Top 10 Things Luxembourg Is Famous For

1. Investment management centre

Thanks to its strategic position and good political stability along with highly skilled labor, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is ranked as the wealthiest country in the European Union. Despite its small size compared to its neighboring countries like France and Belgium, Luxembourg has been able to position itself as the world’s second-largest investment fund center after the United States. The country has an average GDP per capita of $79,593,91, which is why Luxembourgers are able to enjoy a high standard of living.

Back in the 1960s, the country’s prosperity was based on the iron and steel industry, but it eventually shifted into international banking and financial services. There are about 144 banks in Luxembourg and over 27,000 employees working in the sector. These banks primarily have international clients that allow deposits from all around the world, thus making cash flows easily.

2. Castles

Between the early middle age to the Renaissance, Luxembourg has seen a thriving episode of a Luxembourgish dynasty, which created many holy Roman emperors, kings, and archbishops. Its very position was seen as a strategic place for many conquerors, resulting in the building of many fortifications from the 10th century onwards. Currently, the country has over 50 castles and gorgeous villages that will definitely take you back in time. Picturesque landscapes and lush gardens all around will give you the impression that you are in a fairy tale. Majestic castles like Vianden, Clervaux, and Beaufort are some examples to show the royal architecture of the ancient rulers. And to get a better understanding of its rich history and culture, there are always festivals and exhibitions going on.

3. Motto (‘Mir wëlle bleiwe wat mir sinn’ means ‘we want to remain the way we are’)

The national motto of Luxembourg ‘Mir wölle bleiwe wat mir sin’, which means ‘we want to remain the way we are’, was first coined by the Luxembourg poet Michel Lentz, who wrote the patriotic song ‘De Feierwon’ in the mid-19th century, to mark the departure of the first train from Luxembourg railway station. Being a small landlocked country, Luxembourg has been traditionally dominated by its neighboring countries such as France, Belgium, and Germany. The country became fully independent in the mid-20th century. The motto, therefore, refers to the fighting spirit of the Luxembourgish people to remain independent from those neighboring countries.

4. Restaurant Chiggeri

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Ideally located close to the “Place du Théâtre’’, this chic and upscale restaurant is one of the most recommended places to dine in. Styled in a gorgeous setting with contemporary touches, diners can enjoy the chilled atmosphere and lovely interior. Ensconce comfortably at the terrace section and order your favorite dish. Our recommendation is the exquisite foie gras or the steak tagliatelle, which can be paired with a glass of wine. The restaurant is known for its wide selection of local wines, which are sourced from various vineyards around the country. It was successfully awarded the ‘Best Wine list 2017’ by the Explorator magazine.

Restaurant Chiggeri

Address: 15 Rue du Nord, 2229 Luxembourg

Website: Restaurant Chiggeri

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12pm - 2pm; 7pm - 10pm; Sat: 7pm - 10pm (closed on Sun)

5. Old Quarter

If you happened to be a history buff, then a visit to the old quarter in Luxembourg is a must. With its rich history, today the country is bestowed with some of the finest historical landmarks. The reason being its strategic position, where holy Roman emperors, French and Spanish kings, and Prussians came to build various magnificent fortresses and holy structures to show their powerful presence. Currently, the Old Quarter is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, where tourists will have the chance to admire the wonderful Luxembourg heritage through historical landmarks, such as the Church of St. Michel and Church of St. Nicolas.

6. One of the safest nations in the world

According to the InterNations - a global organization for people living and working abroad, Luxembourg despite being a small country, with only around half a million people, its crime rate is one of the lowest in the world. This claim can be justified by the fact that this wealthiest country provides its citizens with a high standard of living. People are pretty successful and enjoy a good life in general. Though, like any other country, there are some hotspots where tourists and foreigners should pay careful attention. Places such as bus or train stations are described as the shadiest part of the city.

7. Home to many foreigners

Being the key player in managing financial services in the European Union, Luxembourg has drawn much attention of professionals around the world, which is why there is an increasing population of many foreigners each year. As per statistics in 2020, about 300,000 foreigners came to live and work in Luxembourg. The highest number came from Portugal, with more than 95,000 people. The majority of these people live in the countryside or outskirts, where living is more affordable. Additionally, the capital has transitioned itself into a much vibrant cosmopolitan city, where young people enjoy the buzzing nightlife.

8. One of the smallest countries

Located in the western part of Europe, Luxembourg is a small landlocked country. It is ranked on the 167th position in terms of its size among the 194 independent countries in the world. Its size is about 2,586 square kilometers (998 sq mi), and measures 82 km (51 mi) long and 57 km (35 mi) wide, thus being one of the smallest countries in Europe.

9. Grand Duke's Official Birthday

Originally, the Grand Duke’s official birthday dubbed as the ‘Luxembourgish National Day’ was pompously celebrated in order to pay homage to the Grand Dukes. It started with the birthday of the Grand Duchess Charlotte, which is on January 23rd, but was later postponed to June 23rd and it remained the official date of the celebration. There are many festivities organized around the country, including an evening torchlight procession. Visitors can enjoy mingling with locals and relish sausages and potato fritters with beer or wine.

10. Religious nation

Catholicism is a pretty dominating religion in Luxembourg as it was the epicenter for Christianity during the Middle Ages. Though the country is claimed to be rather a secular state, however, the Grand Duchy supports the dominion of religion, which somehow encourages decreases in the separation between the church and the state. As per the stats, there are about 68% of Catholics in Luxembourg.

Luxembourg — one of the smallest countries in the world

Luxembourg is rated as one of the safest places to live and work. Despite its smaller size compared to the neighboring countries, Luxembourg is a key player in the financial industry in the European Union. There are many other interesting things that Luxembourg is famous for. Check out our list to learn more.