Explore Luxembourg: From a Fortress to a Small Country with a Big Vision
Luxembourg City is defined by its dramatic topography and rich history, which have shaped its distinct neighborhoods and attractions. Its UNESCO World Heritage status reflects its fortress heritage, with the city's different levels—upper town, lower valleys, and surrounding plateaus—each offering a unique experience.
A Region Shaped by History
Founded as a fortress in 963, Luxembourg's story is one of resilience and reinvention. It was a key stronghold in the Holy Roman Empire and later came under the control of the Burgundian Netherlands—a collection of territories in the Low Countries that included parts of modern-day Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and northern France. Over the centuries, it was also ruled by the Spanish, French (during the Napoleonic era), and Austrians, and later occupied by Germany during both World Wars—each power leaving its mark on the city’s formidable fortifications.
After Napoleon’s defeat, the Congress of Vienna (1815) made Luxembourg a Grand Duchy and placed it under the rule of the King of the Netherlands. This changed in 1867, when Luxembourg was declared neutral as part of the Treaty of London. All foreign troops were removed, and its vast fortress was ordered to be dismantled—marking the true start of its independence.
Today, Luxembourg is a symbol of peace and European cooperation. As home to several major EU institutions, its multilingual, multicultural society makes it a true crossroads of Europe.
From Village to Vision: The Three Faces of Luxembourg City
Luxembourg City unfolds in three interconnected layers: the river-valley Grund below, the historic Ville Haute above, and the contemporary Kirchberg Plateau across the gorge.
Its core is a canyon carved by the Alzette River, with cliffs on either side. Nestled at the bottom, the Lower Town—known as the Grund—feels like a medieval village, with cobbled streets and old buildings sheltered by fortifications that cling to the rock above.
Sitting high above this village, on opposing plateaus, are two distinct cities—a striking juxtaposition of old and new. On one side is the Old Town, or Ville Haute, the historic and traditional heart of Luxembourg. It’s a bustling commercial center filled with restaurants, shops, and key government buildings like the Grand Ducal Palace—a vibrant hub that most visitors first encounter.
On the opposing side of the deep valley is the Kirchberg Plateau, the city's modern and international face. This area is home to a striking landscape of contemporary architecture, major European Union institutions, and global financial firms. The contrast between the historic charm of the Old Town and the sleek modernity of Kirchberg is stark, yet they are inextricably linked. From both the Old Town and the Kirchberg Plateau, one can look down into the historic village, a breathtaking glimpse into its past.
The three parts are brilliantly connected, with the most famous link being the Grand Duchess Charlotte Bridge (the Red Bridge), which majestically spans the valley to unite the two plateaus. The lower and upper towns are also linked by a series of dramatic stairways and a panoramic glass elevator, all of which highlight the city's fascinating and unforgettable vertical landscape.
The Red Bridge
In Summary: The City’s Three Main Districts
- Ville Haute (Upper Town): The city’s historic and commercial heart, perched on a plateau. It’s home to the Grand Ducal Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral, lively squares, shops, restaurants, and government buildings.
- Grund (Lower Town): A peaceful, village-like district nestled in the Alzette River valley. With cobbled streets, riverside cafés, and old-world charm, it offers a quiet contrast to the plateau above.
- Kirchberg Plateau: The city’s modern face. This area houses major EU institutions, striking contemporary architecture, and museums—connected to the center by the iconic Red Bridge.
Getting Around
Luxembourg is the first country in the world to offer free nationwide public transport. Buses, trains, and trams are all free to use, making it exceptionally easy to explore both the city and the surrounding region.
