15 day trips from Luxembourg to Germany

The world is slowly coming out of the COVID-19 lockdown. Tourist destinations are cautiously opening up. People are gradually stepping out of their houses to enter a new world, a world of new normals. In these times, I still strongly feel the urge to travel but at the same time am conscious about the rising risk of infection from the virus. Thus I have fallen back on a relatively ‘low touch’ mechanism to travel – day trips. Are you ready for the 15 ultimate day trips from Luxembourg?

In this post I will pick the 15 best day trips from Luxembourg to Germany. Of course Luxembourg, because this is where I stay, but you can pick the list based on where you live, most probably somewhere in Germany.

So why waste time? Let us begin.

PS: I have ordered the places based on its distance from Luxembourg, in ascending order with the nearest being the top of the list.

1. Trier (45 kms)

You are not Luxembourgish enough if you haven’t visited Trier already. Well I am joking here but then may be not quite! Trier is the undisputed #1 day trip destination from Luxembourg. It has a lively city centre and some of the best preserved Roman ruins in Europe outside Rome. You can revere in the history of Porta Nigra and the Roman Amphitheater and read up all about Marxism because it also happens to be the birth place of Karl Marx.

Karl Marx statue in Trier — Trier Porta Nigra

2. Bitburg Reservoir (65 kms)

There is abundance of lake side beaches in Luxembourg especially in the north of the country. But if you want to try something cross country and some place a little quieter, try out this lake in Bitburg. It is also open for group bookings and has a restaurant that can be booked for office or personal get-togethers.

3. Cochem (118 kms)

Cochem is a definite jewel in the crown along the Rhine. The castle sitting atop acres of vineyard, a lovely little town centre and plenty of places to relax by the Rhine, this is one of the perfect destination for day trips from Luxembourg. If you have some time you could also get into one of the Rhine cruise boats for a few hours to soak in the beauty of the Rhine valley.

4. Zweibrucken Shopping Outlet (140 kms)

Some times you just need to shop a little and most importantly without burning a hole in the pocket. I discovered this shopping outlet by chance and since then this has been one of my favourite places to shop in for high end brands. Believe me there is plenty there to keep you busy an entire day. Do check out their schedule online as they are open on certain Sundays as well.

5. Geierlay Suspension bridge (154 kms)

I had never heard of this place until a few weeks back. But make no mistake. This is definitely an extremely favorite destination for many Germans, quite evident from the long queues at the parking lots and a 2 hour long queue to get on the Bridge. Not the perfect place if you want to avoid the crowds. But if you can beat the crowds to it by arriving really early or going there on a weekday then you will drool over those Instagram-worthy views and shots. Couldn’t be a better day trips destination from Luxembourg can it?

Near Geierlay suspension bridge — The Geierlay suspension bridge

6. Burg Eltz (146 kms)

This by far is the dreamiest castle I have seen in Germany. For me it is even better than Neuschwanstein. Go there early in the morning to avoid a crowd of Instagrammers trying to get that perfect shot. Go there during Autumn so see it in all its colorful glory.

Day trips from Luxembourg as definitely getting dreamier, what say? Also checkout details of this trip here.

7. Mainz (197 kms)

If you are fan of church windows then look no further. The St. Stephan’s cathedral in Mainz houses one of the best Chaggal windows you will come across. The church was badly destroyed in the war. During its restoration in 1973, Jewish-Russian artist Marc Chagall (1887-1985), the master of color and the biblical message, created multiple installations in the church windows, setting an example of church windows designed by him.

If that is not enough, then Mainz also has the The Gutenberg Museum, one of the oldest museums of printing in the world. You can also see one of the only 21 surviving (complete) copies of the original Gutenberg Bible. Alas, no photos could be taken.

Will you vote Mainz as one the most powered packed day trips from Luxembourg?

8. Bonn (205 kms)

Bonn used to be the capital of West Germany during Cold War years and retains a significant presence of the German Federal even after unification. It is a very different city to Berlin. While you can clearly see the Soviet building style influence in Berlin, Bonn is very very European. And ofcourse, Bonn is the birth place of Beethoven and his house is now converted into a museum. Do not miss to see the Bonn Minster and the Altes Rathaus when you are there. There is plenty to shop, eat and drink in the city. So if you want history and big city feel, Bonn is the place to be.

9. Cologne (211 kms)

Looking for some more noteworthy day trips from Luxembourg? Just about a 2 hrs drive, Cologne is another very important city on the course of the Rhine. The magnificent Cologne cathedral, the sprawling views from the Cologne triangle and the walk by the riverside are only few among the many things that will keep you busy the entire day. And also when in Cologne, do not forget to head to the original Eau de Cologne 4711 store to pick up some fitting souvenirs because guess where the term Eau de Cologne originated from?

10. Schloss Drackenburg (220 kms)

This castle is in fact just a few kms from Bonn but I preferred to keep it as a separate day trip just because you could spend an entire day here. Firstly the hike up to the castle through the beautiful woods is truly refreshing, even on a hot summer day. Try to take the longer route (and not the one from the parking lot). And then the sprawling grounds provide a great spot to just sit back an relax with a majestic backdrop. There is also a cute little train, the Drachenfels Railway, which runs between Königswinter and the summit of the Drachenfels mountain stopping at the Schloss. You can take this train to go all the way to the summit for some gorgeous views. Bring a small picnic to enjoy at the castle grounds but needless to say, do not litter.

Can your day trips from Luxembourg get any more idyllic?

11. Frankfurt (236 kms)

It is astonishing how well preserved the Old Town is for a city that is as big as Frankfurt. You would almost feel that you are in two different cities or perhaps era at the same time.

In the heart of Frankfurt’s Old Town (Altstadt), the Römerberg is an almost octagonal shaped square with the Justice Fountain (Gerechtigkeitsbrunnen) at its center. Not only is it Frankfurt’s most picturesque public square, it is home to numerous tourist attractions. You cannot miss the Römer, which is a cluster of 11 buildings that together made up the medieval-era Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus). Worth mentioning is the elegant Imperial Hall (Kaisersaal), once the scene of splendid banquets.

12. Dusseldorf (241 kms)

Dusseldorf is an industrial town along the Rhine but its also one of the shopping paradises of Germany. It also boasts the longest pub in the world, along the river Rhine. The lively crowd lining the breweries at the riverside, the Old Town centre and magnificent new city centre are just perfect to visit during this day trip. Like all German cities there is no dearth of food and beer, great architecture and thrilling shopping experiences. And thus Dusseldorf becomes a mighty challenger of the top day trips from Luxembourg.

13. Heidelberg (243 kms)

The Heidelberg Palace attracts around a million visitors from all over the world (stats before COVID). It is one of the most important Renaissance structures this side of the Alps. While the palace itself will take quite a bit of your time, the town centre is a delight to walk around in. Do not forget to check out the famous Monkey on the beautiful Old Bridge (formally known as the Karl Theodor Bridge) because it is supposed to be good luck to be mocked by this monkey. And who doesn’t need a bit of good luck?

14. Freudenberg (249 kms)

If you drool over half timbered houses, then Freudenberg is the place to go. This sleepy town in Germany has suddenly made it to the Insta-map of Germany, all because of this magnificent labrynth of half timbered houses. Spend some time here looking for some great look out points of the town – there is actually a good hiking path which will take you through the woods with amazing views of the town.

Would Freudenberg feature in your next day trips from Luxembourg?

15. Moselle valley

Well this is the last one on my list because there isn’t a particular town on this route. Just wander around the Moselle and I can guarantee that you would come across some of the most beautiful scenes full with green vineyards and meandering water bodies. This trip is for one of those days when you are feeling particularly adventurous and driving on unknown roads is your way of having fund. And the most redeeming element of this trip will be being surprised with such views when you didnt expect any. So what are you waiting for?