a fun, sensory experience. These trails, found in several towns across the country, are perfect for families looking for an interactive nature experience.
Finally, the Parc Merveilleux (Fairytale Park) in Bettembourg combines playgrounds, a small zoo with animals from around the world, and attractions for children, all in a lush, safe environment.
In addition to all these activities, Luxembourg offers a unique advantage: its proximity to other countries, making it easy to quickly access additional activities and events in France, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Useful Links:
Tourism Office
Bed + Bike Network
Move we carry
INL
Chamber of Employees Training
Courses for Seniors
COSL
Mondorf-les-Bains Thermal Baths
Luxembourg City Theaters
Francofolies Esch
Kulturpass
Events in Luxembourg
Events in Luxembourg
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