Luxembourg: holidays, national customs, climate
There are a number of public holidays that do not have a fixed date but are based on the location of Easter. Easter takes place on the first Sunday that follows the first full moon after the beginning of spring. Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, which ends on Holy Saturday, is 46 days before Holy Saturday. The date for Pentecost is then 50 days after Easter. Corpus Christi is celebrated on the second Thursday after Pentecost. All Saints’ Day is celebrated for Orthodox Christians on the first Sunday after Pentecost, but for Catholic Christians the date is fixed on November 1st. On October 31, Protestants celebrate Reformation Day. The Halloween festival also takes place on this day.
Holidays
Date | Holiday |
January 1 | New Year |
February March | Carnival Monday |
March April | Easter Monday |
1st of May | Labor Day and May Day |
May | Ascension of Christ |
May June | Whit Monday |
23rd June | National holiday |
15th of August | Assumption Day |
November 1 | All Saints Day |
25./26. December | Christmas holiday |
Source: Countryaah – Luxembourg Holidays
In Luxembourg, traditions are still alive in many secular and religious festivals. The Schuoberfouer, which takes place from the end of August to the beginning of September, is the most important showman festival on the Glacis field, whose origins go back to the 14th century.
During the Éimaischen, the traditional Emmaus festival on Easter Monday, many Luxembourgers go to the square by the fish market to get one of the ceramic pipes in the shape of a bird, the péckvillchen, that are only available on that day.
The most important religious festival in Luxembourg is the octave, which is celebrated from the fifth to the seventh Sunday after Easter and during which a pilgrimage takes place in honor of Our Lady, the patron saint of Luxembourg. This festival is accompanied by a fair on Wilhelmsplatz.
Regular events
Summer in the City
This annual summer music festival is held at various locations in the city.
Schobermesse
The Schobermesse (D’Schueberfouer) is a large folk festival lasting several days in the form of a fair, which is celebrated every year in late summer on the glacis field in Luxembourg City.
Around two million people from the country and neighboring countries Belgium, Germany and France come to the festival
The beginning of the Schobermesse dates back to October 20, 1340, when John the Blind (1296-1346) – King of Bohemia, Margrave of Moravia and Titular King of Poland and Count of Luxembourg – gave the city the privilege of a several-day fair at the end the harvest time and the church fair.
National customs
You greet each other with a light handshake, the normal form of greeting. Close friends hug in greeting. Cheek kisses are appropriate among friends. The most common greetings in Luxembourgish are “Moien” (morning), “Gudden Owend” (good evening) and “Wéi geet et?” (How are you?) As well as the French “Bonjour”.
To say goodbye you can say “Äddi” (an informal goodbye) or use the more formal variant “Au revoir”. Young people like to use short formulas like the French “Salut” or the Italian “Ciao”. Friends and acquaintances use expressions such as “bis tight aner Kéier” or “bis häno” (both mean see you soon or see you later). “Äddi, bis mar” (see you tomorrow) is only said if that is the case.
climate
Luxembourg is characterized by a temperate Western European climate, which is characterized by mild winters and moderate summers. In the north of the country, the so-called Ösling, it is usually a bit cooler and there is also more precipitation.
The best travel time is from May to October.
As is well known, the ideas of what is meant by a particularly favorable travel climate depend on a number of factors. Cultural travelers certainly see the climate differently than people who, for example, want to spend a pure beach holiday. The state of health or age can also play an important role.
Luxembourg: Sightseeing
- Abbreviationfinder.org: Presents the way that LU stands for the nation of Luxembourg as a two-letter acronym.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Old town district and fortresses of Luxembourg
Luxembourg has been invaded and conquered again and again over the centuries, for example by the Duke of Burgundy or the Habsburgs, among others.
The city’s first town hall stood on the site where the palace is now. It was destroyed by an explosion in 1554. Today’s palace is the then newly built town hall.
From 1890 the palace was used as a grand ducal palace until the Second World War. A number of modifications and additions were made. The Nazis then used the palace as a place for entertainment and events. Many valuable pictures and objects fell victim to their vandalism.
The former intersection of two Roman roads is the “Marche-Aux-Poissons” (the fish market). It is the historic center of the old town.
The old buildings around the square are valuable witnesses of the past.
There you can also find St. Michael’s Church from 987, which was originally a castle chapel that the counts of the city had built. The church was destroyed several times, but was rebuilt again and again. The different periods in which the church was rebuilt can be recognized by the elements of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque construction.
The old town quarter and the fortresses of Luxembourg were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994.
Special structures
Fortification Lützelburg Corniche
From the remains of the old fortification of Luxembourg one has a colossal view over the whole city.
Under the Corniche are the Casemates du Bock, the underground casemates of the fortress from 1745.
Parts of the existing 23 km of fortifications can still be visited today.
Vianden Castle
The complex is considered one of the most beautiful preserved medieval residences in Europe. It was built from the 11th to the 14th centuries on the foundations of Roman and Carolingian buildings. After being taken over by the state, the complex was extensively restored in 1977.
Fort Thüngen
The fort from 1732 is one of the largest in Europe. In 1836, the Prussians expanded the facility and adapted it to the defense requirements. The “Musée d’Art Moderne Grand-Duc Jean” is now located in the restored outer walls.
Heiliggeist Citadel
The Heiliggeist Monastery was founded on the Heiligeist plateau in 1234 and embedded in the city’s fortifications in the 14th century. However, it only fulfilled a military purpose during the Spanish rule in the 16th century. The massive structure finally served as a citadel from 1687.
“Hotel de Ville”
The town hall was built between 1830-38. The building, built in the neoclassical style, stands on Wilhelmsplatz on the foundation walls of the Franciscan monastery that was destroyed in 1829.
Palais Grand Ducal
The grand ducal palace with its oldest parts from the 13th century is a two-story Renaissance palace, at the lower end of which is the House of Representatives. Originally the town hall was located here, which was destroyed by a powder explosion in 1554.
Bourscheid Castle
The castle, which dates back to the 10th century, was extended in the 14th – 15th centuries in the Gothic style. There is a museum in the Gothic mansion from 1348.
Luxembourg: Fort Thüngen © goruma (V. Koppenwallner)
Cultural sites
Wilhelm II equestrian monument, Luxembourg
The monument in honor of Grand Duke Wilhems II of Orange-Nassau, who ruled from 1840-1849, commemorates the ruler who gave the country the most liberal parliamentary constitution of its time. Kanounenhiwwel (Cannon Hill) The monument in Luxembourg City was erected to commemorate those who died in World War II and the resistance of the Luxembourg population against the Nazis. Before that an eternal fire burns.
Gëlle Fra memorial
The “Golden Woman”, created by Claus Cito in 1923, was created to commemorate the Luxembourg soldiers who voluntarily served in the French army from 1914 to 1918. The gilded figure stands on a 21 m high stone obelisk. After the memorial was destroyed under the Nazis and rediscovered in 1980, it is now used to commemorate the victims of both World Wars and the Korean War. It also stands for the freedom of Luxembourgers.
Place Guillaume II (Wilhelmsplatz)
The square in the center of the city with the town hall and the equestrian statue of William II of Orange is located on the site of the Franciscan monastery. Today the square is lively with markets and festivals.
Place d’Armes
The former parade ground from 1671 is the main square of the old town of Luxembourg. After being rebuilt in 1986, it is now the center of urban life.
Luxembourg: equestrian statue of Wilhelm II. © goruma (V. Koppenwallner)
Museums
Bank Museum
Banque et Caisse d’Epargne de l’Etat
1, place de Metz
L-2954 Luxembourg
Tel.: (00352) – 4015-5900
Email: [email protected]
www.bcee.lu
Casino Luxembourg -Forum for Contemporary Art
41, rue Notre-Dame
L-2240 Luxembourg
Tel.: (00352) – 22 50 45
Email: [email protected]
www.casino.luxembourg.lu
Center Culturel de Rencontre Abbaye de Neumünster
28, rue Münster
L- 2160 Luxembourg
Tel.: (00352) – 26 20 521
Email: [email protected]
www.ccrn.lu
Art gallery “Am Tunnel”
Banque et Caisse d’Epargne de l’Etat
L-2954 Luxembourg
Tel.: (00352) – 4015-5900
Email: [email protected]
www.bcee.lu
Musée d’Art Moderne Grand-Duc Jean (MUDAM)
Three Acorns Park (Fort Thüngen)
Kirchberg-Plateau
Tel.: (00352) – 45 37 85-1
Email: [email protected]
www.mudam.lu
Museum of the History of the City of Luxembourg
14, rue du Saint-Esprit
L-2090 Luxembourg
Tel.: (00352) – 4796-4500
Email: [email protected]
www.musee-hist.lu
National Museum of History and Art
Marché-aux-Poissons
L-2345 Luxembourg
Tel.: (00352) – 47 93 30-214
Email: [email protected]
www.mnha.lu
National Museum of Natural History
24, rue Munster
L-2160 Luxembourg
Tel.: (00352) – 47 51 52
Email: [email protected]
www.mnhn.lu
Post and Telecommunications Museum at the
corner of Place de la Gare/Rue d’Epernay
L-2992 Luxembourg
Tel.: (00352) – 4088-7322
Email: [email protected]
www.philately.lu
Tram and Bus Museum
63, rue Bouillon
L-1248 Luxembourg
Tel.: (00352) – 4796-2385
Email: [email protected]
www.autobus.lu
Tip!
If you need more information (also on private exhibitions), please contact:
www.statermuseeen.lu
www.lcto.lu
Opera and theater
Conservatoire de Musique
33, rue Charles Martel
L-2134 Luxembourg
Tel: (00352) – 47 96 55 55
Email: [email protected]
www.vdl.lu
Ticket reservation:
Tel.: (00352) – 47 08 95 1
Fax: (00352) – 47 08 95 95
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
www.luxembourgticket.lu
Grand Théâtre de la Ville de Luxembourg
Rond-point Schuman
L-2525 Luxembourg
Tel.: (00352) – 4796-3900
Email: [email protected]
www.theater-vdl.lu
Ticket reservation:
Tel: (00352) – 47 08 95 1
Fax: (00352) – 47 08 95 95
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
www.luxembourgticket.lu
Philharmonie – Grande-Duchesse Joséphine-Charlotte concert hall
1, place de l’Europe
L-1499 Luxembourg
Tel.: (00352) – 26 32 26 32
Email: [email protected]
www.philharmonie.lu
Ticket reservation:
Tel.: (00352) – 47 08 95 1
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
www.luxembourgticket.lu
Théâtre des Capucins
9, place du Théâtre
L-2613 Luxembourg
Tel.: (00352) – 4796-4054
Email: [email protected]
www.theater-vdl.lu
Ticket reservation:
Tel.: (00352) – 47 08 95 1
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
www.luxembourgticket.lu
Théâtre des Casemates
14, rue du Puits
L-2355 Luxembourg
Tel.: (00352) – 29 12 81
Email: [email protected]
www.kasemattentheater.lu
Théâtre du Centaure
4, Grand-Rue
L-1660 Luxembourg
Tel.: (00352) – 22 28 28
Email: [email protected]
www.theatrecentaure.lu
Théâtre National du Luxembourg
194, rte de Longwy
L-1940 Luxembourg
Tel.: (00352) – 2644-1270
Email: [email protected]
www.tnl.lu
Théâtre Ouvert Luxembourg (TOL)
143, rte de Thionville
L-2611 Luxembourg
Tel.: (00352) – 49 31 66
Email: [email protected]
www.tol.lu
In addition to the specified theaters and opera houses, there are also numerous amateur theater groups.
The following advance booking offices are available:
- Center Culturel de Rencontre Abbaye de Neumünster
- Conservatoire de Musique
- Grand Théâtre de la Ville de Luxembourg
- Luxembourg City Tourist Office
Further information on the drama and concert is available from:
Luxembourg City Tourist Office
L-2011 Luxembourg
PO Box 181
Tel.: 00352 – 22 28 09
Email: [email protected]
www.lcto.lu
Churches and monasteries
Cathédrale Notre Dame
The cathedral is the main church in the city. The late Gothic building with the laying of the foundation stone from 1613 was originally built as a Jesuit church and is one of the most important church buildings on the threshold of the late Gothic to the Renaissance. From 1935 to 1938 the building was expanded again.
Neumünster Abbey
The Benedictine abbey is located in the Grund district directly on the banks of the Alzette. The facility, built around 1606, was used as a military hospital during the French Revolution until 1867. The medieval previous building was badly damaged during the wars between Germany and France in 1542. Today the buildings contain a cultural meeting point.
Clairvaux Monastery
The former Cistercian abbey is one of the first four monasteries to join the Citeaux reform movement and become a primary abbey. Its most famous abbot and founder, Bernhard von Clairvaux (died 1153) is considered one of the pioneers of the reform movement. During the French Revolution, the monastery was closed and used as a prison.
Sankt Michaelskirche
The oldest church building in Luxembourg was built in 987 as a castle chapel for the Counts of Luxembourg. After destruction and extensions, the church received its final appearance in 1688.
St. Willibrord, Echternach
Romanesque basilica, the fifth building on the foundations of the original Merovingian building from the 8th century. The current building is characterized by the alterations and additions from the 13th to 17th centuries. In addition, the place is world famous for so-called “Echternach jumping procession” with around 14,000 participants annually on Whit Tuesday.
University of Luxembourg
It is the only university in Luxembourg City. It was only founded in 2003. Before that, Luxembourgish students always had to study abroad (Belgium etc.). The university’s courses are given in English and French. Luxembourgish and German, on the other hand, are the languages of the campus.
Faculties:
- Faculty of Science, Technology and Communication
- Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance
- Fan school for linguistics and literary studies, art and education
The university has three campuses:
- Kirchberg plateau
- Limpertsberg
- Walferdange
Technical buildings
Pont Grand-Duchesse Charlotte
The steel structure known by the population as “Rout Bréck” (Red Bridge) spans the Alzette over a length of 237 m between the Europaviertel and the Kirchberg. It was built by Egon Jux in 1965.
Pont Adolphe – “Nei Bréck”, Luxembourg
The Adolphe Bridge over the Petruss Valley in Luxembourg was built by Paul Séjourné between 1900-03. At that time it was the largest stone arch bridge in the world and spanned a total of 153 m, of which the largest double arch had a span of approx. 22 m. It connects the old town and the station district.
Pumped storage plant, Vianden
The pumped storage-based hydropower plant is one of the largest in Europe and is open to visitors.
National Mine Museum, Rumelange
As the ore mine has been closed and its corridors are accessible for around 3 km, the history and technical processes of ore extraction are documented in around 50 locations.
natural beauties
Natural landscape “Kuebendellchen”
Not far from Remerschen, in Schwebsingen, there is the protected area of the natural landscape “Kuebendellchen” with a marked educational trail. The start of the route is at the Wintrange car park.
“Haff Réimech” nature reserve The “Haff Réimech”
nature reserve (80 hectares) includes former gravel pits and marked paths. Many water sports as well as pedal boating and fishing (fishing license required, available on site) are possible here.