Gutland

Gutland, meaning "good land" in German and Luxembourgish, is the southern and central part of Luxembourg. It forms the more densely populated and agriculturally fertile half of the country, in contrast to the northern Oesling region.

Geographically, Gutland stretches from the western to the eastern borders of Luxembourg and contains the country’s major river valleys. The Alzette River runs through the southwest toward Luxembourg City, while the Moselle valley lies along the eastern edge and is a center for wine production. The eastern part also includes the Mullerthal, known for its sandstone formations and scenic trails. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills, valleys, and cultivated fields, with a temperate climate influenced by the North Atlantic.

Economy and culture in Gutland center on the national capital and administrative hub, Luxembourg City, which lies within the region. The Moselle valley supports wine production, and rural areas contribute to agriculture and local markets. The service sector, finance, and logistics are prominent, reflecting Luxembourg’s overall economic profile. Tourism is a notable component, drawn to landscapes, historic towns, castles, and the Mullerthal region, often promoted as Little Switzerland.

Demographically, Gutland accounts for a majority of Luxembourg’s population and is more urbanized than the Oesling. It is not an official administrative unit; rather, it is a geographic and cultural designation used to describe the southern and central portions of the country. Governance in Luxembourg is organized at the national level and through the country’s cantons and communes, which span both Gutland and Oesling.

The concept of Gutland and Oesling has long been used in geographic and planning contexts to distinguish the southern, fertile heart of Luxembourg from its northern Ardennian landscape.