You could hang out in a cave in Mullerthal or use the BNL A/C while reading a book on climate change.  dbcreation.be

You could hang out in a cave in Mullerthal or use the BNL A/C while reading a book on climate change.  dbcreation.be

Temperatures over the weekend and the start of next week might reach up to 37ºC in the grand duchy. With open pools and lakes likely to attract crowds, Delano has selected some places to take shelter from the heat and people.

Book a tour of the Petrusse Casemates

Though the city center might not be refreshing in the middle of the day, the Petrusse Casemates--found between the Place de Metz and Hamilius tram stops--can feel like an oasis in the middle of the concrete jungle. The casemates were built in 1644 by Spaniards who wanted to reinforce the medieval fortifications of the city. Now a tourist attraction with tasteful lighting, they provide a cool shelter and cultural experience for visitors. Currently the only way to access them is , either in French, Luxembourgish, German or English.

Walk along the Alzette in the woods

Forests are especially refreshing on a hot summer day, and Luxembourg has plenty of them. Residents living in the countryside will have their favourite walking spots close to home. In Luxembourg City, the path just off the Kaltreis park--also a fun place for children with its water features--leads to a lovely and usually quiet path along the Alzette river. There are some steeper parts to look out for, but overall, the flat path makes it a relaxing stroll rather than a challenge. If you keep walking, you will even come across the Gantenbeinmühle, an open air pool…which has been abandoned for decades. , for instance takes you there.  

Crossing the line

Another option--especially for military history fans--can be found just outside the border of the grand duchy. The was part of a fortification effort after the first world war. With 19 combat blocks and 10km of galleries, the historic site was the biggest work of the Marginot line. You can discover the attraction by strolling around the pedestrian path or you can ride a vintage electric train and explore the underground galleries.

Back to the roots

The Mullerthal, which has recently been , tends to attract quite the crowd during hot weekend days, and rightfully so! Lush, green, wet--the site has it all. The foliage will protect visitors from the sun most of the time, but those who prefer to avoid all sorts of daylight can always check out the Mullerthal caves. Security equipment (helmets,…) is needed but there are caves for beginners too. The Luxembourg speleologist group provides a helpful guide and map for the different caves .

The dark horse of hangout spots

Air-conditioning is bad for the environment, and does nothing to cool down the weather outside, but it would be silly not to stick around somewhere that uses it anyway. The Bibliothèque Nationale de Luxembourgor Luxembourg’s national library, opened the doors to its new spacious--and most importantly--cool building in 2020. A treasure trove of books of any kind, the public library usually seems to attract students working hard on their assignments. With comfy couches and reading pods, it’s a great place to hang out during a heatwave. If you feel guilty about the A/C, just take the tram to get to the library. Although, the tram too has a great A/C system too.

As the , it’s important to stay hydrated during heatwaves, and to check on vulnerable people who might be more prone to heat strokes or dehydration. Swapping caffeine and sugary drinks for mineral or sparkling water is recommended. The government also recommends going easy on physical activities.

Likewise, the government asks citizens as drinking water levels are low due to the lack of rain at the start of the season.