A dream life in Luxembourg

I've heard about the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg for a long time. Located in Western Europe, it covers an area of ​​2586 km2 and has a population of approximately 682,000 people. It's the only country in the world that still has a ducal system.

A tiny, unassuming dot on the map, yet one of the richest countries. A center of world cultural heritage and a melting pot of diverse European cultures.

During the Pfingsten holiday, my family decided to drive from Giessen to explore the area. The nearly 300km journey didn't seem too far as we passed lush green hills, picturesque valleys with straight rows of vineyards, vibrant yellow rapeseed flowers, and winding rivers that looked like paintings on either side of the road.

Our first stop was the town of Vianden. This beautiful town is located right on the border with Germany to the north, nestled in the Our Valley. It is home to a famous castle in Luxembourg, Vianden Castle.

This castle, perched majestically on a rocky outcrop overlooking the valley, was built between the 11th and 13th centuries. Designed in a blend of Roman and Gothic architecture, it served as the main residence for lords and counts. Inside, the castle retains its original meeting rooms, living quarters, dining rooms, bedrooms, council chambers, and even a wine cellar used for celebrating victories.

Vianden Castle seen from afar

All the artifacts are neatly and beautifully arranged, with their dates clearly noted.

From the castle, you can see a vast expanse of lush green town. Higher up in the distance, a cable car system caters to those who wish to experience the sensation of floating in the air and admire the castle from above. Having visited NeuSchwanstein Castle in Germany, I found Vianden to be equally romantic.

From Vianden, it's only 48km to Luxembourg City. This can be considered the main tourist center when you set foot in this small country, often referred to as the green heart of Europe.

The city, a blend of ancient and modern, occupies a very advantageous position high above the ground. Previously, it was the largest ancient fortress in Europe, but after its destruction, only remnants remain: the city walls, watchtowers, loopholes, fortifications, and underground artillery bunkers.

The bridges are a particularly striking feature of Luxembourg City. Right in the center, the Adolphe stone arch bridge has become a famous symbol, featured on tourist postcards. Named after a Grand Duke, it is over 100 years old. From here, you can clearly see two different tourist areas.

One side is the Upper Ville (Ville haute). Many important landmarks were recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1994. Here you'll find Notre Dame Cathedral, the Grand Palace, Place d'Armes, Constitution Square, the Gelle Fra monument, and more. The pedestrian zone is filled with world- renowned chain stores, so you can explore, shop (on weekdays), and dine right on the bustling tourist streets.

The attractions are relatively close together, so my family mostly walked. Parking for tourists is also very convenient, right in the city center.

The sun shone like golden honey, and the ice cream parlors, cafes, and beer gardens along the street were packed with people. Perhaps this kind of beautiful weather is perfect for sightseeing and sunbathing, which is ideal for Europeans. A single ice cream cone here costs 3.50 euros. My son's eyes widened as he exclaimed, "Why is it so expensive, Mom? It's more than double the price in Germany!" I had to explain to him that the average per capita income here is among the highest in the world, so the high cost of living is understandable.

Standing on the bridge, looking up at the city walls in Luxembourg.

I noticed the streets were clean and there were few beggars. Using the public toilets was free, and the city provided drinking water fountains, which was very convenient for tourists.

Looking down from the Adolphe Bridge into the Petrusse Valley, you'll find the Lower Ville (Ville basse). A quiet area contrasting with the hustle and bustle of the Upper Ville, it's perfect for tourists who prefer a peaceful atmosphere. Here lies the famous Bock Casemates tunnel, 23 km long and 40 m deep, with a capacity of 1200 people. Despite being called an underground tunnel, the Bock has all the necessary amenities such as meeting rooms, kitchens, and bakeries.

Outside, the gentle Alzette River meanders. On both banks are charming castles and villas, nestled peacefully, with ancient trees embracing the foot of the old citadel. From the bridge, the Corchine defensive wall, with its sloping sections clinging to the cliff face, overlooks a vast green valley. It's truly majestic and beautiful! This is considered the most beautiful balcony in Europe.

In the afternoon, having grown tired, we returned to the upper district. The restaurants were packed with people, and many had long queues outside. Luxembourg is a multi-ethnic country, so it's not surprising to find restaurants from all over the world.

The most influential dishes were those of German, French, and Italian origin, which I immediately recognized from the menu, such as wine, meat rolls, stews, mashed potatoes, baked pasta, sausages, spaghetti, pizza...

The main language is Luxembourgish, but the locals are also taught German, French, and English, so they understand almost everything. We were surprised that parking was quite cheap, only about 1 euro per hour. That's an unbelievable price in Germany or many other tourist cities.

The author is at Vianden Castle.

Before arriving in this tiny country – home to many of Europe's centers of power and the world's largest banks – I imagined it to be bustling, dry, and lacking in romance.

I was indeed mistaken. This place possesses a wealth of valuable cultural and historical treasures for humanity. Just leisurely admiring the magnificent architecture or gazing at the gentle river flowing through the ancient city in the valley amidst lush green trees, one can see how peaceful and happy the lives of the people here truly are.

A dream life.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/du-lich-xanh/cuoc-song-nhu-mo-o-luxembourg-20230706204519195.htm