Position: Western Europe
Neighbouring countries: Germany, Belgium, France
Area: 2,586 square kilometres Luxembourg extends from north to south over a maximum distance of 82km and 57km from east to west.
Dimensions of the country: north-south 82km, east-west 57km
Oesling or Éislék (Luxembourgish Ardennes)
The ’Éisléck, in the northern part of the country forms part of the Ardennes massif and borders the German Eifel region. This wooded areas cover 828 square kilometres, one third (32%) of the entire country. Oak and pine forests cover the steep slopes. Its nature parks and castles attract large numbers of visitors. The highest point in the Grand Duchy (560m) is here, in Wilwerdange. The climate is harsher than in the rest of the country. The main towns in this region are Wiltz, Clervaux and Vianden.
Guttland ('good country')
Guttland, in the south and centre of the country, together with the capital, occupies the remainder of the country (68%, or 1,758 square kilometres). It is mainly open countryside and forests. The main regions are the Luxembourg sandstone plateau, marly depressions, the Moselle valley, the Mullerthal area (the Grand Duchy's 'Little Switzerland'), and the Red Earth area ('Terres Rouges'). The Luxembourg sandstone plateau is the dominant feature of the Guttland. The Grand Duchy's finest forests are to be found here. Marly depressions constitute the most widespread and typical landscapes in the Guttland. Their broad valleys lie at the foot of the Dogger and Luxembourg sandstone escarpments. Over two-thirds of this area are farmland.