We're thinking of spending a few days in Luxembourg hiking. We read an article in the National Geographic Traveller 5 or 6 years ago (maybe more) which said it was a great place to hike. But it appears that almost no one goes to Luxembourg except as a layover. Why is that?

maybe because there's nothing there worth going for?

CLOSED FOR LACK OF INTEREST...

Jane,<BR><BR>Luxembourg is a beautiful country. Lux City is spectacular. Try the tourist office for brochures, etc. at luxembourg.co.<BR><BR>Dick<BR><BR><BR><BR>

I had the pleasure of spending two days in Luxembourg City last summer, and it truly is a gorgeous city. Unfortunately, I don't know of any resources for information (I was with a school group and didn't plan the itinerary). <BR>However, I must interject that I am amazed at Rex's reaction. I have been a reader of this board for about a year and generally have appreciated his advice on all things travel. His response evidences an ignorance that belies his erudite image. Who knew? =)

Luxembourg is certainly interesting. The natives speak three languages: L&euml;tzebuergesch (a Mosel-Franconian dialect) at home, German at school, but French is the official language. <BR>You can take a boat on the Mosel along the vineyards from German Bernkastel-Kues via Trier to Grevenmacher in Luxembourg.

Kit: I know Rex and you are no Rex when it comes to knowing anything about LUX.<BR>Stay with your school group and continue to learn the ins and outs of mental health...

<BR>Jane, for better or worse, Luxembourg is one of the "secret wonders" of Europe. <BR><BR>My wife and I visited Luxembourg City for the first time last month and we both felt that we briefly recaptured the feeling of our first trip to Europe. Luxembourg City is spectacular and, in some odd way, mysterious. The city fortifications, including the casemates, are not just a boundary, as they are in so many other historic European towns, but an integral part of the city. Most Americans have an idealized picture of a European city in our minds. Luxembourg City matched my idealization better than any other place in Europe.<BR><BR>Information is hard to obtain on Luxembourg. Virtually all guidebooks available in the US only include Luxembourg as a supplement to Belgium and the Netherlands. A typical title is something like "BELGIUM" in large print followed by "with Luxembourg" in tiny print, and the Luxembourg sections rarely consist of more than twenty pages.<BR><BR>One of the most popular hiking destinations in Luxembourg is the Mueller Valley (no relation), called the Muellerthal in the local language. It is about 20 km from Luxembourg City. The valley reminded me of the Ozark area of Missouri and Arkansas.

Steve Meuller: Well thanks alot Steve, you have just probably ruined one of the last places in Europe which hasn't been turned into a lookalike of St. Louis filled with idiot "What to do in Europe for two weeks on summer vacation" people. Let's see; are comfortable shoes recommended for hiking in Belguim? BTW, how much do I tip the pilot on the plane crossing the Atlantic?<BR>BOOOOOOO, Steve.

Thanks, Steve. Since posting my question I've also met a couple of people who have visited Luxembourg City and had the same impression: "Densely wooded and medieval" which seems to reflect your description as mysterious. Both said they would love to go back. <BR><BR>By the way, I obtained an address from the Luxembourg website that directed me to a few hotels that have put together a nice package where you can walk from hotel/inn to hotel/inn and they will transport your luggage. This may be a good alternative for us.<BR><BR>We normally like to stay in an apt for week-long stays, but that only works if you can get a lot of info in advance to figure out a nice central location. And as you have pointed out, the info on Luxembourg is rather sparse.<BR><BR>Again thanks for your encouraging response.

Sorry, forgot to thank all the other respondents as well. To be honest, I'm surprised I had so many responses so quickly. I'll definitely look into the boat ride on the Mosel.<BR><BR>

<BR>I'm still trying to figure out what St Louis has to do with this subject.<BR><BR>I didn't elaborate much on my "mysterious" comment. Part of what makes Luxembourg seem mysterious is that the people speak their own language that, unlike French or German, is understood by very few outsiders. For some reason, I find that very intriguing.<BR><BR>We stayed near the train station, which is about a ten minute walk from the Pont Viaduc. Like many European cities, the area around the train station is a little sleazy, but we never had a problem.

As Bob the Nav astutely pointed out, this posting was not really from me.<BR><BR>===============================<BR><BR> Author: Rex ([email protected])<BR>Date: 06/14/2002, 11:10 am<BR><BR>Message: CLOSED FOR LACK OF INTEREST...<BR><BR>=============================== <BR><BR>However, I do vaguely agree with the sentiment. There IS info to be found on Luxembourg, but it is minimal as are the reasons to spend a lot of time there - - at least from the perspective of the "average" (American) traveler to (western) Europe - -and the countries that border Luxembourg, in particular. I would rate it no better - - but no worse either - - than two-thirds of &lt;&lt;d&eacute;partements&gt;&gt; of France. 92 of them to see (hope I have that number right - - too lazy to look it up), by comparison.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

<BR>By the way, I'm also still trying to figure out why deciding what to do in Europe during your summer vacation makes someone an idiot. Is BobN promoting spontaneity? Is he suggesting that we shouldn't want to go to Europe? I have no idea what his "message" is. There are some peculiar people on this forum.

I think that BobN was commenting on the imposter posting.<BR>

From a tourist standpoint, Luxembourg has two things going against it.<BR><BR>One: it's expensive. And the reason for that is the second reason: that it has made itself a great place to LIVE, not to visit. Tons of Swiss, French, Germans and Belgians have sought residence in Luxembourg because the taxes are much lower. As a corollary, hotels, restaurants etc are helping to subsidize the lifestyle of the successful Europeans who are making Luxembourg their home.<BR>

up<BR>

Since I live 30 minutes from Luxemburg, I agree with the few who stated it is a great place. Wonderful shopping ( high end designer stuff) but reasonably priced and great food. La Lorraine is consistently one of the best restaurants in the area and is still my favorite restaurant...the old city has a wonderful park that goes for miles to walk thru and the people are generally freindly but reserved. Lux city is a banking haven and has even stricter banking laws then Switzerland, and it appears that the average citizen is doing well. I would not compare this city to Brussels as that city is ok, but I didn't care for it, I thougth it was nasty. If you are the type of tourist who expects everyone to speak english, use dollars and want to eat Mcdonalds you will not care for this place at all but if you are adventurous and flexible go and have fun....

We just spent a long weekend in Luxembourg and had a wonderful time. The tourism board for Lux (in NYC) sent us a lot of wonderful & free information. It was just a short drive from where we live in Germany and everything in Lux was just a short drive away. I found the people to be very pleasant and helpful and the countryside was beautiful. While it is true that it doesn't seem to have a ton of what the "ordinary" European traveler is looking for it is very peaceful and relaxing - the perfect place to just be! Vianden was a particular favorite.

Thanks again for all the info. We will definitely include Luxembourg in our itinerary next year. Sounds like the kind of place that we will like.