“The travel sites all describe Luxembourg as a fairytale come to life, but it feels less like a Grimm land of trolls and big bad wolves, and more like Disneyland Paris." ― Kristopher Jansma
==================================================================(in northwestern Europe) One of the world’s smallest countries, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is a charming slice of Europe that consistently ranks among the world's top three nations in both wealth and wine consumption. Luxembourg is a point of contact between the Germanic- and Romance-language communities of Europe, and three languages are regularly employed in the grand duchy itself: Luxembourgish, German, and French. The peoples of Luxembourg and their languages reflect the country’s common interests and close historical relations with its neighbours. In the 20th century Luxembourg became a founding member of several international economic organizations. Perhaps most importantly, it was an original member of the Benelux Economic Union (1944), which linked its economic life with that of the Netherlands and of Belgium and would subsequently form the core of the European Economic Community (EEC; ultimately succeeded by the European Union).
+ Luxembourg is bordered by Belgium (to the west and north), France on the south, and Germany (northeast and east). It has come under the control of many states and ruling houses in its long history, but it has been a separate, if not always autonomous, political unit since the 10th century. The ancient Saxon name of its capital city, Lucilinburhuc (“Little Fortress”), symbolized its strategic position as “the Gibraltar of the north,” astride a major military route linking Germanic and Frankish territories.
+ Stretching just 82 km (~51 mi.) and 57 km(~36 mi.) at its longest and widest points respectively, diminutive Luxembourg.does have a fairytale quality to Luxembourg City, its capital (and UNESCO-listed historic core), which is perched on a dramatic clifftop. Luxembourg City is also one of the four official capitals of the European Union (together with Brussels, Frankfurt, and Strasbourg) and the seat of several EU agencies, notably the Court of Justice of the European Union, the highest judicial authority.
+ Beyond the capital, in the rolling forested hills, a string of beguiing villages clusters beneath stunning medieval castles, where there is superb wine tasting in the Moselle Valley and invigorating hiking in the rugged, rocky gorges of the Müllerthal region.
+ Luxembourg has recovered quite impressively from its extensive destruction during WWII -- a sad history that is reflected in war museums across the country. (Today, 49% of the population are foreigners, drawn here by the high standards of living, glorious landscapes, and its ideal location at the crossroads of Europe.)
+ Luxembourg city is often referred to as the green heart of Europe, since about one third of Luxembourg is covered by green spaces. Visitors will have plenty of opportunity to take a walk or go on a cycling tour:
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