This Muslim Friendly Travel Guide is part of eHalal.io Travel Group

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg (Luxembourgish: Groussherzogtum Lëtzebuerg, French: Grand-Duché de Luxembourg, German: Großherzogtum Luxemburg), is a landlocked Benelux country bordered by Belgium, France and Germany at the crossroads of Germanic and Latin cultures. It is the only Grand Duchy in the world and is the second-smallest of the European Union member states by area. A founding member of the European Community of Coal and Steel, Luxembourg has produced a number of prominent EU level politicians.

With successful steel, finance and high technology industries, a strategic location at the heart of Western Europe, more natural beauty than you might expect given its size, and as one of the top three richest countries in the world, Luxembourg enjoys a very high standard of living and has prices to match!

An Introduction to the regions of Luxembourg

Luxembourg can be divided in the following five regions, each with their own characteristics. {{Regionlist

| regionmap=Luxembourg Wikivoyage Map 2017.png | regiontext= | regionmapsize=400px

| region1name=Guttland / Central Luxembourg | region1color=#d5dc76 | region1items=Luxembourg and Mersch | region1description=The formal side of Luxembourg, Luxembourg city is the main attraction, Colmar-Berg a secondary. Central Luxembourg is the formal side of the country.

| region2name=Land of the Red Rocks | region2color=#d56d76 | region2items=Differdange, Dudelange and Esch-sur-Alzette | region2description=Industrial region with museums and other attractions focussing around this. The region is still used for mining, though to a lesser extent. Many of the former railroads servicing the mines have been turned into heritage railroads.

| region3name=Luxembourgian Ardennes | region3color=#b5d29f | region3items=Diekirch, Ettelbruck and Vianden | region3description=Forested area with a common history in both world wars (Battle of the Bulge). Many historical- and war museums throughout the region. The region's terrain is fit for hikes and off-road cycling.

| region4name=Moselle District | region4color=#4f93c0 | region4items=Grevenmacher, Mondorf-les-Bains and Schengen | region4description=The wine region of Luxembourg, most cities are located along the Moselle river, leaving them at arms length from Germany.

| region5name=Mullerthal | region5color=#71b37b | region5items=Beaufort, Consdorf and Echternach | region5description=As are the Ardennes, the region is filled with forested and slanted terrain, inviting visitors to hikes or off-road cycling. The region is often referred to as Luxembourg's Little Switzerland due to the similarities in terrain.

Other Muslim friendly Cities in Luxembourg

• Luxembourg Capital of the Grand Duchy, divided by two deep river valleys

• Clervaux Small castle town home to the Family of Man photo exposition

• Diekirch Town known for its World War II history

• Echternach Small town known for the basilica containing the crypt of Saint Willibrord

• Ettelbruck Transport hub for northern Luxembourg

• Esch-sur-Alzette Former mining town now home to the country's university, Luxembourg's second city

• Mondorf-les-Bains Spa town located on the Luxembourg-France border

• Vianden Quaint small town presided over by a rather splendid château

Other Muslim Friendly Destinations in Luxembourg

• Esch-sur-Sûre A very small town built around a hilltop castle. Not far downstream the Lac de la Haute Sûre is found.
• Schengen The namesake village of the Schengen treaty, located on the border with France and Germany.

Luxembourg Halal Explorer

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How is the Climate in Luxembourg

Luxembourg enjoys a temperate oceanic climate, with the hills of the Ardennes providing some extra protection against the influences of the Atlantic. The best, or at least the sunniest time to go is May to August, although with a bit of luck you'll enjoy mild weather in April and September too. The warm months of July-August are high-season in the country, with outdoor festivals all around, but Spring comes with many flowers.

Despite the small size of the country, there are measurable differences in overall temperature, with the north being generally a few degrees colder and receiving serious packs of snow in winter. Although comparatively mild for this part of Europe, winters are on the cold side for travels, with average temperatures around +2°C in January and occasional low points of -15°C at night. July and August are the warmest months, with average temperatures between 15°C and 25°C, and usually a few days over 30°C. Annual precipitation is around 780mm, with highs in August and December.

Terrain

Mostly gently rolling uplands with broad, shallow valleys; uplands to slightly mountainous in the north; steep slope down to Moselle flood plain in the south.

Public Holidays in Luxembourg

• National holiday: National Day falls on 23 June. (Birthday of Grand Duchess Charlotte moved by 6 months to coincide with the warmer weather)

Travel as a Muslim to Luxembourg

Border formalities

• Non-EU Muslims who are visa-exempt (e.g. New Zealanders and Australians) must present a passport which is valid for at least 3 months on the day they enter Luxembourg.
• Non-EU nationals who are required to have a visa (e.g. South Africans) must have a passport which has at least 3 months' validity beyond their period of stay in Luxembourg in order for a Schengen visa to be granted.

Luxembourg is a member of the Schengen Agreement.

• There are normally no border controls between countries that have signed and implemented the treaty. This includes most of the European Union and a few other countries.
• There are usually identity checks before boarding international flights or boats. Sometimes there are temporary border controls at land borders.
• Likewise, a visa granted for any Schengen member is valid in all other countries that have signed and implemented the treaty.
• Illegal migration has become the norm throughout the European Union due to countries such as Germany that has ignored the Dublin agreement.

Muslims of the above countries/territories - except for Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Mauritius, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Seychelles - are permitted to work in Luxembourg without having to obtain any authorisation during the period of the 90 day visa-free stay. However, this visa exemption does not necessarily extend to other Schengen countries.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Luxembourg

• Luxembourg Findel Airport IATA Code: LUX - This airport is connected by Luxair, the national airline, and other carriers to many European destinations. Visitors from airports not directly served can connect to Luxembourg at the hubs in Amsterdam Schiphol (served by KLM), Paris Charles de Gaulle (served by Luxair), Frankfurt Airport (served by Lufthansa), and London Heathrow (served by British Airways). Note that international flights to Luxembourg with a change in a hub airport are often not much more expensive or even cheaper than flights to the hub itself.

• Frankfurt-Hahn (IATA Code: HHN), located in the German countryside about halfway between Frankfurt and Luxembourg, is about two hours away by direct Flibco bus. This airport is mainly served by low-cost carriers such as Ryanair.
• Brussels-South Charleroi (IATA Code: CRL), located in Charleroi (about 50 km south of Brussels) is about three hours away by direct Flibco bus. This airport is also mainly served by low-cost carriers.
• Frankfurt Airport (IATA Code: FRA) is a bit further afield. The DeLux-Express and Flibco bus services connect the airport with Luxembourg city.

Muslim Friendly Rail Holidays in Luxembourg

• Luxembourg train station - This station opened 1859 can be reached directly from Paris (2 hours), Metz (1 hour), Brussels (3 hours) and Trier (43 min). Both international and national timetables can be found on the website of the national railways company CFL. Trains to Metz, Brussels, Trier, and other local destinations have neither advance discounts nor the possibility of reserving seats, so there is no advantage of booking these trains in advance. When traveling from Trier it is advisable to buy a Tages Ticket DeLux], a day-ticket which costs €8.40 and is valid for a return trip to Luxembourg and free use of buses and trains within both Luxembourg and the Trier area.
  CFL operate a minibus shuttle between Luxembourg train station and TGV Lorraine where passengers can catch TGV connections to Charles de Gaulle Airport, Disneyland Paris, Rennes, Bordeaux and other destinations, and a bus shuttle to Saarbrücken, where passengers can connect to the German ICE network.

By car

Motorways from Metz (A3), Brussels (A6) and Trier (A1) connect to the ring-road around Luxembourg City, from which most other parts of the country can be reached.

If you want to enjoy a nice view on your way to the city, "Grund" and Kasematten, leave the motorway coming from the East (Germany) at exit "Cents". Enter Cents and drive down the hill. Don't let yourself be stopped by signs that the route is blocked via "Grund".

Travel on a Bus in Luxembourg

Luxembourg is served by a number of long-distance intercity buses. These include Ouibus, Flixbus, Eurolines, Regiojet and Flibco. In general, these buses are less convenient than trains: they offer less comfort and do not run frequent (often only once per day). However, sometimes they turn out cheaper than trains.

In addition, there are commuter buses to nearby places such as Trier and Bitburg in Germany and Bastogne in Belgium.

How to get around in Luxembourg

Luxembourg is a compact country, making it easy to reach nearly any town in the country in an hour or less by public transport. The Mobilitéit agency coordinates the country's trains and buses; their website and mobile app are both very useful for planning journeys throughout Luxembourg.

Tickets are valid on both trains and buses, and can be purchased at train stations, a limited number of vending machines, and in the bus from the driver. The rates are a flat €2 for two hours (unlimited transfers) or €4 for the entire day.

Travel in Luxembourg by train

The Chemins de Fer Luxembourgeois (CFL) train network is generally a good way to move across the country. Luxembourg city is the main railway hub, from where lines radiate out in all directions. While the south is reasonably well covered, the north is limited to one main line which runs from Luxembourg City to Liège in Belgium via Mersch, Ettelbruck, Clervaux and Troisvierges. Diekirch has a branch line from Ettelbruck, and Wiltz from Kautenbach. To the south, you can reach Bettembourg and Esch-sur-Alzette. To the east, there is a line to Trier in Germany, which crosses over the Moselle River at Wasserbillig.

Trains in Luxembourg are comfortable and modern, and generally run perfectly on-time.

Travel on a Bus in Luxembourg

The country is served by countless bus services, reaching every little village in the country. Most services run at least every hour throughout the week, with higher frequencies during weekdays and reduced operation on Saturdays and Sundays.

Buses numbered 1-31 serve the City of Luxembourg, with the most useful when arriving in the country being line 16 (Airport - Kirchberg - City Centre - Train Station - Howald) and 29 (Airport - City Centre - Train Station - Howald). Almost all city buses stop at the central bus station, Hamilius, and the train station (Luxembourg Gare) in their routes at some point, resulting in very high-frequent connections between these places (once every 1 or 2 minutes).

The bus service out of town is also extensive and reliable. Buses numbered 100 upwards will take you out of the city. For destinations in the north of the country, one usually first needs to take a train to Mersch, Ettelbruck, Wiltz, or Clervaux, and change there to a bus to the final destination. Other destinations usually have a direct bus from the capital.

Buses are modern and clean, and you can board at any door if you already have a ticket (except for TICE buses which run Esch-sur-Alzette, where you must enter at the driver). Screens and announcements on-board advise of the next stop on most bus services. It is important to hail the bus you wish to catch by raising your hand towards the road as it arrives.

By car

Luxembourg's road infrastructure is well-developed. Anywhere that happens to lie along the major motorways is easily accessible via these (including Grevenmacher in the east, Mamer to the west, Bettembourg to the south and Mersch and Ettelbruck in the north). Esch-sur-Alzette, the country's second city (more like a small town by international standards) also has its own motorway link.

Unless otherwise indicated, speed limits are 50 km/h in towns and villages, 90 km/h outside built-up areas, and 130 km/h on the motorway (110 km/h in the rain). Mind the yellow town/villagge shields which indicate when you enter or leave a town or village. Speed limits are raised by signs to 110 km/h in some places on the N7 and N11, and lowered to 70 km/h on some open country roads. Within towns and villages, speed limits can be raised to 70 km/h on main roads, or lowered to 30km/h in residential areas. Speed limits are enforced by random police checks as well as fixed speed cams. Be aware that if you have a right-hand-drive car then you are very likely to be singled out for a customs check on the way in. Police are also very keen on stopping drivers for having the 'wrong' lights on in town, i.e. side lights instead of dipped headlights.

Driving in Luxembourg is nowhere as testing as in some other European countries. The locals are generally polite. When entering the highways from side roads into the slower traffic lane, the other drivers will allow you to join the traffic line, but traffic indicators are essential. As with other highways in Europe always keep in the slow traffic lane, keeping the fast lane for overtaking. Some drivers travel at high speeds and will flash their headlights to indicate that they are in a hurry, even if you are sitting on the speed limit. Most of the time trucks keep in the slow lane at their regulated speed for large vehicles. They can be a little annoying when overtaking other trucks. The truck drivers seem to keep a watch out for other vehicles. Cars towing caravans can be a bit of a menace at times but staying alert will ensure there are no problems. The closing speeds of vehicles need to be watched if overtaking, as some drivers travel well in excess of the speed limits. Normal day to day driving in Luxembourg is a delight but traffic does slow down in peak times.

Finding parking in Luxembourg city centre on weekends can be difficult. Most spaces are quickly taken and some parking garages close early. The best option is to find somewhere near the station and then walk around the city centre.

Parking is paid within the entire city (including all residential districts). Traffic wardens are numerous and vigilant.

By bike

The streets and landscape in Luxembourg make for good cycling territory; highly recommended.

What to see in Luxembourg

You may not expect it from one of the smallest countries in Europe, but The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is a diverse land, full of beautiful nature and gorgeous historic monuments. Its turbulent history is filled with stories of emperors and counts as well as many battles and disputes. Today, the almost fairy-tale like castles and fortresses are a faint but impressive reminder of those days, and amidst their lovely natural setting, they make some superb and picturesque sights.

Most of the country's population lives in rural areas and apart from the delightful historic City of Luxembourg, the country's capital, settlements are mostly small. That said, the capital is a place not to be missed. It has a splendid location high on a cliff, overlooking the deep and narrow valleys of both the Alzette and Pétrusse rivers. Several parts of the old town are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the most interesting places include the Gothic Cathedral of Notre Dame, the town fortifications, and of course the Grand Ducal Palace, which is surrounded by charming cobblestoned lanes. However, there's far more to see, such as the Bock casemates, Neumünster Abbey and the Place d'Armes. There are several World War II memorial sites and a number of high-end museums, but just wandering through the old centre, taking in the beautiful views from the Chemin de la Corniche and crossing bridges to the nearest plateaus is at least as great a way to discover the city.

The lively town of Echternach is the oldest city in Luxembourg. It boasts the country's most prominent religious structure, the basilica of the Abbey of Echternach where the country's patron St Willibrord is buried. The annual Whit Tuesday celebrations in his honour involve lots of dancers in the old town centre and are a popular tourist attraction. Apart from its own sights, Echternach makes a great base to explore the beautiful Müllerthal, better known as "Little Switzerland". Hike or bike through its dense forests with myriad streams and even some caves.

The romantic village of Vianden with its stunning medieval castle is a tourists' favourite and well worth a visit even despite the crowds in summer. The beautiful location of the fortress in the Our river valley, surrounded by tight forests and a lake with swans, gives it a typical fairy-tale castle look and feel. If you're done wandering the streets and exploring the Gothic churches and fortified towers of this charming town, visit the Victor Hugo house. Afterwards, the pleasant cafés of the Grand Rue are a perfect place to kick back and enjoy.

Head to Remich to start your own trip down the Route du Vin and discover the many fine wines that are produced here, in the Moselle Valley.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Luxembourg

Luxembourg has many excellent well-marked outdoor trails.

Discover the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg (Luxembourg-city, Remich, Schengen, Rumelange) by Segway

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Luxembourg

Money Matters & ATM's in Luxembourg

Luxembourg uses the euro, like several other European countries. One euro is divided into 100 cents. The official symbol for the euro is €, and its ISO code is EUR. There is no official symbol for the cent.

All banknotes and coins of this common currency are legal tender within all the countries, except that low-denomination coins (one and two cent) are phased out in some of them. The banknotes look the same across countries, while coins have a standard common design on one side and a national country-specific design on the other. The latter side is also used for different designs of commemorative coins. The design on the national side does not affect the use of the coin.

If you know any coin collectors, take a few local coins as keepsakes, since Luxembourg coins are among the rarest of the euros — even in Luxembourg, most of your change will be in other countries' coins!

The general price level in Luxembourg is noticeably higher than in France and Germany, especially in central Luxembourg. Even affordable hotels tend to cost over €100 a night and you won't get much change from €20 after a modest dinner and a drink. To save some money, basing yourself in Trier (or other cities across the border) and daytripping to Luxembourg might be an option.

On the upside, cigarettes, and petrol are comparatively cheap, making the small state a popular destination for long-haul drivers.

Islam in Luxembourg

Total population: 510,000

Total Muslim population (2022): 29,000

The Parliament in Luxembourg in 2015, after a 17- year campaign waged by Islamic organizations, approved the amendment of the constitution, which allowed state institutions to officially recognize Islam.

The Muslim community in Luxembourg is one of the religious groups that receive financial support from the state, as the agreement stipulates the allocation of 450,000 euros annually from the state budget for the work requirements of the Muslim community.

The new law also provides an opportunity for the Muslim community to establish endowment institutions whose importance exceeds financial support.

The results of the investigation by the Islamophobia Observatory, a non- profit organization established in 2016 to promote intercultural dialogue in Luxembourg, revealed that Islamophobia exists in Luxembourg.

It also revealed that the Muslim population feels significantly integrated in the country, indicating that the sense of integration in Luxembourg is stronger than in neighboring countries.

Muslim Friendly Hotels in Luxembourg

Due to the heavy banking and EU presence in the city, hotels in central Luxembourg are quite expensive, although there is a good youth hostel (see Luxembourg (city)#Sleep). It may be more cost-effective to stay across the border in e.g. Trier and "commute" into Luxembourg.

The Association of Independent Hotels in Luxembourg operates a booking service at for a number of smaller hotels, mostly in the countryside, but a few in the city.

How to work legally in Luxembourg

Luxembourg is a major player in the financial service sector. Many thousands of people commute from neighbouring Belgium, France (Les frontaliers) and Germany (Die Grenzgänger) on weekdays, considerably swelling the population of the capital city. The majority work in the numerous financial institutions based in and around the capital (particularly in the Kirchberg district) and are drawn across the borders by the excellent salaries on offer. Luxembourg City has a very international flavour as in addition to les frontaliers, it attracts young professionals from all over the globe. In this area, business is done predominantly in English, French or German and it is necessary to be fluent in one of these at a minimum, although many jobs will demand proficiency in at least two.

Stay safe as a Muslim in Luxembourg

In many surveys, Luxembourg has been named "safest country in the world"; if you follow usual precautions, you should be fine. The area around the city centre's railway station is a little dubious; you will encounter people panhandling. There are also some dubious nightclubs in this area that visitors should stay clear of.

Medical Issues in Luxembourg

The food and tap water supply in Luxembourg is perfectly fine and the country's healthcare system is first class. The climate is average even though the summers can get hot. However these temperatures rarely rise much above 30°C.

Local Customs in Luxembourg

Try to show respect for the local language and make some effort to say a word or two of it even if just the standard greeting "Moien". Avoid calling "Luxembourgish" a dialect of German or think that the country itself is merely an extension of France or Germany. The locals, especially those in the small towns and villages, are very friendly; saying "Hello" to them in any language will be returned with a smile.

Telecommunications in Luxembourg

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