Luxembourg and Germany divided by the Moselle

Trip Start Aug 19, 2010

Trip End Jul 21, 2011

Loading Map

Map your own trip!

Map Options

Show trip route

Hide lines

Flag of Luxembourg Remich, Grevenmacher, Luxembourg
Saturday, March 26, 2011

This past weekend I visited the countries of Luxembourg and Germany. My first stop was the town of Remich which stands on the banks of the Moselle river dividing Luxembourg and Germany. With a population of almost 3000, is one of the 12 county towns of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and a center of commerce, navigation and wine growing. This picturesque place is adorned by beautiful swans swimming elegantly along the river and buildings showcasing diverse architectural styles such as baroque, neo-gothic and art nouveau. It is the perfect place for a relaxing stroll along the promenade, a boat trip on the river or simply people watching from one of the cafes in the main plaza (place Dr Fernand Kons). Don't miss the fabulous "La friture de la Moselle" a typical dish that constitutes of fried fish; small fish are served on a plate with lime and a side order of French fries. You must eat the whole fish including the head, which to me was the tastiest part. –Ate this dish at the “La Croisette” restaurant right on “quai de la Moselle”

Remich, Luxembourg

.

After Remich drove 42 kilometers Northeast to the German town of Trier. At my arrival in Trier, a protest awaited me right in front of the town’s landmark “Porta Nigra”. Anti-fascist groups ran on the street holding flags and screaming their protests. I have no idea what they were saying as I don’t speak German but I can tell you the policemen were wearing “serious” outfits and holding powerful armament, not joking around! Anyway after this experience I walked through the Porta Nigra (the worldwide best preserved roman city gate, 2nd century A.D.), towards the town main plaza with its market and St. Peter’s fountain, there you can also visit St. Gangolf church and the city council’s banqueting house “Steipe”. Down the main plaza St. Peter Cathedral stands, a UNESCO’s heritage site and the oldest bishop’s church in Germany. In the same plaza you can visit the Bishop’s Museum, and the Roman Imperial Throne Room.

Other attractions in town are: the Roman Archeological Museum, Imperial Baths, the Amphitheater, Franco’s Tower, Karl Marx House, Moselle Embankment, Roman Bridge, St. Matthias and St. Paulin.

My next destination was the beautiful town of Vianden in Luxembourg

Trier, Germany

. Arriving in Vianden at night allowed for a magnificent view of the Vianden castle illuminated. I walked around the town and spent the night at the “Victor Hugo” hotel where great accommodations, a wellness center with sauna and infra-red room (thank you God for the heat!), and complete breakfast were included in the price.

During the day on my walk up the hill towards the beautifully restored Vianden castle (10-15 minute walk) discovered that Vianden is one of the landmarks of the “Walking Trails of St. James” (Santiago de Compostela), an ancient pilgrimage trail dated over 1000 years from all over Europe ending in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Pilgrims today walk the trails for many reasons, religious, spiritual or personal.

The Vianden castle has been the site of many Hollywood movies as well as visits by American presidents, Japanese emperors and various distinguished guests. Besides the castle you can enjoy a relaxing walk around the village, a visit to the Museum of Caricature and Cartoon, or Victor Hugo’s house. The town is charming and worth visiting; I had a delicious lunch at “La Joya” restaurant along the “Grand Rue” on the “Our River”.

Trier, Germany, Main Plaza

-If driving to Vianden take road N7 north past Diekirch, if you are coming from Belgium, take the highway to Namur and then N4 via Bastogne. If you are traveling by public transportation, take a train from Luxembourg city to Etterbruck (about 45 min). Then for less than 2 Euros take a bus from Etterbruck to Vianden (about 30 min).

My last destination was the sophisticated city of Luxembourg where new and old merge beautifully. High on a promontory, it offers spectacular views of deep valleys and gorges. Adorning the city are elegant buildings such as Grand Ducal Palace and City Hall, and Important historic monuments including the obelisque “Souvenir” with the golden woman (Gelle Fra) and the Willem II (Grand Duke of Luxembourg).

Wonder around the city’s streets and sit at a caf� or restaurant to enjoy the ambience. If you are in the mood for chocolate don’t miss the hot chocolate at “Chocolate House”, on 20 Rue du Marche aux Herbes, right next to Grand Ducal Palace; outstanding!

Slideshow