03.01.
2017
8 Ways to Discover (The Real) Luxembourg
Often overlooked for its more famous neighbours, The Grand Duchy is something
between a provincial backwater and a thriving hub of Europe. Now that I live in
a much bigger city – São Paulo – here are 8 things that I really appreciate coming
back home.
The Food
For a true Luxembourgish experience try the Mousel’s Cantine, attached to one
of the country’s most famous breweries (yes, there are others), or Um Plateau,
both in the Grund area of Luxembourg town.
But with over 46% of foreign population, there are fantastic restaurants, like Il
Fragolino, Lisboa II, Yamayu Santatsu, or Himalaya, from the world over. The
latter serves Nepalese curries that I have never seen matched, not even in
London.
The Beer
This brings me to my next point, which is Luxembourg’s own beers. Of course
you can get your hands on plenty of Belgian, German or Portuguese brews
cheaply, but why do that when you can drink the native Bofferding, Mousel,
Diekirch or Simon Pils, probably in that order, which we like to do in abundance
and at whatever age. Don’t worry though, it’s brewed according to purity laws
and “won’t give you a hangover”.
The Nightlife
The days of Melusina being the only destination for decadent nights out are over
– new developements at the Rives de Clausen and the Rotondes offer,
respectively, a complex of bars and gig and DJ set venue, at opposite ends of the
city. Try Café Mr Dixon, Ennert de Steiler, and Rocas for bar-restaurant-club
experiences.
The Language
Many people don’t know the Luxembourgish language exists, and while it is a
German-based language with snippets of French, it is not necessarily
comprehensible to speakers of those languages, and it is very much its own
thing, with a particular dour charm.
Its colourful expressions include “du dicker esel! (you fat donkey!)”, or “dat ass
mir scheiss egal! (that totally does not matter to me!)”, and the value of speaking
their own language to Luxembourgers – or trying to – cannot be overstated.
Failing that, try communicating in English over French or German, because
Luxembourgers don’t like being confused with their neighbours, and they usually
speak English just as well anyway. As the Luxembourgers say, “Mir wëlle bleiwe
wat mir sinn (we want to remain what we are)”.
Cycling
The Grand Duchy’s countryside is beautiful and cycling through it is the best way
of seeing it, just ask Andy and Frank Schleck, internationally renowned
Luxembourgish cyclists. The route from Luxembourg city to Echternach is both
scenic and historic and can be done in one long day’s cycle. If mountain-biking is
your thing, there are over 700km of off-road tracks available, and you can start
with "Haard-black“ trail in the Southern region of Dudelange.
A Visit to The Pétrusse Valley
No trip is complete without a walk though the Pétrusse Valley, or “grund”,
passing perhaps Luxembourg’s most photographed view from the Rue Münster
bridge near Scott’s Pub, and the Abbaye de Neimënster – an international events
venue. The Casemates are the Old City’s famous fortifications, once used as
underground gun emplacement tunnels, and the reason for the city being on the
UNESCO World Heritage list. Also the crazy golf is not to be underestimated.
Skateboarding/ Extreme Sports
The Pétrusse skatepark finally opened in July 2016 after prolonged efforts from
local skaters and €2 million investment. With a total area of 2.500m 2 including
600 square meters of bowl area and well thought-out and varied obstacles
throughout, it is completely off-the-chain and rivals any European city’s outdoor
skating facilities. Entry is free and it is located within the city’s famous beautiful
valley, just to top off the dreaminess. And don’t forget the old indoor skatepark at
Hollerich for when the weather’s bad.
The Christmas Markets
Christmas markets occupy all three of the city’s main squares during the season:
Place d’Armes, Place Guillaume II and Place de La Constitution. They offer an ice-
rink, kids’ rides, and of course stands selling christmas nick-nacks and food.
Deep-fried potato cakes (gromper keecheren) with apple compote and mustard,
chestnuts, hot wine and christmas beer are seasonal favourites to send you home
the long way.
Discover The Real Luxembourg
Or
5 Tips from a Luxembourger
Or (x )things to do in Luxembourg
More than just financial instutions and european bureaucracy, Luxembourg is
