Luxembourg — Schengen Travel Guide
One of Europe’s smallest nations with free public transport, dramatic gorges, and world-class dining
Luxembourg is a founding Schengen member
The Schengen Agreement was actually signed in Luxembourg in 1985, in the village of Schengen. The country has been a member since the very beginning. Standard 90/180 day rules apply.
Overview
Luxembourg may be one of the smallest countries in Europe at just 2,586 square kilometres, but it punches well above its weight. This Grand Duchy is the world’s only remaining sovereign grand duchy, home to major EU institutions, a thriving financial sector, and a remarkably multicultural population where nearly half the residents are foreign nationals.
The country’s connection to the Schengen Area is particularly fitting — the Schengen Agreement itself was signed on the pleasure boat MS Princesse Marie-Astrid on the Moselle river at the point where Luxembourg, France, and Germany meet. The village of Schengen, in southern Luxembourg, gave the border-free zone its name.
For UK BRP holders, Luxembourg offers a unique combination of compact size and rich cultural depth. You can explore the entire country in a few days, enjoying UNESCO-listed fortifications, the stunning Mullerthal region known as “Luxembourg’s Little Switzerland,” vineyards along the Moselle Valley, and the medieval castle town of Vianden. And since 2020, all public transport in the country is completely free.
Entry Requirements for UK BRP / eVisa Holders
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa requirement | Schengen visa or visa-free if nationality allows |
| Maximum stay | 90 days within 180-day period (shared Schengen) |
| Passport validity | At least 3 months beyond planned departure |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Travel insurance | Required for Schengen visa applicants (€30,000 minimum) |
| Founding Schengen member | Yes — since 1985 |
Top Destinations in Luxembourg
Luxembourg City
The capital is built on dramatic gorges and ravines, with the old quarters and fortifications designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Bock Casemates, a network of underground tunnels carved into rock, stretch for 17 kilometres beneath the city. The Grund neighbourhood, nestled in the Alzette valley below, features cobblestone streets lined with restaurants and bars. The modern Kirchberg plateau houses EU institutions including the European Court of Justice and the European Investment Bank, alongside the striking MUDAM contemporary art museum designed by I.M. Pei.
Moselle Valley
The Moselle river forms Luxembourg’s eastern border with Germany, and its sun-drenched slopes produce excellent Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Crémant sparkling wine. Wine-tasting tours along the Route du Vin take you through charming villages like Remich, Wormeldange, and Ehnen. The town of Schengen itself sits at the southern tip of the Moselle wine route, where you can visit the European Museum and see the original Schengen Agreement monument.
Mullerthal — Little Switzerland
Eastern Luxembourg’s Mullerthal region features dramatic sandstone rock formations, dense forests, and cascading streams. The Mullerthal Trail, a 112-kilometre hiking network split into three routes, winds through narrow gorges, past towering rock walls, and through moss-covered woodland. It is consistently rated among Europe’s best hiking trails. The town of Echternach, Luxembourg’s oldest, sits at the trail’s edge and features a stunning Benedictine abbey.
Vianden Castle
Perched above the Our river, Vianden Castle is one of the finest feudal residences from the Romanesque and Gothic periods in Europe. The castle dates to the 10th century and has been extensively restored. A chairlift carries visitors to a hilltop viewpoint overlooking the castle and the valley below. The town of Vianden itself is delightfully picturesque, with the small Victor Hugo museum housed in the building where the author lived during exile.
Practical Travel Information
- Getting there — Direct flights from London City and Stansted to Luxembourg (Findel) Airport. Flight time approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. Also reachable by Eurostar to Brussels then train (3 hours total).
- Public transport — Completely free since March 2020. Buses, trams, and second-class trains all cost nothing. First-class train tickets are the only exception.
- Languages — Luxembourgish, French, and German are all official. English is widely spoken in the capital.
- Accommodation — Hotels average 120 to 200 EUR per night in the capital. Budget options and B&Bs in the countryside run 70 to 100 EUR.
- Food costs — Restaurant meals range from 15 to 35 EUR. Try Judd mat Gaardebounen (smoked pork collar with broad beans) and Gromperekichelcher (potato fritters).
- Safety — Luxembourg is one of the safest countries in Europe. Virtually no safety concerns for tourists.
- Time zone — CET (UTC+1). One hour ahead of the UK.
- Combine with — Easily combined with Belgium, France, or Germany. The Moselle Valley borders Germany, and France is minutes away by car or bus.
Free Public Transport
Luxembourg became the first country in the world to make all public transport free in March 2020. This includes buses (both urban and intercity), the modern tram system in Luxembourg City, and all second-class train services operated by CFL (Chemins de Fer Luxembourgeois). No tickets or cards are needed — simply board and travel. This makes exploring the country remarkably affordable despite its high costs elsewhere.
The free transport network covers the entire country, meaning you can travel from Luxembourg City to Vianden, Echternach, or the Moselle Valley without spending a cent on transport. The bus network is comprehensive and reliable, connecting even small villages.
For the full Schengen application process, see our Schengen Visa Guide for BRP Holders. Explore nearby Schengen countries including our guides for other member states.
Frequently Asked Questions
Last updated: March 2026. Always verify entry requirements with the relevant embassy or official government website before booking travel.