Geography and climate in Luxembourg

Luxembourg, a small country in Western Europe

Luxembourg, the country of three borders in the heart of the Greater Region

Located in the center of Western Europe, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is the "land of three borders." It shares its borders with the Kingdom of Belgium to the northwest (148 km of borders), Germany to the east (135 km of borders), and France to the south (73 km of borders). All towns and villages are located less than 30 km from a border.

Together, they form the Greater Region, which includes the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the regions of Saarland and Rhineland-Palatinate in Germany, Lorraine in France, Wallonia, the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, and the German-speaking community of Belgium. The Greater Region has a population of 11.8 million and generates a GDP of over €400 billion.

Nearly 270,000 people cross the border every day to work in a neighboring country. Luxembourg alone welcomes more than 215,000 cross-border workers.

A harmonious blend of diverse landscapes in Luxembourg

It is very easy to visit Luxembourg over several weekends. The country stretches only 82 km from north to south and 58 km from east to west.

The country has a moderate altitude. The highest point, the Kneiff hill, is located at an altitude of 560 meters in the north of the country in Wilwerdange.

With an area of only 2,582 m², Luxembourg offers varied landscapes including plains and forests, lakes and rivers. The vast green spaces are unspoiled and showcased in magnificent natural parks. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate its diverse flora and fauna.

Looking for nature? Luxembourg is the ideal destination

Luxembourg boasts picturesque landscapes along the Moselle and Sûre valleys, in its flagship region, the Müllerthal, also known as Little Switzerland. It is a paradise for hikers and cyclists, with numerous cycling routes.

Luxembourg is divided into two main regions: the Oesling in the north and the Guttland in the center/south.

The Oesling or Eisleck, in the north of Luxembourg, in the Ardennes massif

In the north of the country, the Luxembourgish landscape is very green with numerous forests and narrow, steep-sided valleys, lakes, and rivers. The region is mainly rural and agricultural.

It is home to magnificent nature parks such as the Upper Sûre Park and the Our Nature Park. The Upper Sûre Lake, located in the region, is the largest body of water in Luxembourg. It also supplies 70% of the country with drinking water. The Our Nature Park is also well worth a visit.

Sources Rosport produces an excellent natural mineral water that can be found on every restaurant table, as does the Lodyss brand.

The most important towns in the north of the country are Diekirch, Vianden, Clervaux, Trois-Vierges, Wiltz, Ettelbrück, and Redange-sur-Attert.

The Ardennes plateau with the Wiltz basin has many forests and contrasting landscapes.

The climate is rather harsh in this part of the Ardennes massif. The Trois-Vierges plateau in the north of Luxembourg is the coldest and rainiest region in the country. There is a lot of arable land here.

The Guttland or "good country," central Luxembourg

The center is home to most of Luxembourg's population. It is the region around the capital, Luxembourg City.

The Guttland stretches across the center and west of the country and makes up 68% of Luxembourg's territory. In addition to villages, there are restored farms, castles surrounded by meadows, fields, and forests forming a green belt around the city of Luxembourg.

Visitors can explore the Valley of the Seven Castles, as well as Gallo-Roman sites near Dalheim and the Moselle Valley.

There is also the village of Nospelt, famous for its potters and Péckvillercher.

The Luxembourg Sandstone Plateau

This region is the most important in the Guttland. It is home to Luxembourg's most beautiful forests. There are also wide valleys that are mainly devoted to agriculture.

The Müllerthal or Little Switzerland

The Müllerthal region is very popular with trekkers. It offers magnificent hikes in a picturesque landscape of eroded rock formations. The valleys are narrow and steep-sided, dotted with rooted trees. The main town is Echternach.

The Luxembourg Moselle

The Moselle region in the southeast of the country offers some very pretty landscapes. The roads wind between the Moselle Valley and the Luxembourg vineyards. You can also take short cruises on the Moselle, which forms the border between Luxembourg and Germany. The main towns are Grevenmacher on the German border and Remich in the south. The Moselle Valley is a wine and crémant production region.

The Red Earth in southern Luxembourg

In the southwest of Luxembourg lie the Red Lands, whose name comes from the presence of iron ore. This steelmaking past ensured Luxembourg's wealth from the second half of the 19th century until around the 1980s. These sites are worth visiting as they bear witness to the country's mining history. The main cities in the south are Esch-sur-Alzette with the Belval hub, Differdange, and Dudelange.

Today, this part of the country is undergoing a high-tech transformation, while ensuring the conversion of industrial sites into modern urban landscapes. Many companies are setting up there, as well as the university hub and the country's largest concert hall.

Would you like to visit Luxembourg? Find out more here.

The river network in Luxembourg

Luxembourg is drained by numerous rivers. The regions are fairly humid. The four most important rivers are the Moselle, the Sûre, the Our, and the Alzette.

All of Luxembourg's rivers are part of the Rhine basin, via the Moselle, one of its main tributaries. The Moselle marks the border with Germany and flows into the Rhine at Koblenz.

The Pétrusse Valley in Luxembourg is currently being redeveloped. It flows into the Alzette, creating beautiful walking areas for residents.

Luxembourg's semi-continental climate

Luxembourg has a semi-continental climate with oceanic influences. The climate varies between more or less marked seasonal differences, with precipitation throughout the year.

Winters vary from year to year in Luxembourg

Winters in Luxembourg can be harsh, or mild and rainy. Averagetemperatures vary between 0° and 5°C. Snowfall can be frequent, especially in the north of the country. Frost is common, especially at night, and the thermometer can drop to minus 10°C. Depending on the year, there can be heavy snowfall of around ten centimeters, as well as black ice on the roads. Find out about winter regulations.

Colors and scents of spring in Luxembourg

In early spring, Luxembourg witnesses a much-anticipated phenomenon: the passage of gray cranes as they head north as temperatures gradually rise. The "March showers" alternate between sunny spells and short but heavy rain. This is when the bulbs come out of the ground and color the villages and gardens: crocuses, daffodils, narcissi, tulips, etc. A colorful display that is a feast for the eyes!

If you want to take advantage of these milder temperatures, there are a few local events that will encourage you to get out and about. First of all, the whistling birds of the Eimaischen Market beckon you with their pretty colors and chirping.

It's also time for Springbreak or the Spring Fair, where you can discover the latest trends.

You can also take the opportunity to do some shopping and renew your wardrobe with Fréijoershopping.

Spring is also synonymous with spring cleaning. Luxembourg is no exception, and every year in March-April, Aktioun Grouss Botz mobilizes citizens to clean up their environment.

Generally warm summers in Luxembourg

In summer, temperatures average between 16°C and 20°C. Temperatures can reach 30°C in summer with beautiful blue skies, especially in July and August. The hottest months are June, July, and August.

Indian summer and autumn colors before the gray and cold

September and October can be synonymous with Indian summer before the autumn season begins. The trees are adorned with red, yellow, and orange colors before entering November, which is grayer, rainier, and colder. We look forward to the Advent markets, which bring warmth, light, and convivial moments.

The seasons can also be rainy, with fairly gray skies. The north and south of the country experience temperature differences of 2 degrees on average.

Want to learn about the history of Luxembourg? Check out this page.