Guide to visiting Luxembourg.

Luxembourg would most likely not be top of mind for most people when considering a European vacation. France, Italy, Spain, perhaps even Belgium if you're brave. Still, Luxembourg—well, it's that little nation on the map your geography teacher pointed at and said, "Here's someplace little but significant, trust me." And really, that's what makes it attractive. Though it is little enough that you can see most of it in a few days without ever needing a tour bus, it is large enough to astonish you at every corner.

Begin with Luxembourg City, the capital, which is somehow both beautiful and scary. Imagine a medieval stronghold perched atop cliffs, winding cobblestone streets around historic homes, and then bam, ultra-modern glass towers peeping over the top like a youngster displaying fresh shoes. In a good way, the differences are astounding. Though you just stumbled over your own feet trying to say "Grund," you can meander around the old town, have a coffee in one of the little coffee shops that make you feel like a local, and then stroll down to the Chemin de la Corniche. They refer to it as "Europe's most beautiful balcony"; all right, that's a strong statement, but the views over the Alzette River valley are well worth the buzz.

Luxembourg will have you grinning like a kid in a sweet store if castles are your thing. Vianden Castle is a fairy tale stronghold with ramparts and towers; yes, it is as Instagrammable as the pictures imply. If you squint, Bourscheid Castle looks like something out of a Game of Thrones episode, but it's a bit rougher and feels like it's from one. You could start to question how such a small nation could have so many while you're hopping from one castle to another, but then you recall that Luxembourg used to be Europe's powerhouse, and everything fits.

For those who appreciate nature, you won't be left out either. Offering some of the most fantastic hiking trails in Europe, the Müllerthal area is lovingly known as Little Switzerland. Imagine climbing over enormous rocks, meandering through thick forests, and sometimes questioning whether you have stumbled into Narnia. Luxembourg caters to both lifestyles, as it is all within an hour of the capital, thus your concept of exercise is more "walk to the next café" than "climb a mountain.

And food too! You can sample everything from delicious Luxembourgish meals like Judd mat Gaardebounen, which sounds like a spell from Harry Potter but tastes much better than any magic, to French pastries that make you wonder about every diet you've ever followed. The wine areas along the Moselle River also provide some unexpectedly excellent vintages, ideal for pretending you're sophisticated while surreptitiously looking to see if the winery has a cheese platter.

Though Luxembourg might not scream at you like Paris or Rome, it gently wins you over with its blend of history, natural beauty, and a “hey, we might be small, but we’re wonderful” attitude. You could go there hoping for a dot on the map, but instead find a place in your heart. Just don't say it too loudly to anyone else, or you run the danger of it becoming a tourist destination.