Things To Do
in Capellen
Capellen is a small, picturesque municipality in southwestern Luxembourg, set amid rolling farmland and forested hills. The village blends quiet rural charm with easy access to Luxembourg City and the wider Grand Duchy. Its historic Capellen Castle anchors the area, while traditional houses and hedged lanes give it a timeless feel.
Visitors come for tranquil countryside walks, local culture, and proximity to Luxembourg's varied landscapes.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Luxembourg City International Airport and catch the train to Capellen, soaking up the lush countryside en route. Check into your riverside guesthouse and savor a freshly baked Gromperekichelcher with a rich espresso. Step outside for a gentle walk along the tree-lined avenues to familiarize yourself with the town’s peaceful charm.
Visit the local tourist office to pick up maps and insider tips on hidden gems across Capellen and its surroundings. Wander through the neatly manicured Parc Municipal, watch children playing, and pause by the ornamental pond to watch ducks gliding across the water. Explore the nearby family-owned boulangerie, sample pain au chocolat, and mingle with locals at the communal bench.
Dine at a traditional bistro in the heart of town, indulging in a warm bowl of potée garnie and a glass of crisp local Pinot Blanc. As twilight falls, take a leisurely stroll through the softly illuminated streets, admiring the historic architecture. Cap your night off at a friendly café bar, where you can sip on a craft beer and chat with the welcoming residents.
Start with a hearty breakfast of fresh brioche and café au lait at a cozy café near the Capellen train station. Head to the cross-border Musée national de l’armée et des frontières in nearby Diekirch to explore exhibits on Luxembourg’s wartime history. Marvel at authentic uniforms and interactive displays that bring the past to life.
Return to Capellen to tour the 19th-century jailhouse turned cultural center, admiring its preserved cell blocks and rotating art installations. Wander through the old marketplace, scanning its restored stone facades and imagining life in decades past. Stop by a local bookshop to pick up a guidebook on regional legends and folklore.
Gather at a historic inn for a dinner of wurstsalat and kartoffelsalat, pairing it with a robust Luxembourgish lager. As dusk settles, join a folkloric evening tour led by a local historian recounting ghost stories in the dimly lit streets. Finish the night with a complementary digestive at the bar, reflecting on the day’s discoveries.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee in a café | $2-4 |
| 🥗Lunch at mid-range restaurant | $15-25 |
| 🚕Taxi 1km | $3-5 |
| 🏨One night in a mid-range hotel | $120-180 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Peaceful countryside setting with easy access to Luxembourg City
- Strong public services and excellent safety
- Rich cultural influences and comfortable, compact towns
- Beautiful forests and scenic routes for outdoor activities
- Limited nightlife within Capellen itself; more options in nearby cities
- Some traditional dishes can be meat-heavy; vegetarian options require checking menus
- Public transport is good but less dense than bigger cities, so a car can be convenient
- Weather can be unpredictable; plan for rain in multiple seasons
- "Moien" - Hello
- "Wéi geet et Iech?" - How are you?
- "Merci villmools" - Thank you very much
- "Entschëllegt" - Sorry / Excuse me
- "Ech wunnen zu Capellen" - I live in Capellen
- "Kee Problem" - No problem
Places to Visit in Capellen
Visit one of these nice places.
A picturesque estate with classical lines and formal gardens; best photographed at golden hour when light flatters the façade.
A charming, compact scene with its small church, timber-framed houses, and quiet streets ideal for candid and architectural shots.
Calm water, reeds, and passing boats create reflective scenes and tranquil landscapes along the riverbank.
Dappled light through the trees and seasonal colors offer moody forest photography opportunities.
Food in Capellen
Capellen Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Smoked pork collar served with broad beans and potatoes; a national favorite often found in traditional bistros.
Must-Try!
Crispy fried potato cakes, commonly enjoyed with apple sauce or sour cream at markets and cafés.
Green bean soup with potatoes, bacon, and sometimes smoked sausage.
Luxembourgish dumplings served with onions, bacon, and cream sauce.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A vibrant market scene in the city offering local produce, cheeses, meats, and ready-to-eat bites; great for sampling regional specialties.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake is standard; greet locals in Luxembourgish or French; politeness and privacy are valued.
Be punctual for meetings; queue patiently in stores and on public transport.
Luxembourgish, French, and German are all commonly heard; it’s common to switch between languages in conversation.
Safety
Tipping in Capellen
Ensure a smooth experience
Service charges are often included in restaurants; if not, a tip of about 5-10% is appreciated for good service.
Cash (euros) and cards (Visa/Mastercard) are widely accepted; contactless payments are common; ATMs are ubiquitous.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and new growth bring blossoms and bright landscapes; great for outdoor walks and macro photography.
Warm days with long daylight hours; occasional showers; ideal for outdoor dining, cycling, and river views.
Rich yellows and copper tones in the trees; perfect for landscape photography and gentle hikes with crisp air.
Cool temperatures and shorter days; chances of frost and festive markets in nearby towns; warm interiors are inviting.
Capellen at Night
Hiking in Capellen
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy to moderate 4-6 km loop through the Capellen forest area; seasonal scenery and wildlife.
Section of Luxembourg’s famous rock and forest trail; rolling paths and scenic formations; drive or train from Capellen.
Rural hiking routes around Mersch with farmland and wooded areas; moderate, scenic routes.
Airports
How to reach Capellen by plane.
The nearest international airport, well connected to major European hubs; easy access by road or rail from Capellen.
A major international hub offering numerous connections; about 2 hours by train or car from Capellen.
A regional airport with several European routes; useful for trips to and from eastern France and nearby regions.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of families, professionals commuting to Luxembourg City, and retirees; multilingual community.
A portion of residents are expatriates drawn to Luxembourg’s economy and high quality of life; languages and cultural ties are common.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular pastime across Luxembourg, with local clubs and youth leagues.
Luxembourg’s diverse terrain makes cycling common for sport and commuting.
Local courts and clubs provide opportunities for casual and competitive play.
Extensive nature trails in the Luxembourg countryside attract hikers of all levels.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Capellen.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Luxembourgish menus tend to feature meat-forward dishes; look for vegetarian soups, salads, cheese plates, and pesto-based pastas; many places can tailor dishes if asked.