Luxembourg

The places we saw, starting in Lux City and going north

Continuing my Europe country reviews, today the focus is Luxembourg.

Introduction

With Belgium to the west, Germany to the east, and France to the south, Luxembourg is conveniently situated for both tourism and, unfortunately, invasion.  Germany passed through on her way to Belgium and France in the 1940s; America liberated her from the same a few years later- a fact which locals remember and honor to this day (which is unusual in Europe).  We passed through ourselves several times- it was close to where we lived in Germany, and American friends living in the capital graciously hosted us several times.  Our visits included 9/07, 5/08, 6/08, and 10/10- and I'm sure I forgot a few in between.

When I think Luxembourg, I think 'forest.'  The Ardennes (of "Battle of the Bulge" fame, though that happened in the Belgian portion of the forest, near Bastogne) and other woods blanket the landscape, lending a sense of beauty and tranquility to the country.

Luxembourg City

Capital of the land, Lux City is a city of both old and new, situated on steep hills and cliffs that give the place a layered feeling.  It's a very nice place to visit.

Military Cemeteries

Just to the east of the city, both American and German military cemeteries from WWII can be found in close proximity to each other and are a study in contrasts.  The American memorials are white, smooth, and portray a quiet, sobering power.  Their German counterparts are dark, rough-hewn, and are undeniably those of the shamed vanquished.  Patton is buried in the former; both are worth visiting.

Mullerthal

One of the many forests, Mullerthal is beautiful.

Beaufort Castle

A nice ruin in the countryside.

Vianden Castle

Imposing and strategically situated, Vianden is another nice day out.

Clervaux

After visiting the several monuments and museums that can be found in Clervaux to the Americans who liberated them, I sensed more here than anywhere else in Europe that our contributions to WWII really were appreciated.

Conclusion

Luxembourg would take weeks to see in full, but can be enjoyably sampled in a few days.  Autumn would be the ideal time to visit, when the forests turn glorious hues on their way to the long dark of winter.

UPDATE: we visited again in October of 2019.  Our experience is summarized in these posts:
Vianden Castle
Mullerthal
Bourscheid Castle
Luxembourg City