Luxembourg City

Perched high on a promontory overlooking the Pétrusse and Alzette Valleys, the Grand Duchy’s capital solemnly sits like a thousand-year-old gargoyle. In 963 AD, on a rocky outcrop known as the Bock, Sigefroid, Count of Ardennes, laid the cornerstone of a fortress that would become Luxembourg City.

Although Sigefroid’s fortress no longer exists - after nine centuries of attacks and occupations, his castle and most of its fortifications were blown up by the townsfolk in the latter half of the 19th century - the views and what little remains of the original structure continue to inspire.

Ardennes

Known as the Eisléck or Oesling, the Luxembourg Ardennes are the Grand Duchy’s northernmost - and most spectacular - region. Winding valleys, fast-flowing rivers, verdant plateaus and towering castles combine to make the region hugely popular among visitors and residents alike.

Of the three main towns, Clervaux is the most accessible, Vianden is the most touristic, and Wiltz … well, that has the bonus of being very nearby to the hamlet of Esch-sur-Sûre, which attracts a staggering number of visitors solely because of its location.

Moselle Valley

Wine tasting, especially sweet, fruity whites, is the obvious attraction of the Moselle Valley. The valley’s Route du Vin begins at Waserbillig and follows the Moselle River south through the wine region’s capital at Grevenmacher and beyond to some picturesque villages.

The Cellars of Poll-Fabaire in the hillside village of Wormeldange are worth a visit, as are the larger Caves Bernard-Massard in Grevenmacher and St Martin in Remich. All three are open for tours and tippling from late spring to early autumn.

Müllerthal (Little Switzerland)

This region is where Luxembourgers come to play. Centered around the old Christian town of Echternach, in a pocket of woodland northeast of the capital, the area’s hiking, cycling and rock climbing also make it one of the most touristed areas in the country.

If you head west of town, you’ll come to the walking paths, which wind through rocky chasms and waterfalls to Berdorf, 6km (4mi) away, and on to the crumbling remains of Beaufort castle.

If you’re in Echternach on Whitsunday (the 7th Sunday after Easter), wave your hankies with the locals celebrating the pageant of St Willibrord, Luxembourg’s only saint, who lived in town in the 8th century. His mortal remains now lie in a white marble sarcophagus in the town’s basilica. Behind the basilica, there’s also an interesting Benedictine abbey.