Must See

Ardennes

Known locally as Eisléck, the Luxembourg Ardennes is a quiet, scenic area of forested plateaux, wooded hills and lush valleys that attracts nature and outdoors enthusiasts. The towns of Diekirch and Wiltz are the gateways to the region and also happen to be the site of two of the country's breweries - the perfect reward at the end of a pleasurable day walking or cycling among the trees and trails.

One of the area's highlights is the small town of Esch-sur-Sûre, a well-known regional resort entirely surrounded by the natural moat of the River Sûre (Sauer). There's also the medieval market town of Clervaux, where visitors may see the 12th-century castle, which now houses the offices of the local government, a small war museum exhibiting weapons and souvenirs from the 1944-1945 Ardennes offensive (the famous 'Battle of the Bulge'), the local tourist office (syndicat d'initiative), and the renowned collection of documentary art photography, the Family of Man, by Edward Steichen.

Echternach

Echternach is the oldest town in the country and lies near the border with Germany. The town's Benedectine Abbey was founded by St Willibrord in the 7th century and now also houses a museum. There's also the Romanesque St Willibrord Basilica (with its crypt as a centrepiece) and a distinctive 15th-century Town Hall overlooking the market square. Every year, on Whit Tuesday, visitors will have the chance to see a colourful religious dancing procession to the bascilica that pays tribute to St Willibrod. Pilgrims come from all over the world to participate in the procession, progressing slowly through the town, bouncing and skipping from one foot to another to a polka like rhythm.

Luxembourg-Ville

The capital city of the Grand Duchy, has a skyline punctuated with turrets and spires, while deep valleys fall to rivers below. The dramatic gorges, which kept invading forces at bay for centuries, also define it as one of the most striking capitals in Europe. For the best views, head up to the Citadelle du St Espirit for stunning panoramic views over Luxembourg City.

The city's main square, the Place d'Armes, has some charming outdoor cafes and restaurants, and the area near the River Alzette known as the Grund also has many lively cafes and restaurants. The Grund may be reached by a lift that goes down through the ancient rock (with the entrance located on the square Fëschmaart).

The city's fortress was dismantled in 1867 but many of the old fortifications remain well preserved to this day. The fortifications are now home to many gardens and parks, as well as the Casemates, an extensive network of underground tunnels carved in the rock.

There are also some fine museums and galleries, such as the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of History and Art, and the Museum of the City of Luxembourg. Other attractions include the 17th-century Notre Dame Cathedral, and nearby, the Place Guillaume (also called Knuedler) and its twice-weekly market (Wednesday and Saturday).

The country is known as a modern centre of finance, yet it also has some grand old buildings, such as the Moorish-style Palais Grand Ducal, built in the 1570s during Spanish rule and the official residence of the Grand Duke. There, visitors will be able to enjoy the spectacle of the changing of the guard. The modern district is located on the Plâteau du Kirchberg (reached via the impressive Pont Grand Duchesse Charlotte. Luxembourg's biggest shopping complex is also located here, next to the country's main cinema complex, Utopolis.

Moselle Valley

Spend a lazy day exploring the wineries of this enchanting valley's Route du Vin, sampling a few glasses of the splendid wine. The River Moselle is a tributary of the Rhine, its wines resemble those of that region and many of the wine cellars are happy to receive visitors. Place to look out for include Grevenmacher and in the nearby towns of Remerschen, Remich and Wormeldange. Boat-cruises on the Moselle are also available.

The small village of Schengen, where the Moselle marks the meeting of three countries (France, Luxembourg and Germany), has become internationally known after the 'Schengen Agreement' was signed here in 1995.

Mullerthal

Approximately 30 km (19 miles) north of the capital, lies this beautiful region known by locals as 'Little Switzerland'. Hundreds of footpaths through densely wooded forests, spectacular rock formations and crystal-clear brooks combine to make this one of the country's most popular areas for hiking and walking. There is also some good rock climbing routes to be found near Berdorf.

Coach tours to the Müllerthal (which is also known as the Germano-Luxembourg Natural Park), leave daily from the main bus station in Luxembourg-Ville.

Vianden

Vianden is located in north-eastern Luxembourg, and lies on the Our river, near the border between Luxembourg and Germany. It is home to a magnificent castle - an old feudal manor that dates back to the 9th century and was the seat of the Counts of Vianden. The castle overlooks the town from a 450 m (1476 ft) elevation that can be reached by the country's only chairlift. Visitors will also be able to see the Victor Hugo House, where the author lived during his exile in 1871. Another castle can be visited at Bourscheid nearby.