Signals free transport for all in Europe’s richest country – The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. This tiny landlocked country, sandwiched between France, Belgium and Germany, is surrounded by rolling countryside, has a culture, history and nature all packed into a country the size of Oxfordshire.
And right now the city, just an hour’s flight away from the UK, is undergoing some huge changes as it strives to hold onto its status as a major player in the European Union.
There’s never been a better time to enjoy a short break in the city. So grab your free pass and check out the highlights.
Getting around
Luxembourg each morning from nearby Belgium, France and Germany and predictions are that this will increase threefold in the next 40 years.
To combat the effect on climate change, a sleek new tram system from Spain, with trendy light-up seats has been introduced to transport you neatly and quickly round the city. Joined by a funicular and panoramic lift, cars may well be the thing of the past.
Tip: Central station is a hive of activity for the thousands of commuters and is also home to a huge mosaic window depicting the outline of the city and an artistic ceiling that welcomes the workers who are vital to Luxembourg’s economy.
Luxembourg Old Town
One thing the Luxembourgers are keen to keep is their old town and its fabulous architecture. You can spend hours strolling around the beautifully kept buildings, peaceful squares and ancient bridges.
One of the most impressive bridges is the 16th century Grand Ducal Palace – the former home to the Grand Duke of Luxembourg. It is now used for state occasions and weddings and has its own guards. Watching over it are three lampposts with gold faces curved inside, best seen at night, the middle one even gives you a sly wink.
Casemates du Bock – a military maze
Luxembourg has seen its fair share of battles over the centuries and is famed for its medieval fortress which protected it from enemies.
You can head underground and explore the 17km maze of stone tunnels which make up the Casemates du Bock.
The Kirchberg area
The Kirchberg area is Connected to the old part by the Grand Duchess Charlotte bridge. It is home to the EU Court of Justice housed in two James Bond-style gold skyscrapers and it is also where the new money is thanks to its vast collection of global banks.
The city’s wealth is no better signified than by the impressive Tall Banker statue standing tall at the entrance to the banking district. It was created in 2002 by a group of German artists named “Inges Idee”.
Standing eight metres high in front of the Deka Bank, it is a symbol of progress, profit and an optimistic future.
It has a human-size waist yet has size 96 shoes and is impeccably dressed.
Pfaffenthal area – Glassy view
EU money has allowed the traditional housed Pfaffenthal area at the bottom of the Alzette Valley to connect with the main city via a huge glass elevator which you up 71 m high in the air in seconds and allows magnificent views of the green valley.
Down in the Pfaffenthal area are old-style homes, and homes for the elderly which look, so fancy they are! Rent is high in this area with a small flat costing more than 1,500 Euros a month.