Pilgrim’s progress in Luxembourg
Discover the beauty of Luxembourg’s serene countryside and majestic castles as never before: on foot. The nine cultural routes crossing this green European hub offer a unique and refreshing approach to exploration. The spotlight here is on three exceptional examples among them: St. James’ Way, Fortified Towns, and the Liberation Route Europe in Luxembourg.
Spiritual steps
Embark on the Camino de Santiago, or St. James’ Way, a historic pilgrimage that has attracted millions of visitors since the first Christian pilgrims walked to the resting place of St. James in Spain. The Northern Way, spanning 179-kilometers in Luxembourg, is one of 10 official routes. This cultural, spiritual and physical adventure follows Roman roads, waterways, and towns where the cult of St. James is celebrated.
Marvel at must-see sights such as the grave of St. Wilibrord in Echternach, Luxembourg City’s splendid Notre Dame Cathedral, and the ruins of Dudelange’s fortress.
The Luxembourg leg is composed of six stages, guided by clam symbol signs, from Vianden in the north to Schengen in the south. Accommodation options range from campsites. youth hostels, and privately rented rooms to hotels.
Routes of power
Delve into the rich military and medieval history of the greater region, a three-border area with Luxembourg at its core. Luxembourg City’s Old Town, once a battleground for leaders vying for control and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a rich look at this period.
At the top of the must-see list are the Bock and Pétrusse Casemates, defense tunnels transformed into an atmospheric visitor experience.
The Dräi Eechelen Museum in Kirchberg offers insights into the power struggles as well as stunning views over the fortress walls.
Follow in the footsteps of military greats with the self-guided UNESCO Walk starting at Place de la Constitution. This tour highlights the fortress walls and ruins which have been seamlessly blended with modern architecture.
Luxembourg City is one of 12 towns on the Greater Region Fortified Towns Route, including Bitche, Homburg, Longwy, Marshal, Montmédy, Rodemack, Saarlouis, Sierck-les-Bains, Simserhof, Thionville and Toul.
Routes of Remembrance
Luxembourg bears witness to the poignant history of the Battle of the Bulge. Dive into this historical chapter by tackling one of the Liberation Routes Europe: Schengen-Troisvierges or Bastogne-Wiltz-Kautenbach-Luxembourg. The country sensitively presents the conflict through memorial trails and museums, including the National Museum of Military History in Diekirch and the peaceful German and American military cemeteries in Sandweiler, the final resting places for over 15,000 soldiers.
Discover the ease of exploring Luxembourg’s cultural routes with free public transport, adding another layer of convenience to your unforgettable journey.
