50 Interesting Facts About Luxembourg

Last updated on January 12th, 2022

Luxembourg Facts for Kids

31. There are 17 kilometers (over ten and a half miles) of underground tunnels under The Bock that are cut through solid rock beneath Luxembourg City. First started in 1644, they were used as air raid shelters during World Wars I and II. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, they are open to the public.

32. The Eurovision Song Contest, is the longest-running international TV song competition held annually, has been won by Luxembourg five times. Only Ireland has won the event more times. ABBA and Celine Dion launched international careers after winning this same contest.

33. Luxembourg is a little smaller than the state of Rhode Island, making it one of the tiniest countries in the world.

34. When eating out with others in Luxembourg, table manners are formal and you must have good ones at all times. First, remain standing until you are invited to sit down. The table manners are Continental: you hold your knife in your right hand and your fork in your left when eating. Do not rest your elbows on the table at any time. You begin to eat when your hostess does. Almost all foods are eaten using utensils, including sandwiches. Clean your plate and then show you are finished eating by laying your knife and fork together on the parallel across the right side of your plate.

35. Luxembougers honor Saint Willibrord every Whit Tuesday in the city of Echertnach by forming a traditional procession which performs synchronized hopping in costume around the city to the music of a polka marching band. The event holds UNESCO World Heritage status.

36. The Mullerthal region of the country is known as Little Switzerland for its cliffs, waterfall, castle ruins, villages, and forest-covered mountains, making it resemble Switzerland.

37. Luxembourg’s flag has three horizontal stripes: a red, then white, then blue (on the bottom). Almost identical to the flag of the Netherlands, the blue color is just a slight bit different (ultramarine instead of sky blue). Why? Luxembourg and the Netherlands had the same monarch in the nineteenth century when it was created.

38. The national bird is the Goldcrest, known as “the king of the birds” in European folklore. The national animal is the lion, also known as “the king of beasts”.

39. Schiessentumpel is a three-part waterfall in the heart of beautiful Little Switzerland on the Black Ernz River that tourists and locals both love to visit.

40. The Hohllay Cave, also known as The Hollow Cave, is covered inside with strange markings you might think were made by elves. They are really just old mining scars. Also in Little Switzerland, this natural amphitheater holds concerts when weather permits. It is also a popular hiking destination.

Random facts about Luxembourg

41. Assisted suicide and euthanasia is legal in Luxembourg.

42. According to a survey conducted by the United Nations, you are least likely to be shot there than anywhere in the world. Luxembourg is one of the world’s safest countries and has only two jails.

43. Visit Restaurant Chiggeri in Luxembourg’s capital city and you can order wine from the world’s largest wine list. It offers more than 2,200 choices.

Map of Luxembourg

44. Good manners dictate you must always take gifts along if invited to someone’s Luxembourg home, usually good chocolates or flowers for the hostess. But always give flowers in odd numbers (but never 13), and don’t give chrysanthemums as they are given at funerals.

45. The Grund is a beautifully picturesque neighborhood deep in a gorge with some stone houses built right into the face of the rock. It features a 15th-century bridge, fort, vineyards, restaurants and pubs, a mini golf course and a miniature train with acres and acres of parklands. It is well worth the visit.

46. Luxembourg has seven national parks: two are diverse nature parks, two are humid zones, two are nature reserves, and one is a protected area.

47. Le Chemin de La Corniche is a pedestrian walkway built along the tops of the ramparts on the eastern side of the fortress-city of Le Chemin. Its nickname is “Europe’s most beautiful balcony”.

48. The 1916 park laid out around Colpach Castle, Colpach Park, houses sculptures from various important 19th century artists including Maillol, Kolbe, and Bourdelle. It was originally the private park of a steel baron.

49. Ansembourg Castle, in the Valley of the Seven Castles, is home to French terraced gardens with botanical collections, fruit-bearing trees, and exotic plants well-known throughout Europe.

50. Good manners are important to and demonstrated by the Luxembourg people. Being blunt is considered rude behaviors and punctuality is taken very seriously. If you are late, you are seen as unreliable and should offer an explanation and an apology.

Luxembourg has culture, cuisine, beauty, natural wonders, and history to explore and enjoy. Do share your thoughts about this beautiful country in the comments section below.

Luxembourg – country at a glance