Luxembourg may be one of Europe’s smallest countries, but it is also one of its most important business and financial hubs. Home to major multinational companies, EU institutions and a highly international workforce, Luxembourg attracts professionals from around the world for both short-term assignments and long-term relocation.
Whether you are travelling for work, relocating internationally or planning an extended stay, understanding the country’s culture, transport, business environment and lifestyle can help you settle in more easily.
At SilverDoor serviced apartments, we support corporate travellers and relocation professionals across Europe with flexible long-stay accommodation in key business destinations, including Luxembourg. Here are 16 interesting facts about Luxembourg that might surprise you before your next trip.
Why Luxembourg is a major business destination
Despite its size, Luxembourg is one of Europe’s leading centres for Finance, Technology, Major EU Institutions, International Banking and Corporate Headquarters.
The country is home to a highly international workforce, with professionals relocating from across Europe and beyond for both short-term projects and long-term assignments.
Because of this, serviced apartments in Luxembourg are increasingly popular with:
- Business Travellers
- Consultants
- Relocation Teams
- Remote Workers
- Project-based Employees
Unlike hotels, serviced apartments benefits include more space, kitchen facilities and a more comfortable environment for extended stays.
1. In terms of wealth, Luxembourg is the second-richest nation on earth
Luxembourg residents earn twice as much as Americans and have one of the lowest GDP debt ratios. According to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts' forecasts, Luxembourg’s GDP will reach 111500 USD by the end of 2022. Luxembourg is progressively promoting itself as a technological hub and data centre hub, attracting several large corporations to establish their European headquarters there. This could also have something to do with the low taxes that make it a tax-haven for the most affluent in Europe. So, whether relocating or visiting Luxembourg, investing in the city is not a problem because it is relatively open to international investors and offers tax incentives.
2. Luxembourg is home to the restaurant with the largest wine lists in the world
You may choose from more than 2200 different wines at the Chiggeri restaurant, which were produced by talented winemakers from France, Luxembourg, and other nations. Joao and Sandra, the restaurant's owners, share their enthusiasm for cuisine and their appreciation of delicious food in a trendy and elegant setting. Chiggeri also offers a one-of-a-kind experience called the dinner in the dark, in which customers eat from surprise menus accompanied by carefully selected wines in complete darkness, with servers wearing night vision googles to complete the experience.
3. Luxembourg is the fourth cheapest place to drive
Another fact about Luxembourg is the city is ranked fourth in the EU for lowest petrol price, at £0.87 per litre, and second-best in the world for diesel-powered vehicles, with diesel at £0.72 per litre. Keeping fuel prices per litre in the top four nations under £0.90 and diesel prices per litre in the top four countries under £0.80.
4. Luxembourg is home to major international businesses
Luxembourg is a major European business hub and hosts the European headquarters of several global companies, including Amazon and Skype. The country’s international business environment attracts professionals from across the world for both short-term projects and long-term relocation opportunities.
As a result, demand for corporate accommodation and serviced apartments in Luxembourg has grown significantly in recent years.
5. There are three official languages in Luxembourg
Luxembourgers are trilingual, speaking German, French, and Luxembourgish, or Letzebuergesch. While German and French are frequently used in administration, Luxembourgish is commonly used in conversation. French is commonly used in business, hotels, restaurants, and cafés, although German is the dominant language in print media. Before visiting Luxembourg, it is advisable that you learn a little French.
6. In the EU, Luxembourg has the highest minimum wage
With a minimum wage of €2313 per month and an average wage of €4910 per month in 2022, the city has the highest minimum wage in the EU. However, Luxembourg has one of the highest costs of living globally.
7. Luxembourg offers free public transportation
Luxembourg became the first country in the world to make all public transport free nationwide, including buses, trams and trains. This makes commuting particularly convenient for business travellers and relocating professionals staying in the city for longer assignments.
For guests staying in serviced apartments, Luxembourg’s transport network makes it easy to travel between business districts, residential neighbourhoods and nearby European destinations.
8. Luxembourg is the only city to have twice been appointed European Capital of Culture
The first time was in 1995, and the second time was in 2007. A European Capital of Culture is a city chosen by the EU to host a series of cultural activities over the course of one calendar year. This programme debuted in the summer of 1985 and has been running ever since.
9. Luxembourg City has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site
One of the well-known facts about Luxembourg is that it is currently the sole UNESCO World Heritage Site in the country, the entire historic portion of the city is recognised by UNESCO as a world heritage site. The first defence fortifications were established in 963, and the stronghold was constantly expanded by the foreign powers who governed Luxembourg during the subsequent centuries. Burgundian, Spanish, French, Austrian, and Prussian kings competed for the best-fortified walls one after the other. In 1994, the Old Town was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.
10. Since 1991, the Luxembourg Open has been hosted in the city
The Luxembourg Open is a women's tennis tournament that began as an exhibition event before becoming a WTA (Women's Competition Association) international level tournament in 2009. While visiting Luxembourg, make sure to keep an eye out for matches.
11. Luxembourg City is home to Europe's largest entertainment network
The RTL (Radio Television Luxembourg) Group owns and runs 68 television channels and 31 radio stations in Germany, France, and other European nations.
12. The city is one of the EU's de facto capitals
The EU's seven institutions are located in four different cities: Brussels, Frankfurt am Main, Luxembourg, and Strasbourg. Of the seven EU institutions, Luxembourg is the EU capital that can lay claim to having the most. The majority of these institutions are concentrated in the Kirchberg district, which is located in the city's northeast.
13. Under Luxembourg, there is a 23 km long network of tunnels
These tunnels, some as deep as 40m into the rock face, were built in 1644. Another fascinating fact about Luxembourg is that it was given the nickname "Gibraltar of the North" because of its remarkable defence works.
14. Foreigners account about 70.6% of the city's population
When visiting Luxembourg, be prepared to interact with people from all over the world. The city's population is made up of 170 different nationalities, and the number of foreign-born residents grows substantially each year. Luxembourg had 645,397 residents on January 1, 2022, with a total area of 2,586 km2 and an average of 249 individuals per km2. This makes it one of Europe's most densely inhabited regions. The five largest foreign communities in Luxembourg are Portuguese, French, Italian, Belgian, and German, accounting for 31.1 percent of the city's population.
15. The city of Luxembourg is home to three castles
Out of the over a hundred castles in the country, the castles in Luxembourg city are the Petrusse Casemates, Luxembourg old quarters and fortifications, and the Grand Ducal Palace. When visiting the city, all three castles provide excellent tourist experiences.
16. The city is home to the only cathedral in the country
The approximately 400-year-old Notre-Dame Cathedral is a notable example of late Gothic architecture, and its crypt is the final resting place of certain members of the royal family. The tranquil cathedral with exquisite stained-glass windows is a popular attraction for people visiting Luxembourg being the country's sole cathedral. When visiting the city, all three castles provide excellent tourist attractions.
Where to Stay during Business Travel in Luxembourg
Luxembourg is a popular destination for Financial Services Professionals, Consultants, EU employees, Technology Specialists and Relocating Corporate Teams. For their extended business trips, many business travellers choose serviced apartments over hotels because they offer more space, kitchen facilities, separate work/living areas and better value for longer stays.
SilverDoor provides serviced apartments across Luxembourg suitable for short and long-term corporate stays, in popular areas such as Kirchberg, Luxembourg City Centre, Gare District and Cloche d'Or.
So, whether you're relocating, investing or simply visiting the city, you can be confident that you now have the top facts about Luxembourg to guide you. Contact us to discuss your travel needs or browse all our serviced apartments in Luxembourg.
FAQs
Are serviced apartments popular in Luxembourg?
Yes. Many corporate travellers and relocating professionals choose serviced apartments for longer stays because they provide more flexibility and comfort than hotels.
Which areas are best for Business Travellers in Luxembourg?
Popular business districts include Kirchberg, Luxembourg City Centre and Cloche d'Or due to their proximity to offices, transport and amenities.
Is Luxembourg good for relocation?
Luxembourg is highly international, multilingual and well connected, making it a popular relocation destination for professionals working in finance, technology and EU institutions.
