Arlon

Arlon (German and Luxembourgish: Arel, Dutch: Aarlen) is the capital of the southernmost Belgian province of Luxembourg. The town counts approximately 30,000 inhabitants and is often seen as the Belgian gate to the country of Luxembourg. Together with Tongeren and Tournai, it is one of the oldest cities in Belgium.

Arlon was founded due to its location at the crossing of Roman roads connecting Reims, Trier, and Cologne. During Roman times it was called Orolaunum Vicus. Today, Arlon is a charming border town with a rich Gallo-Roman heritage, impressive churches, and a relaxed atmosphere. The surrounding province of Luxembourg offers forested hills and picturesque valleys. The climate is temperate continental, with summers warmer than coastal Belgium and winters colder. The best times to visit are from May to September.

By Plane

The nearest major airport is Luxembourg Airport (LUX IATA), just 20 minutes away by train or car. Brussels Airport (BRU) is about 2 hours and 45 minutes by train. Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) is also an option.

By Train

Arlon Railway Station is located about 300 m south of the historical centre. Trains from Brussels take approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. From Namur, Arlon is 1 hour and 40 minutes away. From Luxembourg City, it is only 20 minutes by train.

By Car / Road

Arlon is located right next to the E25 highway between Liège and Luxembourg City. When arriving from Namur or Liège, get off at the Arlon exit. When arriving from Luxembourg, it is more convenient to get off at the Longwy exit.

The historical centre of Arlon is small and easily covered on foot. To see the sights outside the town centre, it is advised to use a car or bicycle when weather permits. The tourist centre at Rue des Faubourgs rents out e-bikes and regular bikes.

• St. Donat's Church (Square Elisabeth) — Situated on the central hill of the town, La Kippchen. Built by the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin between 1621 and 1626 on the ruins of an earlier stronghold. From the tower, you can enjoy an undisturbed view over Belgium, Luxembourg, and France. The carillon plays "Zu Arel op der Knippchen" every hour.

• Church of Saint-Martin (Square Albert 1er 31) — Built between 1907 and 1914 in neo-Gothic style on the order of King Leopold II. The tower is 97 metres high, making it the highest church in Wallonia and the seventh highest in Belgium. Notable for stained glass and a large rose window.

• Sacred Heart Church (Rue des Déportés) — Catholic Romanesque-Byzantine church built at the end of the 19th century.

• Synagogue (Rue de la Synagogue) — The oldest synagogue in Belgium, built in 1863–1865 in neo-Roman style.

• Gaspar Museum (Musée Gaspar) (Rue des Martyrs 16, ☏ +32 63 60 06 54) — Displays the works of Arlon-born sculptor Jean Gaspar (1861–1931).

• Archaeological Museum (Musée Archéologique) (☏ +32 63 21 28 49) — One of the finest archaeological museums in the country, with a large collection of finds from the province of Luxembourg. Known for its Gallo-Roman section and collection of Roman sculptures and Merovingian funerary art.

• Roman Tower (Tour Romaine) (Rue du Pont-Levis)

• Town Hall (Hôtel de Ville) (Rue Paul Reuter 8)

• Jupiter Column (Grand-Rue) — Replica of a Gallo-Roman column discovered in 1972.

• Provincial Palace (Palais Provincial) (Place Léopold)

• Source of the Semois River (Rue des Tanneries)

• Visit the Archaeological Museum — One of the best collections of Gallo-Roman artifacts in Belgium.

• Climb St. Donat's Tower — Panoramic views of three countries.

• Explore the surrounding Ardennes — Hiking and cycling in the forested hills of Belgian Luxembourg.

• Cinema Ciné Espace (Rue de Diekirch 36, ☏ +32 63 22 45 62)

• L'Entrepôt (Rue Zénobe Gramme 2, ☏ +32 63 45 60 84) — Small concert venue.

• Le Chef est Une Femme (Rue des Capucins 6, ☏ +32 63 57 84 26) — French cuisine. Mains €19–€29.
• Kalinka (Rue des Faubourgs 21, ☏ +32 63 60 11 68) — Russian restaurant. Closed M–Tu.
• La Couscoussière (Rue de Diekirch 50, ☏ +32 63 38 36 44) — Moroccan restaurant. Mains €15–€24.
• Several brasseries and cafés around Place Léopold.

Arlon is a fairly small town with limited drinking options. Soho English Pub (Rue de Diekirch 18, ☏ +32 63 67 67 27) — Open from 16:00, Su from 15:00, closed Monday. Coconuts (Place Didier 17, ☏ +32 63 22 51 12). Le Colysée (Rue des Faubourgs 65, ☏ +32 63 23 24 07).

There are no youth hostels in Arlon. The nearest youth hostels are in Bouillon and Luxembourg City. Best Western Hôtel Arlux (Rue de Lorraine, ☏ +32 63 23 22 11) — 78 rooms, free parking, from €63.75. TRULLI (Avenue Jean-Baptiste Nothomb 2, ☏ +32 63 21 81 79).

Arlon's town centre has shops and boutiques for everyday needs. The weekly market on the square offers local produce. For Luxembourgish specialties, the border with Luxembourg is just minutes away.

• Luxembourg City (20 min by train) — Capital of the Grand Duchy with the Bock casemates and UNESCO-listed old town.
• Bastogne (45 min by car) — WWII heritage town with the Bastogne War Museum and Mardasson Memorial.
• Bouillon (1 hr by car) — Picturesque town with an impressive medieval castle.
• Longwy, France (15 min by car) — Fortified town with Vauban fortifications.
• Vianden, Luxembourg (45 min by car) — Charming town with a hilltop castle.