Se hva du kan gjøre og oppleve i Luxembourg

Spread your net wide when deciding on an itinerary around the Grand Duchy, for some of the area's most enticing attractions lie away from Luxembourg City (although almost always within easy access from here). Some of the unmissable highlights include Luxembourg's Medieval fairy tale castles and much-loved wine route, that stretches across the Moselle River valley connecting the towns of Echternach and Mondorf-les-Bains, the latter inviting weary travellers for a soak in effervescent thermal baths.

The Duchy's capital of just over 114,000 inhabitants is largely made up of expats, but tourists are still few and far between – great news for those who prefer having the city streets all to themselves. There are a few excellent museums in Luxembourg City (the MUDAM is one not to be overlooked), plenty of Medieval remnants and lookout points to take them in from, as well as expansive dining offerings, including from Luxembourg's astounding many Michelin-starred establishments.

With its location at the nexus of German and French culinary traditions, Luxembourgish cuisine has absorbed influences from both of its neighbours. Some of the specialities include the quintessential kniddelen (flour and potato dumplings that come with different toppings), fried potato pancakes, imports from southern Germany such as flammekueche (a variety of pizza with creme freche or formage blanc, typically topped off with bacon and onions), schnitzel, as well as seafood from respectable suppliers in the region, and it doesn't end there. For such a small country, Luxembourg also boasts an enviable number of Michelin-starred restaurants (more per capita than in other countries in Europe).

Alongside Belgium, Luxembourg has its own chocolate artistry to show for itself – the longstanding Namur, reputable Oberweis and artisan Chocolate House Bonn are a few essential stops for those with a taste for sweet treats. A few cafes still retain local flavour – try Bistrot de la Presse or Café Interview to look beyond the sleek facades of the city's trendy mixology hot spots.

No visit to Luxembourg is complete without sampling the local wines (the Moselle Valley is known primarily for Riesling, but multiple varieties are produced, including Auxerrois, Elbling, Chardonnay, Pinot blanc, noir & gris – at least some of these are served at the overwhelming majority of local bars. A strong expat community of young professionals (nearly 50% of the country is now made up of foreigners) with disposable income means that nightlife establishments rarely stand idle, especially in Luxembourg City.

The list of Luxembourgish specialities is surprisingly long for such a tiny place. A few items to consider shopping for include Villeroy & Boch ceramics featuring the Old Luxembourg pattern (the brand's first original creation); beer, liquor and wines from the Moselle (which are hard to come by elsewhere, outside of Luxembourg); Peckvillchen bird whistles, used on Easter Monday for the annual Emaishen festival (and functioning as souvenirs for the remainder of the year); chocolate by reputable Luxembourg chocolatiers; high-end watches (Schroeder or Bijouterie Hoffman, for example), and more. Local handicrafts include wax and glass creations, which are often available at weekly markets, alongside fresh regional produce. The last weekend of August or the first one in September is when the annual Braderie (large-scale sale/city-wide flea market) takes place, attracting both shoppers and vendors from across the country and beyond. There is also an antique fair held in Place d'Armes every 2nd and 4th Saturday.