Happy New Year Luxembourg

If you’re looking to start your year with a bang, and not the kind that leaves a crater, you could do better than Luxembourg. Tucked between the heavyweights of Europe like some neutral cousin who shows up to family dinners in a cashmere sweater and says very little, this tiny country plays it cool. But come New Year’s Eve, it still got a pulse under that gentle exterior.

Luxembourg is the the world’s only remaining grand duchy. Is that a good thing? Damned if I know. But the country is a lot bigger than Liechtenstein or Andorra, so there are a few things to explore after all.

Grund district in Luxembourg city.

The capital, uninspiringly called Luxembourg city, is built on a fascinating geographic location. Canyons and deep gorges divide the city into upper and lower town, which makes it beautiful but a bit tough to navigate. The fortified walls whisper a history of keeping invaders, and probably fun as well, at bay. I’m glad I brought my sturdy boots.

After the uphill ordeals, I stroll along Rue de la Reine (oh yes) and look for unnecessary rewards. And behold, something called Chocolate House cannot be a bad idea. I find some kind of chocolate stick, but before I have time to start the devouring, a lady shows up with additional marshmallows and whipped cream, with a glass of hot milk. Alrighty then.

New Years Eve celebrations at Place Guillaume II.

Today in New Year’s Eve, the Place Guillaume II has become ground zero for the revelry. I make a dedicated effort to stay clear of the ice skating rink, and dodge into the ramshackle Stübli thing placed in the middle of the square. Suddenly a warm Glühwein appears in front of me.

Here, in the shadows of old stone and under a sky stitched with sparks, I raise a toast to the unknown year ahead. No resolutions. Just another story waiting to be told. To all my friends across the world, have a Happy New Year wherever you are!