May 08, 2015

A hidden gem in Europe, Luxembourg

pink marsmallow 1:30 AM Travel No comments :

Luxembourg, a country which bordered with Belgium, Germany and France. IMO this country is a hidden gem in Europe. Never thought this country is so beautiful, not until I visited it last October 2014. Back then at the first discussion about the country list we, I and my (back then) Fiancee, want to visit for our first Europe trip, we only consider Netherlands and Belgium. We haven't heard anything about Luxembourg, so we didn't have any idea to visit this country as well, until when I googled up Netherlands, its bordered country. I read a line from one of the article that Netherlands is a part of Benelux regions (Belgium-Netherlands-Luxembourg) which all of them is bordered and close to each other. Well, I know about Belgium, it was also in our route plan already, but I have no idea about Luxembourg. So, my curiosity rises up and decided to research more about it. That was the beginning about the reason why I wanted to visit it.

I found out this country is really a hidden gem with the fact it has so many beautiful European typical villages, mountains and even the real castles without any modernization or demolition!!! No more explanation, I directly told my (back then) fiancee I want to add one more country to our itinerary, it wasn't hard and difficult to do even counted as a sudden plan. you know, Europe has the best transportation infrastructure ever. It able to connect you from one country to others. However Luxembourg also close to Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and France as well (our original countries lists). And, you know what? My (back then) fiancee never say "no" to my request. That is why I deeply in love with him.

Typical European Villages

Once we arrived at Luxembourg, we googled up the safety of this country first, we always do this whenever we want to visit a new country or city. We read an interesting article which mentioned that Luxembourg is one of the safest country in Europe and even in all around the world. We felt relieved because during our trip, we learnt that Europe ISN'T a safe region especially for an asian like us. So, for an asian wanderlust who want to visit Europe make sure you are always be in an AWARE mode.

Then; during our trip to Luxembourg, we found out this country has an unexpected beauty and charm. I adore the villages, European typical surrounding feeling, the castles, the architectural and especially the people.

Oh my, yes it is the real castle. The castle which is always mentioned inside our bedtime story book about Cinderella, princesses etc. Now, I want to be a princess. lol

This castle is more beautiful than Princess Elsa castle. Do you know why? Because I only able to just see Princess Elsa ice castle, but this one allowed me to go inside, and pretend to be a princess 😁😁

Our recommendation places to visit in Luxembourg:

1. Grund

Grund is a part of city which lies directly beneath Vielle ville, in the valley of the river Alzette. The interesting part of this area is its already settled for a very long time, way back into prehistory and the oldest part of the city. This picturesque village neighborhood is definitely somewhere you shouldn't miss whilst you are in the city. Take the elevator down from Place d'Esprit or walk down the winding Rue Large.

Picturesque Landscape

2. The Casemates and The Chemin de la Corniche

A stunning views of Grund in the valley and the river Alzette. You can also see "The Wenceslas Wall" built in late 1300s. Made the walk down to Chemin de la Corniche is worthwhile.

The Wenceslas wall, as well as Alzette River.

3. Bock Casemates

The bock refers to a series of rocky cliffs above the Alzette River. The cliffs over the centuries offered a natural fortification for defending area of Luxembourg from the invading envoys. In the past, Count Siegfried built a castle on the Bock which became the basis of the city. The bock consists the series of underground tunnels, passageways and cuts trough the rocks called casements. It is quite an amazing experience to be able to witness this Bock by myself.

Inside the Bock. Colorful remain tunnels.

4. Vianden Castle

My most favorite place in Luxembourg, Vianden Castle. It is a little far from the Luxembourg city, however the journey was so much worthwhile. To reach Vianden Castle, we need to take a train to Ettelbruck station from the main Luxembourg city station and then jump on the Bus 570. The bus station is next to the train station, so you don't need to worry to get lost. We took the train and bus time schedule from the main receptionist in the Luxembourg city main train station so we wouldn't miss the bus and train when we back. The whole journey one way takes around 1.5hrs. In the middle of this journey, we saw so many Luxembourg charming ranch, farming and villages, really we never expected this before but we did love our visit to this country.

After we hop off the bus, we were arrived at the Vianden village. I do really falling in love instantly of this village. So lovable and charming. From the bus stop we still need walked around 15 minutes across the village to reach the Vianden Castle.

This village took my breath away. We can see the castle behind.

The passageway to Vianden Castle

Finally we were arrived at Vianden Castle. Dreams came true. I was able to see a princess castle and even entered and explored inside. May you call me Princess Ste? lol