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Place Guillaume II
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Landmark
Place Guillaume II, affectionately known by Luxembourgers as 'Knuedler', is the largest and most important square in the upper town of Luxembourg. Its nickname derives from the Luxembourgish word for 'knot' and refers to the belt knots of the Franciscan monks whose monastery was located here until the 19th century. Today, the square is a lively urban center, dominated by the neoclassical City Hall on its western side and the equestrian statue of King-Grand Duke William II in its center. This monument honors the monarch who gave Luxembourg a liberal constitution in 1848. The square is a popular meeting point and event venue. Every Wednesday and Saturday, a colorful weekly market is held here, offering local products. In summer, it transforms into an open-air stage for concerts and festivals, such as the famous 'Rock um Knuedler'.
- Location: Luxembourg
- Top sights: Hôtel de Ville · Ratskeller · Cercle municipal
- Nearby: Strassen (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 1 | 1 | 5 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 2 |
| Rain mm | 67 | 57 | 57 | 46 | 70 | 68 | 65 | 72 | 56 | 65 | 68 | 79 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Place Guillaume II, also known as Knuedler, is a public square in central Luxembourg City. It can be visited free of charge at any time, dominated by the town hall and an equestrian statue of Duke William.
Typical hours
The square is accessible around the clock. The surrounding shops and the town hall have regular hours, the town hall being open Mon-Fri usually from 8 am to 5 pm.
Photography
Photography is allowed all over the square. The equestrian statue is a popular subject, best under a clear sky or during the blue hour.
Time needed
A short visit for photos and a stroll takes about 15 to 20 minutes. If you also want to explore the interior of the town hall, allow an extra 20 minutes.
Combine with
The square is just a few minutes' walk from Place d'Armes and the cathedral. Combine the visit with a stroll through the adjacent pedestrian zone and a detour to the nearby Pétrusse bridge.
Getting there
Place Guillaume II is reachable on foot from the train station (15 min). The bus stop 'Hamilius' is just east of the square.
Insider tip
Visit the square early on Saturday morning when the weekly market takes place. Then there is lively bustle with local produce and flowers.
Geography
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Place Guillaume II (10)
Kiosque de la Place d'Armes
Bandstand on Place d'Armes, venue for concerts.
Pétrusse Casemates
Former fortifications in the Pétrusse valley, now open to visitors.
Edmond de la Fontaine & Michel Lentz
Monument to two Luxembourgish poets on the Knuedler square.
Théâtre du Centaure
Small theatre in the old town, staging plays.
Gëlle Fra
War memorial on Place de la Constitution, inaugurated in 1923.
Trinité
Church in the Grund quarter, built in the 17th century.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Who is depicted in the equestrian statue on Place Guillaume II?
It depicts King-Grand Duke William II (Guillaume II) of the Netherlands.
When are markets held on Place Guillaume II?
Traditionally, a weekly market takes place on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.
Is there free Wi-Fi on the square?
Yes, the City of Luxembourg often provides free internet access via the 'hotcity' network.
Why is the square also called 'Knuedler'?
The name is derived from the knot ('Knued') in the belts worn by Franciscan monks, whose monastery stood here.
Which important buildings border the square?
The Luxembourg City Hall and the tourist information office are located directly on the square.
Place Guillaume II: where is it located?
Place Guillaume II is located in Luxembourg.
Place Guillaume II: what is there to see?
Highlights include Hôtel de Ville, Ratskeller, Cercle municipal.
Place Guillaume II: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Place Guillaume II: why is it worth visiting?
Place Guillaume II, affectionately known by Luxembourgers as 'Knuedler', is the largest and most important square in the upper town of Luxembourg.
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History & landmarks
Luxembourg City Hall
The neoclassical administrative building on Place Guillaume II is the hub of the capital's local government.
Place d'Armes
Place d'Armes, often called the 'city's parlor,' was laid out in 1671.
Cercle Cité
A grand historic building on Place d'Armes, used for cultural events and official receptions.
Petrusse Casemates
A vast system of underground tunnels and defensive fortifications in the rock above the Pétrusse valley.
More places
Equestrian Statue of William II
A monumental bronze monument on Place Guillaume II commemorating the former King-Grand Duke.
Grand Ducal Palace
The Grand Ducal Palace in the old town serves as the official residence of the Grand Ducal family.
National Museum of History and Art
Central museum in the old town presenting archaeological finds and artworks from Luxembourg's history.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
The Cathedral of Luxembourg was originally built as a Jesuit church in the 17th century.
Luxembourg City History Museum
An interactive museum in the old town documenting the thousand-year history of the capital city of Luxembourg.
Gëlle Fra (Monument of Remembrance)
Gëlle Fra is a monument in Luxembourg City, originally erected in 1923 to commemorate volunteers of World War I.