If you’re planning your trip to Luxembourg, then you’re probably already aware of how small the country actually is and how easy it is to reach every corner of it. You might have also noticed that it’s locked in between three other stunning countries – Germany, France and Belgium. This leaves visitors with a wide variety of places to visit not just within its borders, but also outside. The possibilities of day trips from Luxembourg might even surprise you.
Luxembourg itself has so much to offer – from small quaint towns to magnificent nature and majestic castles. Add to this a few very interesting cities in the close-by countries, and you might start feeling overwhelmed.
Here is a list of 17 beautiful day trips from Luxembourg you can put on your itinerary.
If you have planned to stay just one day in Luxembourg, consider this a list of ideas for places to go next and continue your journey from there!
Day trips from Luxembourg city within Luxembourg
1. Vianden Castle
By Bec from Poland Travel Expert
Vianden Castle sits high on its mountain overlooking the town below like a mighty fortress. Built in the 11th century on top of a Roman fortress, Vianden castle is a marvel of its time and the views around it are stunning.
As you drive through the forest there are numerous spots to stop and take a picture of it. But the real beauty is once you are inside. The Castle has many rooms that are preserved to what they would have looked like when it was lived in and they are all beautiful.
Make sure you take the small audio guide with you so you can learn about the castle as you wander the grounds and once you are finished you can stop at the small cafe for a drink or a bite to eat with the magnificent castle as your backdrop.
Entry to the Castle is €7 for adults and €2 for children. The audio guide is an extra €2 per person but is a great way to help you learn more about this amazing castle.
How to get to Vianden Castle from Luxembourg City:
The easiest way to get to Vianden is to hire a car in Luxembourg city and drive there. The drive to Vianden Castle will take you approximately 1 hour, depending on the roads at the time. There is plenty of parking available at the castle and will cost you 2 euro to park.
You, however, also use public transport to reach Vianden Castle. From Luxembourg City take a train to Ettelbruck and then jump on bus 570. You will find the bus station right next to the train station. Vianden is the second to last stop on the route and you should reach it in about an hour.A return ticket costs €4.
2. Esch
Esch, known under its full name as Esch-sur-Alzette, is the second largest town in Luxembourg and lies 17 km away from the capital, and 25 km from the airport.
The city has quite a bit to offer in terms of architecture, history and cultural attractions, as this is where architects like Violet le Duc, Joseph Stübben, Gottfried Böhm have worked.
Some of the most important attractions include St. Joseph’s church, the city hall, Berwart tower and the National Museum of the Resistance.
The Rue de l’Alzette and its large pedestrian area are an absolute delight for shopping lovers thanks to its numerous shops, restaurants and bars and its weekly market.
The city also has a great green area that allows its visitors to enjoy some time in nature, marvelling at the Gaalgebierg hill, its natural ice rink in winter and its wide forest.
How to get to Esch from Luxembourg:
Trains run every half an hour between both cities and you’d arrive in Esch in just 25 minutes. The ticket should cost you no more than €5.
3. Echternach
By Ruma Dey Baidya from TheHolidayStory
Echternach is known for being the oldest town in Luxembourg and is a true hidden gem – there are a lot of amazing things you can do here. From wine tasting, hiking, outdoor climbing to museum and castle hopping, shopping and wellness – everything is just one step away. Echternach is a historical and cultural center of the Mullerthal region, and it has still preserved its medieval character.
Echternach’s most important tourist attractions are the Abbey and its gardens, the fortified walls and Lake Echternach. Here you can also witness the only Dancing Procession in Europe – an annual Roman Catholic tradition, which is held every Whit Tuesday around the city of Echternach. The place is perfect for a get together of families, friends and different cultures.
It is very recommended to hire a bike and ride along the Echternach Lake. Running, skating and biking is commonly practised around the path of the lake, however swimming is prohibited. Rare species of birds and fishes can also be found here. One can easily spend a day here, soaking up the calm atmosphere.
One of the most interesting events in Echternach is the annual E-lake festival – a free-entry music festival, celebrated in August.
Echternach is also a great starting point to explore Mullerthal – a beautiful region and hiking trail (coming next).
There are three restaurants around the lake – the Lakeside Restaurant, the De grenge Schapp and the Youth Hostel Cantine where you can satisfy your hunger.
How to get to Echternach from Luxembourg City:
The buslines 111 and 110 take you from the Luxembourg central station and main bus station (Aldringer) to Echternach in less than an hour.
Alternatively, you could even reach Echternach by a cycling trail.
4. Mullerthal
By Margherita from The Crowded Planet
Outdoor lovers visiting Luxembourg should definitely head to Mullerthal, a region known as ‘Little Switzerland’ for its beautiful landscape with limestone cliffs, giving it a kind of Alpine vibe. Not only is Mullerthal beautiful to drive around and explore, but it also offers many adventurous things to do!
Echternach is a good starting point to explore Mullerthal. You can easily reach it from Luxembourg City with bus number 110 or 111, taking about one hour.
Hiking lovers should take note of the Mullerthal Trail, Luxembourg’s best long distance trail. However, to be precise, the Mullerthal Trail is not a single track, but a system of three interconnected loops – they take about a week from start to end, but it’s also possible to pick a section and hike it as a day trip. For instance, in a day you could easily hike from Echternach to Moersdorf, then catch bus 485 back to Echternach.
Cycling is also fun around Mullerthal, with a great system of bike trails running along rivers or through the hills, with options for beginner and expert cyclists. Another cool thing to do is kayaking the River Sure from Dillingen to Echternach. The route is fairly easy and set up for you to pick up your kayak at the start of the route and drop it off at the end, so even if you are a novice at kayaking, you could have a go!
5. Bourscheid Castle
The Bourscheid Castle is located in the north-eastern part of Luxembourg, near the village of Bourscheid.
The castle dates back to the Roman times and stands tall with its impressive circular wall and 11 watchtowers.
The actual construction started around the year 1000 and it has been rebuilt and enlarged throughout the centuries. There have been identified structures of Roman, Merovingian, Carolingian and Ottonian origin.
The entry fee for adults is €5, with discount prices available for adults, students, and children.Make use of the free audio guides, provided at the entrance, which will give you a great overview of the history of the castle.
Don’t forget your camera – once you reach the castle, you’ll have a wonderful view over the surroundings.
The castle is open for visitors all year round, with opening hours as follows:
From 1st April until 15th October from 9.30 AM to 6 PM, last entry 5.30 PM. From 16th October to 31st March from 11 AM to 4 PM, last entry 3.30 PM.
How to get to Bourscheid Castle from Luxembourg City:
The easiest way to reach the castle would be by car and the drive would take you approximately 40 minutes.
You could also take a train from the main station in Luxembourg to Ettelbruck and from here change on bus 545. The bus will take you to the town of Bourscheid, and you’d need to get off at the 8th stop, called Bourscheid, Bei der Kiirch (at the church). From here it’s just about 1.2 km walk to the castle. This whole journey should take you a little over an hour.
6. Beaufort Castle
Another stunning day trip destination from Luxembourg is the Beaufort Castle – an impressive medieval castle from the 11th century.
Beaufort was built in four different periods, with the first one being an old and small square-shaped fortress on a massive rock. The last construction period was in 1649 when a famous man from Luxembourg, Jean Baron de Beck, built the Renaissance part of the castle.
Beaufort was inhabited until the year 2012 by Anne Marie Linckels until her death at the age of 97. After the death of her husband, Anne Marie Linckels acted as the last veritable “chatelaine” of Beaufort. She left the castle in great condition for the government and the public, and visitors were allowed in only about a year after.
How to get to Beaufort Castle from Luxembourg:
Beaufort Castle is an easy 20-minute drive from Luxembourg city.
If you want to go there by public transport, it would take you about 1.5-2 hours. Firstly, take a bus 447 to Ettelbruck and then change to bus 502, getting off at Beaufort, Op der Gare. From here the castle is just a 5-minute walk.
7. Schengen
By Bhushavali from My Travelogue by Bhushavali
Have you ever thought why a Schengen Visa is called so and why the EU countries are called Schengen countries? Well, the agreement for unified Europe was signed in a ship on river Mosel, between Belgium, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and West Germany in 1985 in the little Schengen town in Luxembourg.
It’s a small little town and it can be a perfect day trip from Luxembourg city.
Here you will find the European Museum that gives all information about the European Union. There are a few installations, including the Column of Nations depicting landmarks of the member countries, Padlock for Schengen, inspired by lovelocks, Monument of Schengen Agreement etc. There’s also a small piece from the Berlin Wall.
Maps can be found at the tourism office which is located in a floating pontoon on river Mosel. You can stroll along the Mosel river and in the passages of the vineyards on the hills, overlooking Mosel – the whole region is so green and beautiful.
There are several vineyards around and there are a few walking/hiking paths of various levels of difficulty.
If you’re interested in wine tourism and have more time on your hands, it’s also possible to visit Schengen as a weekend trip. Mosel wine is a delicacy and a wine-tasting tour stopping at several vineyards along the river Mosel would take an entire day!
On the 3rd Sunday of every October, the annual festival Hunnefeier takes place in Schengen, marking the end of the grape harvest. The festival offers countless entertainment options, such as flea markets, street artists, exhibition of historic tractors, pony riding, local cuisine and wine tasting and more.
How to get to Schengen from Luxembourg city:
Schengen is located in the southern tip of Luxembourg, near the border of Germany and France.
By car, it is super easy to reach here with just a 30 mins drive from Luxembourg city.
If you want to use public transport, you’d need to change once. Firstly, catch bus 175 in the direction of Remich and get off at “Mondorf – Christophorus”. From here it is possible to catch the connecting bus 185 towards Remich which stops in Schengen. The buses are timed to connect with a transfer time of 5 minutes, although the second bus will wait if the former is running late. Bus 185 runs every hour during the week.
8. Spa at Mоndorf-Les-Bains
Mоndorf-Les-Bains is a health and SPA oasis – the Luxembourg destination for anyone who wants to rejuvenate and recharge their batteries. The thermal park of Mondorf Domaine Thermal offers its guests a delightful mixture of wellness, leisure and sports activities.
Go for a pedal boat trip on the river, swim in the thermal baths or play some Easy-golf with your family – there’s something for everybody.
Learn more about Mandorf-Les-Bains here.
How to get to Mondorf-Les-Bains from Luxembourg City:
Bus lines 175 and 177 reach Mondorf-Les-Bains directly.
If you prefer to go there by car, the journey should take you no longer than 45 minutes.
Day trips from Luxembourg to France:
9. Metz, France
Thanks to its close proximity to the French border, Luxembourg allows for some mesmerizing day trips to the country of baguettes and croissants.
One of the closest and most interesting cities is Metz – a relatively small town, but incredibly rich in history and culture.
Metz is about 3,000 years old and its look today has been strongly influenced both by Romance and the Germanic culture. The city is even part of France’s UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.
At every corner you will stumble upon medieval architecture, renaissance houses and impressive buildings.
Some of the most important tourist attractions include the fortifications of Porte des Allemands, the Metz Cathedral, the Imperial Quarter & Avenue Foch, the Temple Neuf and Église Saint-Pierre-aux-Nonnains – the oldest church in France.
Don’t forget to check for any organised festivals during your visit, as Metz has plenty of those – may it be the annual Balloon festival or the”Le Livre à Metz” – the Literature and Journalism Festival.
How to get to Metz from Luxembourg:
If you’re staying in Luxembourg city, Metz is less than an hour drive from here.
There are also direct trains connecting both cities and the journey takes just about 40 minutes.
10. Strasbourg, France
By Mark from Wyld Family Travel
One of the most stunning and interesting day trips from Luxembourg is certainly Strasbourg.
Strasbourg is the capital of the Alsace region of North Eastern France. This is a city with strong influences from both France and Germany, as it has belonged to both countries numerous times in history. Today most people head to Strasbourg to visit its old town cobbled streets, world-famous cathedral and picturesque La Petite France district. A boat ride on the canals of Strasbourg will introduce you to its amazing wooden coloured old-world houses.
Another interesting fact is that the Strasbourg Cathedral was once the tallest building in the world.
During the Christmas period, Strasbourg plays host to one of the most famous and popular Christmas markets in Europe. The food and wine is a must when visiting – make sure you try the regional special called Flammkuchen, which is an Alsace version of pizza. A great addition to it is the local Gewürztraminer. wine. A day trip to Strasbourg with teens, couples or singles is a must
How to get to Strasbourg from Luxembourg:
Strasbourg is easily accessible from Luxembourg City by car via the A4 highway in a little over 2 hours.
You can also use public transport – trains leave from Luxembourg to Strasbourg about every half an hour and the journey takes approximately 2.5 hours.
Day trips from Luxembourg to Germany:
11. Eltz Castle
By Daniela from Grumpy Camel
Burg Eltz is one of the most beautiful castles in Germany – and it’s only a 2-hour drive from Luxembourg City!
This medieval castle lies in the lush green Eltzbach Valley and looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. The castle dates back to the early 12th century and is privately owned by the descendants of the original residents.
There are 80 rooms in the castle, some of which are open to the public. Visitors can explore some of the most impressive parts of the castle, including rooms that still bear their original furnishings and walls with well-preserved frescoes. The paintings and murals in The Dressing Room, The Study and The Rübenach Upper Hall are simply breathtaking. In fact, Burg Eltz is one of the few castles in the region that has remained largely intact.
How to get to Burg Eltz from Luxembourg:
There are two main ways you can get to the castle – either by shuttle bus or on foot.
First, you need to get to the car park via the village of Wierschem. From there you can either get the shuttle bus that drops you right outside the castle, or, if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you can go for a wee hike along the footpath that winds through the protected Eltz Forest. The footpath offers stunning views of the valley and the castle.
There are also two restaurants in the castle where you can enjoy some lunch in a medieval setting. I highly recommend visiting the castle early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds.
12. Trier, Germany
By Graham from My Voyage Scotland
Trier is a fantastic traditional German village, located very closely to the border, and is the perfect day trip from Luxembourg.
Trier is the birthplace of Karl Marx, one of the most influential figures in human history. Marx was credited with the Communist Manifesto and Das Kapital which was of huge importance in the development of communist ideology. In Trier you can visit the home of his birth.
Besides from seeing where famous communists once lived, Trier is an authentic, bustling, quaint German town. The Hauptmarket in the main square has been functioning since medieval times, selling food ingredients and food to go.
On a sightseeing trip, there are a handful of really good churches and cathedrals to visit. The most spectacular one to visit is St Peter’s Cathedral, situated in the heart of Trier. The cathedral is over 1700 years old and is home to several holy relics.
Trier is also home to one of Germany’s most important archaeological museums. The Rheinisches Landesmuseum documents over 200,000 years of history. Inside the collection is over 4500 objects including the largest mosaic collection north of the Alps.
As a European city, Trier was once part of the Roman Empire. Trier has several roman ruins dotted around the city centre. One of the best ones to visit is the Trier Amphitheatre. This second century amphitheatre is one of the largest ever built.
Before heading for the train back to Luxembourg, make sure to visit Miss Marple’s, a famous whisky bar that stocks a fantastic range of Scotch Single Malts including, Highland, Island and Speyside Whiskey.
How to get to Trier from Luxembourg:
Trains depart regularly between the two cities (every hour) and take 52 minutes. The cost is about €5 one-way and €10 for a return ticket.
Alternatively, you could also hop on a FlixBus. The buses are not as regular as the trains though.
13. Cologne, Germany
By James from The Travel Scribes
A short hop over the border into Germany, you should definitely consider taking a day trip out of Luxembourg to see the cathedral city of Cologne (or Köln). Punctuated by it’s imposing Gothic church, the Cologne Cathedral, the city has far more to offer than just it’s signature landmark.
Perched at the centre of the city and visible for many miles, you’ll start your day at the Cologne Cathedral. A must-visit for one day in Cologne, the ‘Dom’ is the tallest twin-spired church in the world and also Europe’s second tallest church. Beyond being magnificent to admire from afar, you can spend at least an hour exploring the iconic interior including some spectacular stained glass windows, twelve historic tombs and a few priceless treasures like the Shrine of the Three Kings.
Next, definitely head on over the mighty Rhine river to the Hohenzollern bridge (known as the Love Lock bridge), to affix your personalized love lock before stopping for a bowl of tangy herrings at the traditional Fischmarkt, a buzzing square full of historic cafes, live music and many a local just relaxing on the lawns.
You also can’t visit Cologne without taking a tour of it’s renowned breweries. The home of kölsch, a golden beer served in a small 200ml glass called a stange, you can spend much of your time hopping from brauhaus to brauhaus, before tucking into a hearty meal of schweinshaxe (roasted pork knuckle), of course accompanied by a gigantic mound of potato mash and sauerkraut.
How to get to Cologne from Luxembourg:
Just jump into a car (train journeys can be a little spotty getting you there) and drive just over two hours to reach this bustling metropolis, known for its shopping, it’s famous attractions and it’s once a year festival, Karneval.
However, If you do want to use public transport, bear in mind that the train journey would take about 3.5 hours one way and the prices start at around €20. Trains leave every hour from Luxembourg city.
14. Aachen, Germany
By Bhushavali from My Travelogue by Bhushavali
Aachen is located in Germany and very closely to the Belgian border. It’s a super quick 2-hour journey from Luxembourg by car, crossing through Belgium. Its cathedral is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Germany. When coming here for a day trip, the best option would be to explore the city by foot, visit the Cathedral and check out Drielandenpunt in the outskirts of the city.
The best way to explore the city is by following Route Charlamagne which begins at Centre Charlamagne. The walking path stops at various historic sites including Rathaus (city hall), Grashaus (old city hall), Elisbrunnen, Conven Museum, Roman Portico & more. The best way to understand Aachen Cathedral is by taking the guided tour, without which it’s not possible to see Charlemagne Throne & the Shrines! One of the Shrine has the swaddling blanket of Jesus when he was born, his loincloth when he was crucified, Mother Mary’s birthing gown & more, making this place an important pilgrimage.
Drielandenpunt is, as the name says, the point where Germany, Belgium & Netherlands meet. Here you will find a viewing tower which lends a stunning view of the greenery all around. There’s also the boundary marker which has three lines radiating from it, denoting the three countries.
If you are here for longer than a day, it is also possible to soak in the natural spring at Carolus Thermen and hike atop Lousberg Hill for an awesome view of the city!
How to get to Aachen from Luxembourg:
The best way to go for a day trip to Aachen is definitely by car, as the trip only takes about 2 hours.
Trains also connect both places, however it won’t be doable as a day trip from Luxembourg since one way would take you about 4.5 hours.
15. Wiesbaden, Germany
By Diana from Travels in Poland
Located in southwestern Germany, Wiesbaden is a quaint city that has an array of things to see and do.
In Wiesbaden, be sure to visit the beautiful Kurpark, which is a splendid English style garden – a lovely place to take a walk or have a picnic when the weather is nice. There is a small lake where visitors can rent boats to take out or have a meal at one of the cafes or restaurants along the water.
A trip up to Neroburg on the Nerobergbahn is an absolute must. The bahn train takes people up to the tall hill which overlooks the city. There is a terrace lookout point where a vineyard below shows the beauty of the land, as riesling is one of the area’s most common wines. On Neroberg you will also find the St. Elizabeth’s Church, a Russian Orthodox Church with gold colored domes peeking out from behind the trees.
In the center of the town is the beautiful Marktkirche, an enchanting church that looms over the city center. In the winter, a Christmas market spreads out over the square underneath the illuminated church.
Walking through Wiesbaden, you can see the city’s naturally occurring hot springs. The Kaiser Friedrich Therme is a well known spa that has been around for a long time and is well worth a visit. To the south of the city along the Rhine River in the area of Biebrich is Biebrich Castle. The castle has sprawling grounds that are popular for biking, walking, jogging and picnics. The castle is also a wonderful background for photographers
How to get from Luxembourg to Wiesbaden:
It is best to drive to Wiesbaden which takes about 2.5 hours. Trains do run regularly, but it would take you about 4.5-5 hours one way, which is certainly not worth it as a day trip from Luxembourg.
16. Heidelberg, Germany
By Kat from Wandering Bird
If you’re looking for an unforgettable day trip from Luxembourg, look no further than Heidelberg.
This beautiful town is well worth the time it takes to get there – there are many pretty streets and shops to explore, the river to walk along, and Heidelberg castle to explore.
Heidelberg Castle is one of the best castles in southern Germany. It stands high on the hill, overlooking the town. Even if you don’t want to go in, it’s worth the walk up the hill just for the views. The castle is ruined, but we highly recommend going on a tour around it anyway – it’s incredibly interesting.
Back in the town, you must visit Altstadt – the old town. This is a pedestrianised area with plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants. On a sunny day the vibe is busy but quite fun.
Another highlight is the incredible Apothecary Museum. Over 20,000 pieces from Germany science and medical history are on display, and the first ‘home first aid kits’ are really fascinating.
Lastly, you must visit Heidelberg Tun – an enormous wine barrel which holds over 220,000 litres!
How to get to Heidelberg from Luxembourg:
Getting to Heidelberg from Luxembourg is best done by car and will take about 3 hours. It is possible by train, but it takes a lot longer and is not possible as a day trip.
Day trips from Luxembourg to Belgium:
17. Brussels, Belgium
By Mayuri from To Some Place New
The capital city of Belgium makes for an easy day trip from Luxembourg City. There are tons of things to do in Brussels in a day, and most of them are located within a walkable distance.
Get on the earliest train, to make the most of your time in Brussels, before returning to Luxembourg. City Center or Central Brussels is where you should be spending most of your time.
Start your day with warm waffles and coffee at the Grand Place (also known as the Grote Markt). By the time you arrive, cafes, restaurants and market places will be open. Wander the Grand Place square, and admire the stunning medieval buildings lined around the square.
Brussel’s Town Hall, the King’s House or Breadhouse building with the Brussels City Museum is located here. If you have time on your hands, visit the City Museum to learn about the history of Brussels.
There are other activities near the Grote Markt like shopping at the stunning Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert, an ornate (indoor) shopping mall. Outside of the mall, you will also find many stalls selling everything touristy from souvenirs, to waffles and popular frites.
The iconic image of the small boy pissing, is quite popular with visitors. Manneken Pis – the bronze fountain sculpture is only five minute walk away from the Grand Place.
If you are arriving in Brussels via train, the central train station is located nearby to travel back to Luxembourg. Brussels is completely safe to walk about in the evenings.
How to get to Brussels from Luxembourg:
The distance from Luxembourg to Brussels is about 2 hours 30 minutes, one way. You can rent a car and drive, or hop on a train. The average travel time between them is 3 hours and the quickest route is 2 hour 40 minutes.
There are so many options for day trips from Luxembourg that it might get overwhelming. I hope this list helped you to find something and plan your trip further.
Let me know if there is a place I might have missed in the comments!
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Love this list of day trips from Luxembourg! The town of Echternach is definitely on my bucket list, can’t wait to explore its medieval architecture and history.
Wow, I had no idea Luxembourg had so many hidden gems for day trips! I’m definitely adding some of these to my bucket list. The pictures of the castles and historic towns look amazing and I can’t wait to experience them in person. Thanks for sharing!
Wow, these day trips from Luxembourg look amazing! I’ve always wanted to explore the historic towns and castles in the region. Thanks for sharing these recommendations, I can’t wait to start planning my next adventure 😍