Looking to make the most of the long weekend? While destinations like Trier, Bastogne, Bouillon, Vianden, and Metz remain popular, there are plenty of lesser-known spots just a short drive from Luxembourg that offer just as much charm, adventure and family-friendly fun.
From fairy-tale villages and open-air museums to lakeside escapes and adventure parks, these day trips promise memorable experiences for both children and adults. Here are seven under-the-radar destinations to inspire your next outing.
This small town in the Belgian Ardennes is full of charm. Picturesque, family- and child-friendly, with many experiences to enjoy as a family, it is definitely worth the trip.
What you can enjoy in Coo:
After a day of fun, enjoy the numerous restaurants, all very child-friendly.
Direction Kaiserslautern, this natural paradise will enchant you and the children.
Beautiful forests, an impressive lake, a restaurant in the style of a wooden chalet, a fantastic water playground, mini golf, hotels and even an adventure forest park experience make this the place to be on a sunny Sunday.
You can hike around the lake, with breathtaking nature all around, and there is easy parking by the wooden chalet restaurant.
You can also bring your picnic, as there are benches and tables around the lake.
Useful links:
Definitely an unexplored treasure. When I visited with my kids, my jaw dropped and I thought, “How come we didn’t visit this place before?”
An open-air museum of Wallonian rural life, nestled in spectacular nature where children can run and play freely. There is also a great playground.
The buildings of the domaine are remarkable witnesses to a flourishing iron industry during the 17th and 18th centuries. The museum presents the techniques of cast iron production.
The domaine is dog-friendly, with pets allowed on a leash, and is largely accessible to people with reduced mobility when accompanied, with electric wheelchairs available for rent. Guided tours can be booked, and staff are available in English, French and Dutch. A large parking area is also available on site.
A fairy-tale village, a fairy-tale castle, remarkable architectural treasures and perhaps even Rapunzel’s tower – all this in Crupet.
One of the most beautiful villages of Wallonia will transport you to another era, and children will absolutely love it.
If you want an overnight stay that is budget-friendly and suitable for families and children, in a castle surrounded by spectacular nature, I highly recommend Domaine de Ronchinne.
The hotel property is vast, with extensive outdoor areas, a swimming pool, trampoline, tennis court, lake, spa, and many themed events and brunches.
We had an amazing time. Apart from the castle accommodation, the hotel also offers unique options such as the loft cube, the wooden tree house and more.
A must-experience.
These fairy-tale-like villages are worth visiting both in winter and summer, with some of the most authentic traditional German Christmas markets along the Mosel.
Top recommendations:
Bernkastel-Kues
You have to make a mandatory stop at Lieser Castle for photos and stroll through the charming streets of Bernkastel-Kues.
Traben-Trarbach
Lunch or dine at Alte Zunftscheune restaurant, which feels like a museum or a pirate’s chest, filled with objects from different centuries, a wooden interior and a magical atmosphere that will captivate both adults and children, alongside traditional German cuisine.
The exhibition in the Zeitreise Museum (Time travel museum) presents historic and iconic bicycles from the early days of the runner wheel to cult bicycles, accompanied by anecdotes and stories. Also shown are accessories such as carbide lamps and handlebar brand signs.
The collection of dolls, dollhouses and antique toys has been carefully restored. Some of the dollhouses recreate the living worlds of wealthy wine traders in the 1920s.
Also featured are antique trains, stations and rail tracks from earlier times.
Beilstein
The magical and highly Instagrammable village of Beilstein is a must. It is best experienced in person.
In the area, do not miss
Burg Eltz – a castle straight out of a fairy tale
Animal and Theme Park Cochem/Clotten
Cochem Castle
Burg Pyrmont
Geierlay Hängeseilbrücke
With so many highlights along the Mosel, you may want to stay longer than just a day.
Located on the banks of the river Meuse (Maas), with its spectacular Grand Place and as the home of the International Puppets Festival, this French city offers a great day trip.
Around the Grand Place, you will find numerous restaurants and cafés, while the surrounding streets feature lively pedestrian alleys and shops.
Nearby, Sedan Castle – the largest medieval castle in Europe – is another highlight that children will love.
Any time is suitable for a visit, but the Puppets Festival and the Medieval Festival at the castle are a must, so definitely add them to your list.
A nature paradise with many activities to enjoy. With its beautiful lake, lakeside restaurants and wide range of options, it is a perfect day trip with something for everyone.
Plan your next trip to one of these destinations and share your impressions with us.
As always,
Enjoy and Let’z TravelmatKanner
