Luxembourg General Information Area: 2586 sq km (999 sq miles). Population: 435,700 (official estimate 2000). Population Density: 168.5 per sq km. Capital: Luxembourg-Ville. Population: 80,700 (2000). GEOGRAPHY: The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg shares borders to the north and west with Belgium, to the south with France and to the east with Germany. One-third of the country is made up of the hills and forests of the Ardennes, while the rest is wooded farmland. In the southeast is the rich wine-growing valley of Moselle. The capital, Luxembourg-Ville, is built on a rock overlooking the Alzette and Petrusse valleys. Government: Constitutional monarchy. Luxembourg is a founding member of the European Union and the only Grand Duchy in the world. Head of State: Grand Duke Henri since 2000. Head of Government: Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker since 1995. Language: Lëtzeburgesch, a German-Moselle-Frankish dialect, became the officially recognised national language in 1984. French and German are generally used for administrative and commercial purposes. Many Luxembourgers also speak English. Religion: Around 91 per cent Roman Catholic, with Protestant, Anglican and Jewish minorities. Time: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October). Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Communications:   Telephone Full IDD is available. Country code: 352 (no area codes). Outgoing international code: 00. International phones have a yellow sign showing a telephone dial with a receiver in the centre. Mobile telephone GSM 900 and 1800 networks. Network operators include Tango SA (website: www.tango.lu) and P & T Luxembourg (website: www.luxgsm.lu). Fax There is a fax booth at the Luxembourg-Ville main post office. Faxes may be sent to a central number (491 175) for delivery by express mail within Luxembourg. Internet Internet and e-mail services are available in Internet cafes. ISPs include Visual Online Sarl (website: www.vo.lu). Telegram There are facilities at the post office at 25 rue Aldringen, Luxembourg-Ville, and in all major towns. Hotels often allow guests to use their facilities. Post Post to other European destinations takes two to four days. There are poste restante facilities throughout the country. Prospective recipients must first register for a PO Box. Mail will be held for up to one month. Post office hours are generally Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1330-1700. The Luxembourg-Ville main office (opposite the railway station) is open Mon-Fri 0600-1900, Sat 0600-1200. Smaller offices may open for only a few hours. Telephone 49911 for details. Press There are several daily newspapers including the Tageblatt, Luxemburger Wort – La Voix du Luxembourg (which has the highest circulation), Lëtzebuerger Journal, La Republicain Lorrain and Zeitung vum Lëtzeburger Vollek. There is one weekly English-language newspaper, The Luxembourg News. BBC World Service and Voice of America frequencies: From time to time these change. BBC (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice): MHz 15.49 12.10 9.410 6.195 Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov): MHz 15.21 11.82 9.760 1.197 Passport/Visa   Passport Required? Visa Required? Return Ticket Required? British Yes No No Australian Yes No 2 Canadian Yes No 2 USA Yes No 2 OtherEU 1 No No Japanese Yes No 2 Note: Luxembourg is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement. For further details about passport and visa regulations in the Schengen area see the introductory section How to Use This Guide. PASSPORTS: Passport valid for three months beyond length of stay required by all except: (a) 1. nationals of EU countries who hold a valid national ID card; (b) nationals of Andorra, Liechtenstein, Malta, Monaco, San Marino and Switzerland, providing they hold a valid national ID card. Note: 2. It is advisable to have a return ticket, but not obligatory. If a visitor is not in possession of a return ticket, proof of sufficient means of support may be required. VISAS: Required by all except the following nationals for periods not exceeding three months and as long as the visa is still valid for three months beyond length of stay: (a) nationals referred to in the chart above; (b) nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Brazil, Brunei, Chile, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Korea (Rep), Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Switzerland, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela; (c) passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft within 72 hours provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport (except nationals of Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Congo (Dem Rep), Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Syria and Turkey who always need a transit visa). Types of visa and cost: A uniform type of visa, the Schengen visa, is issued for tourist, business and private visits. Short-stay: £17.50 (for stays of one-30 days); £22 (single-entry) and £25 (multiple-entry for stays of 31-90 days). Long-stay: £35 (for stays exceeding 90 days); Transit: £7 (single- and multiple-entry); Airport Transit: £7. Note: Spouses and children of EU nationals (providing spouse’s passport and the original marriage certificate is produced) receive their visas free of charge (enquire at Embassy for details). Validity: Short-stay visas are valid for up to six months from date of issue for single or multiple entries of maximum 90 days per entry. Transit visas are valid for single or multiple entries of maximum five days per entry, including the day of arrival. Long-stay visas are valid for up to one year. Visas cannot be extended; a new application must be made each time. Application to: Applications must be made in person to the Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy) of the Benelux country which the applicant will enter first. Application requirements: (a) One completed application form. (b) One passport-size photo. (c) Passport valid for at least three months longer than the validity of the visa (with a blank page to affix visa stamp). (d) Proof of the purpose of visit (official letter of invitation/confirmed hotel booking; onward or return ticket). (e) Evidence of sufficient funds to cover the duration of stay. (f) Evidence of medical coverage for the Schengen countries (eg form E111). (g) Fee. Working days required: Two days to three weeks depending on purpose of visit and nationality. Temporary residence: Enquire about special application procedures at Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy); see Contact Addresses section. Money Single European currency (Euro): The Euro is now the official currency of 12 EU member states (including Luxembourg). The first Euro coins and notes were introduced in January 2002; the Luxembourg Franc was completely replaced by the Euro on 28 February 2002. Euro (€) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. Currency exchange: Foreign currencies, travellers cheques and cheques can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change, the airport, railway stations, the post office and major hotels (generally at a less advantageous rate). Credit & debit cards: MasterCard, American Express, Visa, Diners Club and others are all widely accepted, as well as Eurocheque cards. Many retailers require a minimum (eg €12-25) before accepting credit/debit cards. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available. Travellers cheques: Widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in Euros, Pounds Sterling or US Dollars. Currency restrictions: There are no restrictions on the import and export of either local or foreign currency. Exchange rate indicators The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Euro against Sterling and the US Dollar: Date May ’02 Aug ’02 Nov ’02 Feb ’03 €1= £0.63 £0.64 £0.63 £0.68 €1= $0.92 $0.97 $1.00 $1.08 Banking hours: Generally Mon-Fri 0900-1200 and 1330-1630, but may vary greatly. Duty Free The following goods may be imported into Luxembourg without incurring customs duty by travellers arriving from countries outside the EU: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 1l of spirits over 22 per cent or 4l of wine; 50g of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette; other goods to the value of €64.45 for passengers over 15 and €24.79 for passengers under 15. Note: Alcohol and tobacco products are only available to passengers of 17 years of age or over. Abolition of duty free goods within the EU: On 30 June 1999, the sale of duty-free alcohol and tobacco at airports and at sea was abolished in all 15 EU member states. Although there are now no limits imposed on importing tobacco and alcohol products from one EU country to another, travellers should note that they may be required to prove at customs that the goods purchased are for personal use only. Public Holidays Nov 1 2002 All Saints’ Day. Dec 25 Christmas Day. Dec 26 St Stephen’s Day. Jan 1 2003 New Year’s Day. Mar 3 Carnival. Apr 21 Easter Monday. May 1 May Day. May 29 Ascension. Jun 9 Whit Monday. Jun 23 National Day. Aug 15 Assumption. Sep 1 Luxembourg City Kermesse*. Nov 1 All Saints’ Day. Dec 25 Christmas Day. Dec 26 St Stephen’s Day. Jan 1 2004 New Year’s Day. Feb 23 Carnival. Apr 12 Easter Monday. May 1 May Day. May 20 Ascension. May 31 Whit Monday. Jun 23 National Day. Aug 15 Assumption. Sep 1 Luxembourg City Kermesse*. Nov 1 All Saints’ Day. Dec 25 Christmas Day. Dec 26 St Stephen’s Day. Note: (a) *Applies to the City of Luxembourg only. (b) Official public holidays falling on a Sunday may be deferred to the following Monday, for a maximum of two holidays. Exact details should be confirmed with the National Tourist Office or the Embassy (see Contact Addresses section). Health   Special Precautions Certificate Required Yellow Fever No No Cholera No No Typhoid and Polio No N/A Malaria No N/A Food & drink: Tap water is considered safe to drink. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat. Other risks: Rabies may be present in wildlife. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. For more information, consult the Health appendix. Health care: There are reciprocal health agreements with all other EU member states. UK citizens should obtain form E111 from the Department of Health before travelling. Hospital treatment is normally free on presentation of the E111 but patients must pay a standard daily fee which is not refunded. For health information, contact the Caisse Nationale d’Assurance Maladie des Ouvriers. Travel - International AIR: Luxembourg’s national airline is Luxair (LG) (website: www.luxair.lu) which offers regular services to a number of European destinations (including Austria, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the UK) as well as flights to Africa (Morocco and Tunisia) and Turkey. Luxair recently introduced a direct connection between Luxembourg and the USA (New York) and there are four weekly flights to Newark Airport. Luxair flies daily from Luxembourg to London Heathrow (two flights), to London Stansted (two flights) and Manchester (one flight). British Airways flies daily from London Heathrow (one flight) and London Gatwick (three flights). There are also flights to London City Airport. Approximate flight times: From London to Luxembourg is 1 hour. From New York to Luxembourg is approximately 8 hours. International airports: Luxembourg (LUX) (Findel) is 8km (5 miles) northeast of the city (travel time – 20 minutes). Coaches and buses run regular services to the city. Taxis are also available. Airport facilities include an outgoing duty-free shop, car hire, bank/bureau de change (Mon-Sat 0700-1930, Sun 1000-1800) and a tourist information office (1000-1900). Departure tax: None. RAIL: The direct Eurostar train link through the Channel Tunnel between London and Lille, Brussels or Paris started operating on 14 November 1994. Eurostar is a service provided by the railways of Belgium, the United Kingdom and France, operating direct high-speed trains from London (Waterloo International) to Paris (Gare du Nord) and to Brussels (Midi/Zuid). It takes 2 hours 40 minutes from London to Brussels with onward connections to Luxembourg. Total travelling time from London to Luxembourg is approximately 6 hours 30 minutes. Trains depart up to eight times a day from Waterloo to Brussels. Work has now started on the UK section of the high-speed line, which is being built in two stages. When it is completed, the transit times between London St Pancras and Brussels will be just two hours, and two hours 15 minutes between London St Pancras and Paris. The Eurostar trains are equipped with standard-class and first-class seating, buffet, bar and are staffed by multi-lingual, highly trained personnel. Pricing is competitive with the airlines, and there is a large range of different tickets and prices. Children aged between four-11 years benefit from a special fare in first class as well as in standard class. Children under four years old travel free but cannot be guaranteed a seat. Wheelchair users and blind passengers together with one companion get a special fare. For further information and reservations, contact Eurostar (tel: (0870) 6000 792 (travel agents) or (08705) 186 186 (public; within the UK) or (+44 (1233) 617 575 (public; outside the UK only); website: www.eurostar.com); or Rail Europe (tel: (08705) 848 848). Travel agents can obtain refunds for unused tickets from Eurostar Trade Refunds, Second Floor, Kent House, 81 Station Road, Ashford, Kent TN23 1PD. Complaints and comments may be sent to Eurostar Customer Relations, Eurostar House, Waterloo Station, London SE1 8SE (tel: (020) 7928 5163). General enquiries and information requests must be made by telephone. Enquiries in France should be made to Eurostar in Paris (tel: (8) 3635 3539; only available from within France). Information about package deals, inclusive of accommodation and travel on Eurostar can be obtained from Eurostar Holidays Direct (tel: (0870) 167 6767; fax: (0870) 010 0284). Another daily rail connection is London (Charing Cross)–Ostend–Brussels–Luxembourg, taking approximately 11 hours, including the channel crossing by Catamaran from Dover Hoverport. There are direct train links with principal cities in neighbouring countries. Inter-Rail and Eurailpass are valid. ROAD: Luxembourg is easily reached within a day from the UK, via Belgium or France. The quickest way to cross the channel is by driving the car onto Eurotunnel trains. All road vehicles are carried through the tunnel in Eurotunnel shuttles running between the two terminals, one near Folkestone in Kent, with direct road access from the M20, and one just outside Calais, with links to the A16/A26 motorway (Exit 13). Each shuttle is made up of 12 single- and 12 double-deck carriages, and vehicles are directed to single-deck or double-deck carriages depending on their height. There are facilities for cars and motorcycles, coaches, minibuses, caravans, campervans and other vehicles over 1.85m (6.07ft). Bicycles are provided for. Passengers generally travel with their vehicles. Heavy goods vehicles are carried on special shuttles and drivers travel in a separate carriage. Terminals and shuttles are well equipped for disabled passengers, and Passenger Terminal buildings contain a variety of shops, restaurants, bureaux de change and other amenities. The journey takes about 35 minutes from platform to platform and about one hour from motorway to motorway. Services run every day of the year, and there are between two and five an hour, depending on the time of day. There is a reservation system and a turn-up-and-go service. Motorists pass through customs and immigration before they board the shuttle without further checks on arrival. Fares vary according to length of stay, time of day and time of year and whether you have a reservation or not. The price applies to the car, regardless of the number of passengers or size of the car. The fare may be paid in cash, by cheque or by credit card. There is a reduction of £2 when booking online. For further information, contact Eurotunnel Customer Services UK (tel: (08705) 353 535; fax: (01303) 288 786; e-mail: callcentre@eurotunnel.com; website: www.eurotunnel.com). For drivers not using the shuttle through the channel tunnel, car ferries operate frequently between Dover and Calais (regular ferries and Hovercraft services) and Dover and Ostend (regular ferries as well as Catamaran and Hoverspeed services). Luxembourg-Ville is approximately 320km (200 miles) from Ostend, and 420km (260 miles) from Calais. From Calais, the quickest route is to take the motorway to Brussels via Lille, then head south through Namur along the E411 to Luxembourg; from Ostend, take the E40 motorway to Brussels, then the E411 to Luxembourg. In total, the journey from London (including the ferry crossing) takes approximately 8 hours. Coach: Eurolines runs a twice weekly (Wednesday and Saturday) coach service from London to Luxembourg. Further information can also be obtained by calling Eurolines in the UK (4 Cardiff Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, L41 1PP; tel: (08705) 143 219; fax: (01582) 400 694; website: www.eurolines.com or www.gobycoach.com). TRAVEL TIMES: The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from Luxembourg-Ville to other major cities/towns in Europe. Air Road Rail Amsterdam 0.45 5.30 6.30 Brussels 0.45 2.00 2.30 Frankfurt/M 0.50 2.30 3.30 Paris 1.00 4.00 4.00 London 1.00 *8.00 **6.30 Zürich 1.20 5.00 5.00 Note: *Includes ferry crossing from Dover (via Calais or Ostend); **Eurostar via Bruxelles-Midi (Brussels). Travel - Internal RAIL: The national railway company, Chemins de Fer Luxembourgeois (CFL), runs an efficient rail service which is fully integrated with the bus network. CFL has recently introduced a so-called horaire cadencé schedule, meaning there is now at least one train every hour to every station at the same time in every hour. Reductions are offered for weekend and holiday return tickets. CFL rail services and CFL/CRL buses in Luxembourg are covered by the Benelux Tourrail rail pass covering Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxembourg. This gives unlimited travel on any five days within a 30-day period throughout the year. Rail/Coach Rover Tickets are valid for both networks. The Luxembourg Card gives unlimited travel on public transport for a period of one to three days, with free entrance to up to 40 attractions. There is also an Öko Pass, which is a single-day ticket for unlimited travel on all forms of public transport (not valid on sightseeing buses), with concessions for old-age pensioners. For further information, contact CFL (tel: 49901 or 4990 5572; e-mail: info@cfl.lu; website: www.cfl.lu). ROAD: As in the rest of Western Europe, there is an excellent network of roads and motorways in Luxembourg. Traffic drives on the right. Bus: Cross-country buses are punctual and operate between all major towns. For information on passes, see the Rail section. Taxi: These are metered. There is a minimum charge and a ten per cent surcharge is applied from 2200-0600. Taxis are plentiful but cannot be hailed in the street. A ten per cent tip is usual for taxi drivers. Car hire: All the main agencies operate in Luxembourg. Traffic regulations: The minimum age for driving is 18. It is obligatory to carry €15 at all times for the payment of on-the-spot fines; there are stiff drinking/driving spot fines. The wearing of seat belts is compulsory in the front seat and in the back, where seat belts are fitted. Children under 12 years of age must travel in the back seats, unless they are 1.5m (5ft) or taller, or if the front seat is fitted with an appropriate ECE-approved child seat. Motorcyclists must use a dipped beam even by day. The speed limit is 50kph (31mph) in built-up areas, 90kph (56mph) outside built-up areas, and 120kph (74mph) on motorways. For more details, contact Automobile Club du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg, 54 route de Longwy, Bertrange, Luxembourg-Helfenterbruck (tel: 450 0451; e-mail: acl@acl.lu; website: www.acl.lu). Documentation: Third Party insurance is necessary. A Green Card is not obligatory but is strongly recommended. Without it, visitors have only the minimum legal cover in Luxembourg (if they have motor insurance at home). The Green Card tops this up to the level of cover provided by the visitor’s domestic policy. A valid national driving licence is sufficient. URBAN: Luxembourg-Ville has municipal bus services, for which single-journey flat-fare tickets may be purchased. This ‘short distance’ ticket is valid for one hour (or for a maximum of 10km/6 miles) from purchase on the whole of Luxembourg’s public transport network, and also allows transits between city and country buses and trains. Ten-journey tickets are also available, but must be purchased in advance. There is no underground or tramway service, but there are plans to build a new Railway-Tram that will travel on the national railway lines, and function as a tram once within the confines of Luxembourg-Ville. Accommodation HOTELS: For information on hotels in Luxembourg, contact the Luxembourg National Tourist Office (which can supply a free national guide) or the National Hotel Association, Horesca (to which all hotels in the Grand Duchy belong) at 7 rue Alcide de Gasperi, PO Box 2524, L-1025 Luxembourg-Kirchberg (tel: 421 355-1; fax: 421 355; e-mail: mail@horesca.lu; website: www.horesca.lu). Grading: Luxembourg has a wide range of hotels, more than half of which are classified according to the Benelux system. Standard of accommodation is indicated by a row of three-pointed stars from the highest (five stars) to the minimum (one star). However, membership of this scheme is voluntary and there may be first-class hotels which do not have a classification. Benelux star ratings comply with the following criteria: 5-star (H5): Luxury hotels. There are four establishments in this category; 4-star (H4): First-class hotels; 80 per cent of rooms have a private bath. Other amenities include night reception and room service. Around 15 per cent of graded hotels in Luxembourg belong to this category. There are 48 in this grouping; 3-star (H3): Around 50 per cent of rooms have private bath. Other amenities include day reception; 29 per cent of graded hotels in Luxembourg belong to this category. There are 81 in this grouping; 2-star (H2): Around 25 per cent of rooms have private bath. Other amenities include a bar; nine per cent of graded hotels in Luxembourg belong to this category. There are 26 hotels in this grouping; 1-star (H1): Simple hotel. No private baths, but hot and cold water in rooms. Breakfast available. Eight graded hotels in Luxembourg belong to this category. HOLIDAY APARTMENTS: A number of holiday flats and chalets are available throughout the country. A free pamphlet giving location and facilities is published by the National Tourist Office (see Contact Addresses section). CAMPING: There are over 120 campsites throughout the country. According to government regulations, campsites are ranged in three different categories and the tariff in each camp is shown at the entrance. The National Tourist Office publishes a free, comprehensive brochure giving all relevant information concerning campsites. YOUTH HOSTELS: There are youth hostels at Beaufort, Bourglinster, Echternach, Ettelbruck, Grevenmacher, Hollenfels, Lultzhausen, Luxembourg-Ville, Troisvierges, Vianden and Wiltz. A Youth Hostel Guide may be obtained free of charge from the National Tourist Office in London or the Centrale des Auberges de Jeunesses Luxembourgeoises, 24-26 place de la Gare, L-616 Luxembourg (tel: 2629 3500; fax: 2629 3504; e-mail: information@youthhostels.lu). Luxembourg-Ville The capital, Luxembourg-Ville, is split into two districts: the delightful old centre, complete with fortress towers, turrets and winding, cobblestone streets; and the modern downtown area on the plâteau du Krichberg – the Luxembourg version of Wall Street. The city’s history goes back to the year 963, when Siegfried, Count of the Ardennes, had a castle named Lucilinburhuc built on a rock overlooking the River Alzette. It was the famous French fortress builder Vauban who, at the service of Louis XIV, later turned Luxembourg into one of his masterpieces, suitably known as the ‘Gibraltar of the North’. At its height, the fortress was girdled by three ring-walls studded with 24 forts and linked underground by a 23km (15 mile) network of underground tunnels. It survived until 1867, when it was dismantled according to the provisions of the Treaty of London. But many of the old fortifications remain well preserved to this day and, in 1994, the entire old part of Luxembourg-Ville was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Luxembourg City Tourist Office (whose main office is on the Place d’Armes) can provide details and maps for numerous walks taking visitors past the city’s medieval remains and historic sites. The underground tunnels, known as casemates, can also be visited. A special open-air tourist train called the ‘Petrusse Express’ offers frequent guided tours through the Petrusse Valley (from which many of the remaining fortifications can easily be viewed), giving visitors an insight into life in the former fortress, with commentaries in several languages. The train departs from underneath one of the arches of the Pont Adolphe viaduct. Tickets can be bought from the city tourist office. Most of the city’s historical sites are easily visited on foot and a walk through the Petrusse and Alzette valleys (which are spanned by several bridges) offers excellent views of the ancient fortifications. The city’s main square, the Place d’Armes, has a number of outdoor cafes and restaurants although, after redevelopment, the square has lost some of its ‘French’ charm. In the city centre, the area known as the Grund, near the River Alzette, has many lively cafes and restaurants; it can be reached via a lift going down through the ancient rock (with the entrance located on the square Fëschmaart above). Other attractions in the city centre include the recently renovated Palais Grand Ducal, the official residence of the Grand Duke, where visitors can observe the changing of the guard; the Place Guillaume (also called Knuedler) and its twice-weekly market (Wednesday and Saturday); and, near the Place Guillaume, the 17th century Notre Dame Cathedral. Art lovers will find numerous galleries in the capital. Interesting museums include the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of History and Art and the Museum of the City of Luxembourg (whose architecture interestingly combines the ‘old’ and the ‘new’ and which displays a very detailed and informative account of Luxembourg’s colourful history). The modern district on the plâteau du Kirchberg (reached via the Pont Grand Duchesse Charlotte – the most impressive of the many bridges in the capital) is expanding rapidly. Luxembourg’s main cinema complex, Utopolis, is located here, next to the country’s biggest shopping complex. The myriad of new modern office complexes being built on the plâteau Kirchberg testify to Luxembourg’s reputation as a major international financial centre. The country’s geographical position at the ‘heart of Europe’, its strict banking secrecy laws and fiscal legislation are amongst the reasons why there are some 12,000 holding companies, 1300 investment funds and over 220 banks based in the capital, making Luxembourg the country with the highest banking concentration in Europe. The Kirchberg is also home to numerous European institutions. Proud of its role as a founding member of the EU, Luxembourg sees itself as playing a prominent position in European affairs and there are a number of European Union institutions based in Luxembourg-Ville, including: the Commission of the European Community (including the Statistical Office – EUROSTAT – and the Publications Office); the European Court of Justice; the General Sécrétariat of the European Parliament; the European Investment Bank; the European Court of Auditors; and the Official Publications Office. The sessions of the European Council of Ministers take place in Luxembourg three months a year. Beyond the Capital Luxembourg is an attractive country with a green and picturesque landscape and many historical sites within easy reach of one another. The country is divided into five tourist regions. The central and southern part of the country that surrounds the capital, known as ‘the Good Land’, consists mainly of rolling farmland and woods. To the northeast is the Müllerthal, characterised by sandstone rock formations and forests (website: www.mullerthal.lu), while the northern third of the country is the Ardennes, set in beautiful forested hills and valleys. South of the capital is the Land of the Red Rocks, so named from its ‘red earth’, rich in iron. The southeast frontier is marked by the Moselle Valley, famous for its wines. MÜLLERTHAL: Approximately 30km (19 miles) north of the capital, the Müllerthal region is frequently referred to as Luxembourg’s ‘Little Switzerland’. Hundreds of footpaths through densely wooded forests (many of which have vast expanses of needle trees), crystal-clear brooks and spectacular rock formations combine to make this one of the country’s most popular areas for walking and hiking. Coach tours to the Müllerthal, also known as the Germano-Luxembourg Natural Park, leave daily from the main bus station in Luxembourg-Ville. The main resorts are Larochette and Beaufort, both of which also have castles located on a hilltop offering good views. Another well-known resort in the area is Berdorf. Echternach: Further east, the town of Echternach is particularly well known for its religious dancing procession, which takes place annually on Whit Tuesday and attracts pilgrims from all over the world. The town’s Benedectine Abbey (which was founded in the seventh century by St Willibrord and now also houses a museum) and, in particular, the St Willibrord Basilica (with its crypt as a centrepiece) are well worth visiting. Echternach also has a distinctive 15th-century Town Hall overlooking the market square. ARDENNES: Almost a third of Luxembourg’s total land area consists of forest and it is particularly the north (a region known as the Luxembourg Ardennes referred to locally as Eisléck) which offers the best natural attractions. The scenic beauty and quiet of this region, which consists of forested plâteaux, wooded hills and lush valleys, attracts many nature and outdoor enthusiasts. The towns of Wiltz and Diekirch, where two of the country’s breweries are located, are the gateways into the Luxembourg Ardennes. The small town of Esch-sur-Sûre is a well-known regional resort which is entirely surrounded by the natural moat of the River Sûre (Sauer). A few miles further upstream is the country’s drinking water reservoir, where a barrage dam (the Staudamm) makes a beautiful lake, used extensively for many types of watersports, and located within the Upper Sûre National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty. Vianden: The town of Vianden, crossed by the River Our and located close to the eastern border with Germany, is well-known for its magnificent castle, built between the 11th and 14th centuries and one of Luxembourg’s major tourist attractions. The castle overlooks the town from a 450m (1476ft) elevation that can be reached by the country’s only chairlift. Vianden also has a wild boar sanctuary. Another castle can be visited at Bourscheid nearby. Clervaux: Further north, Clervaux is a medieval market town, sunk into a narrow and tortuous valley, surrounded by rugged hills covered with woods. The town’s main attraction is the 12th-century Clervaux Castle, which now houses the offices of the local government, the reception of the local tourist office (syndicat d’initiative), a small war museum exhibiting weapons and souvenirs from the 1944-1945 Ardennes offensive (the famous ‘Battle of the Bulge’), and the renowned collection of documentary art photography, the Family of Man, by Edward Steichen. RED ROCKS: In the extreme south, a number of industrial towns and largely redundant steelworks testify to Luxembourg’s once booming steel industry. The south’s main city, Esch, is also the country’s second largest. A number of cultural establishments, notably the Kulturfabrëk, testify to the city’s lively cultural life. THE MOSELLE VALLEY: In the southeast, the River Moselle (a tributary to the Rhine) flows through the lush valleys of Luxembourg’s main wine-producing region (referred to as ‘the Moselle’ or d’Musel in Luxembourgish) and forms a 42km (27 mile) border between Luxembourg and Germany. Grevenmacher, from where a bridge crosses the river into Germany, is the main administrative and commercial centre of the region. The small village of Schengen nearby, where the Moselle marks the meeting of three countries (Luxembourg, France and Germany) has become internationally known after the ‘Schengen Agreement’ was signed there in 1995. It has a picturesque castle which was painted by the French writer Victor Hugo while he was in exile in Luxembourg. Many wine cellars in Grevenmacher and in the nearby towns of Wormeldange, Remich and Remerschen offer excellent wine tasting. Boat-cruises on the Moselle are also available. The spa town of Mondorf-les-Bains offers extensive thermal health treatments as well as sports and leisure facilities and a casino. Sport & Activities Hiking: Although small, Luxembourg has an extensive network of marked hiking and walking routes. Sometimes referred to as ‘the green heart of Europe’, almost one third of the country consists of forests. The best areas for walking are in the north where the Müllerthal (also known as Luxembourg’s ‘Little Switzerland’) and the Luxembourg Ardennes (known as Eisléck in the national language) offer spectacular rock formations, densely wooded forests and lush valleys (see also the Resorts & Excursions section). There are 171 official hiking routes (marked by a blue triangle) and 19 national footpaths (sentiers nationaux, marked by a yellow sign). The Youth Hostels footpath (marked by a white triangle) links together the country’s 12 youth hostels. Maps of footpaths (circuits autopédestres) and hiking guides are readily available from bookshops and newsagents. Rock climbing is available near Berdorf in the Müllerthal region. Permission is required and can be obtained by writing to Eaux et Forêts, Diekirch, PO Box 30, L-920, Diekirch. Golf: There are six golf clubs in the country. There are five 18-hole courses: Golf Club Grand Ducal (located in Senningerbierg, close to Luxembourg-Ville); Golf de Clervaux (located just outside the town of Clervaux, north of the capital, offering good views and golf cars for rent); Kikuoka Country Club Chant Val (located at Scheierhaff near the town of Canach); Golf & Country Club Christnach; and the Golf de Luxembourg (located in Junglinster). A 9-hole course is available at the Golf Club Eischen. For all courses, players must be members of an official golf club. Watersports: Near the town of Esch-sur-Sûre, in the heart of the Upper Sûre National Park, the River Sûre was damned up in 1961 to form the Upper Sûre Lake (Staudamm). The lake provides drinking water, supplies and generates electricity and offers a range of watersports. The protected area for drinking water stretches back some 5km (3 miles) from the main dam. Swimming is allowed only in marked areas and the water temperature is usually warm enough from June to September. Sailing and windsurfing are very popular and there are a number of sailing schools as well as companies hiring out boats and windsurfing boards. The best resorts for sailing and windsurfing are Insenborn, Lultzhausen and Liefrange. Further lakes where waterports can be pursued are at Echternach, Remerschen and Weiswampach. Water-skiing is allowed on the River Moselle from mid April to mid October from dawn to dusk in the sections of the river marked SKI. Luxembourg’s many rivers also offer a range of watersports: the rivers Sûre, Moselle and the mountain rivers Clerve, Wiltz and Our are particularly good for kayaking and canoeing. Wine tasting: This is popular in Luxembourg’s main wine-growing region in the southeast, the Moselle (d’Musel), which is named after the River Moselle flowing through it and forming a 42km (27 mile)-border with Germany. The mild, sunny climate of the Moselle is ideal for wine making. White wines such as Riesland, Rivaner and Elbling are the most popular. Top-quality wines are labelled Grand Premier Cru. Wine cellars are happy to receive visitors. For further information, contact the Luxembourg National Tourist Board (see Contact Addresses section). Fishing: This is possible only in designated parts of lakes and rivers throughout the country. Trout is a popular catch. Many country hotels have their own fishing grounds which are open to guests, and where the chef will be pleased to cook the day’s catch. Fishing licences are required and issued by the District Commissioners of Luxembourg, Diekirch and Grevenmacher, as well as by different communal administrations. Cycling: There are over 30 marked cycling routes and it is possible to cycle from the south to the north on car-free routes. Contact the Luxembourg National Tourist Office for details (see Contact Addresses section). Social Profile Food & Drink: Luxembourg cooking combines German heartiness with Franco-Belgian finesse. Local dishes include carré de porc fumé (smoked pork and broad beans or sauerkraut), cochon de lait en gelée (jellied suckling pig), and jambon d’Ardennes (famous smoked Ardennes ham). The preparation of trout, pike and crayfish is excellent, as are the pastries and cakes. Tarte aux quetsches is recommended. Delicious desserts are prepared with local liqueurs and some restaurants will make omelette soufflée au kirsch. A dash of quetsch, mirabelle or kirsch will be added to babas or fruit cups. Most aspects of restaurants and bars are similar to the rest of Europe. Luxembourg’s white Moselle wines resemble those of the Rhine, but are drier than the fruitier wines of the French Moselle. Beer is another speciality and is a traditional industry. Best-known brands are Mousel, Bofferding, Diekirch and Simon. There are also many local liqueurs and strong spirits such as Eau de vie (45-50 per cent alcohol). The minimum age for drinking in bars is 17, and anyone younger than 17 must be accompanied by an adult in cafes and bars. Hours are generally from 0700-2400 (weekdays) and until 0300 (weekends and public holidays). Nightclubs are generally open until 0300. Nightlife: Visitors to Luxembourg can enjoy a variety of evening entertainment from theatre performances, classical music concerts, opera and ballet, to nightclubs, cinemas and discos. For more information, contact the Luxembourg City Tourist Office (see Contact Addresses section). Shopping: Special purchases include beautiful porcelain and crystal. Villeroy & Boch’s crystal factories in Septfontaines are open to visitors. A regional speciality is earthenware pottery from Nospelt, where in August there is a fortnight’s exhibition of local work. Shopping hours: Mon 1400-1800, Tues-Sat 0830-1800. Special Events: For a list of associated events throughout the year, contact the National Tourist Office (see Contact Addresses). The following is a selection of major traditional events celebrated in 2003: Jun 9 Annual Broom Flower Festival, Wiltz. Jun 10 Dancing Procession (pilgrimage in honour of St Willibrod), Echternach. Jun 22 National Day Celebrations (torchlight parade and fireworks in Luxembourg City and other celebrations on the eve of National Day), throughout the country. Aug/Sep Schueberfouer (one of the largest funfairs in Europe), Luxembourg City. Sep 13-14 Wine and Grape Festival, Grevenmacher. Oct 12 Nutmarket, Vianden. Dec Christmas Market, Luxembourg City. Social Conventions: Handshaking is the normal greeting. The code of practice for visiting someone’s home is similar to other Western European countries: it is acceptable to give gifts or flowers if invited for a meal. Smart-casual dress is widely acceptable, but some dining rooms, clubs and social functions will demand formal attire. Evening wear, black tie (for men) is usually specified on invitation if required. Smoking is prohibited where notified and is becoming increasingly unacceptable. Tipping: Bills generally include service, but a rounding up is often given. Taxi drivers expect ten per cent of meter charge. Business Profile Economy: Luxembourg is one of the most prosperous countries in Western Europe. Two very different industries – banking and steel – have historically been the mainstays of the economy. The steel industry has ceased to be dominant as other industries, notably chemicals, rubber, plastics, metal products and light manufacturing (textiles, paper, electronic equipment) have prospered. The banking and finance sector is also in a healthy condition as companies have been attracted to Luxembourg by favourable banking secrecy laws and low taxation. There is also a small but healthy agricultural sector mainly producing crops. During 2001 and 2002, the economy has been growing at around five per cent annually – twice the average EU rate, with higher price inflation to match; unemployment remains low. The Luxembourgeois economy has long been linked with that of Belgium, initially through the 1921 economic union, supplemented by a further treaty in 1958 and latterly, by mutual membership of the EU. Luxembourg was an inaugural member of the Euro at the beginning of 1999. Belgium is the largest single trading partner, followed by The Netherlands and France. Business: Businesspeople are expected to wear suits. It is advisable to make prior appointments and business cards are often used. Avoid business visits during Christmas and New Year, Easter week and July and August. Office hours: Generally Mon-Fri 0830-1200 and 1400-1800. Commercial Information: The following organisations can offer advice: Belgium/Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, Riverside House, 27/29 Vauxhall Grove, London SW8 1SY (tel: (020) 7793 1623 (general) or (020) 7820 7839 (members only); fax: (020) 7793 1628; e-mail: info@blcc.co.uk; website: www.blcc.co.uk); or Chamber of Commerce, 31 boulevard Konrad Adenauer, L-2981 Luxembourg-Kirchberg (tel: 423 9391; fax: 438 326; e-mail: chamcom@cc.lu; website: www.cc.lu). Conferences/Conventions: The location of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg at the heart of the EU ensures its status as one of the most popular destinations for conferences and conventions in Western Europe. For further information, contact Luxembourg-Congrès, Hémicycle Européen, 1 rue de Fort Thüngen, L-1499 Luxembourg-Ville (tel: 4302 57750-3; fax: 4302 57575; e-mail: info@luxcongress.lu; website: www.luxcongress.lu). Climate Warm weather from May to September and snow likely during winter months. The north (the Ardennes region) tends to be wetter and colder than the south. Required clothing: Waterproofs are advisable at all times of the year. History and Government History: Luxembourg has historically experienced commercial prosperity as well as regular military incursions and occupations. Having survived the jurisdiction of the old Holy Roman Empire – three rulers of which in the 14th and 15th centuries were from the House of Luxembourg – Luxembourg owes its continued existence to a mixture of good fortune and good diplomacy, which have prevented it from being permanently absorbed into the territories of its larger neighbours. By the time that Luxembourg’s independence was finally confirmed in 1867, however, the Grand Duchy was left with such a tiny territory that its people had to look across its borders for economic survival. This has resulted in a cosmopolitan attitude, which has survived to the present day and is exemplified not only by the fact that the country has the highest percentage of foreigners of any EU country, but also by the trilingual ability of its people. Luxembourg was a founder member of the European Community (having formed close economic ties with the Netherlands and Belgium) and was host to the European Parliament until its move to a permanent site in Brussels in 1989. Luxembourg is in the mainstream on the current EU issues of monetary union, social policy and immigration and adopted the Euro upon its inception. Domestic politics are typical of Western European nations, with Christian Democrat and Socialist parties and a centrist Parti Démocratique (PD) represented in the National Assembly. More recently, these have been joined by environmentalists and the right-wing Action Committee for Democracy and Pensions Justice (ADR). The present centre-right government, elected in 1999, is a coalition of the Christian Social People’s party and the PD under the leadership of Jean-Claude Juncker who has held office since 1994. Government: The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is a hereditary and constitutional monarchy. The 60-member unicameral Chamber of Deputies has legislative power, and members are directly elected to serve a five-year term. Executive power is formally in the hands of the Grand Duke, but is in practice wielded by the Council of Ministers. Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.