The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg has 100 communes, 12 of which are fully-fledged towns. The remainder are made up of several villages grouped together to form a single commune.
The trend today is for communes to merge in order to improve services and administrative efficiency. Mergers also create economies of scale that benefit residents.
Communes are administrative entities in their own right, made up of one or more towns or villages. They are autonomous jurisdictions, governed by a burgomaster and a council of aldermen. The latter are elected for a 6-year term by the commune's inhabitants in municipal elections.
Communes belong to cantons. There are 12 cantons in Luxembourg.
Luxembourg's 13 communes with more than 10,000 inhabitants
13 communes represent a population of over 10,000.
Luxembourg City, capital of Luxembourg
The City of Luxembourg occupies a very important place in the Grand Duchy from an economic and political point of view. It is the capital of Luxembourg and the country's most important city.
Luxembourg City had a population of over 132,000 on January 1, 2023, representing almost 20% of Luxembourg's total population. More than 70% of the population of Luxembourg City. Nearly 170 different nationalities are represented, 90% of them European.
Find out more about Luxembourg City and its 24 districts.
Other major cities in Luxembourg
After Luxembourg, the most populous cities are located mainly in the canton of Esch-sur-Alzette in the south of the country.
The country's second-largest city is Esch-sur-Alzette, with over 36,000 inhabitants on January 1, 2023. Differdange has over 29,000 inhabitants. Dudelange has almost 22,000 inhabitants. The towns of Pétange (20,500 inhabitants), Sanem (18,000), Bettembourg (11,400) and Schifflange (11,300) are also located in the South region.
The municipality of Hespérange has over 16,400 inhabitants and is located in the Canton of Luxembourg - Centre region, along with the town of Strassen. town of Strassen with a population of 10,500.
The town of Mamer has a population of 10,600. Kaërjeng has 11,000 inhabitants. Both are located in the canton of Capellen, west of Luxembourg.
Mersch, with around 10,400 inhabitants, closes the list of communes with more than 10,000 inhabitants.
The 10 favorite communes for newcomers to Luxembourg
Luxembourg welcomes many newcomers every year. Its population is constantly growing as a result of immigration. In which communes do these new arrivals settle?
Immigration is not evenly distributed across Luxembourg. The most densely populated communes appear to be the most welcoming for new arrivals. This is true of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette and Differdange. Communes close to these large conurbations are also poles of attraction.
The 10 municipalities with the highest proportion of immigrants in recent years are Luxembourg City (83 immigrants on average per 1,000 inhabitants over the 2010-2019 period), Strassen (70), Berdorf (62 - presence of an immigrant hostel), Bourscheid (53), Bertrange (43), Weiswampach (45), Kopstal (43), Hespérange (42), Esch-sur Alzette (41) and Esch-sur-Sûre (40).
After settling close to their place of work, immigrants tend to move away from it when they next move. They then move to less expensive communities, given the price of housing .
Municipalities near Luxembourg-City
A number of communes in the immediate vicinity of Luxembourg City offer a good compromise for living in Luxembourg.
- Strassen and Bertrange to the west (canton Luxembourg)
- Leudelange to the southwest (canton Esch-sur-Alzette)
- Hespérange to the southeast (canton Luxembourg)
- Sandweiler to the east (canton Luxembourg)
- Niederanven to the northeast (canton Luxembourg)
- Walferdange to the north (canton Luxembourg)
- Kopstal to the north (Canton Capellen)
Prices here are often more attractive than in Luxembourg City, although prices have been rising in recent years. See the latest real estate trends.
Well served by public transport, these communities offer all the amenities of crèches and Maisons Relais, as well as basic Luxembourg schools for your children.
What's more, these communes offer the advantage of being located close to Luxembourg City, which remains easily accessible.
What's more, they provide the perfect backdrop for Sunday family outings. Living in the heart of nature is a joy when the snow falls or, on the contrary, when the sun comes out.
Despite their smaller size, the communes are very active, offering a wide range of activities for their residents.
An overview of other communes in Luxembourg
Luxembourg's 7 must-visit towns and villages
Wherever you choose to live, there are towns and villages well worth a visit.
Luxembourg City, capital of Luxembourg
Large and notable enough to devote a full page to, you can find out more about Luxembourg's capital here .
Esch-sur-Alzette
Esch-sur-Alzette deserves its name as the capital of the Terres Rouges. It is Luxembourg's second largest city. With its rich mining past, Esch-sur-Alzette has turned it into a real asset, integrating it into its development and turning resolutely towards the future. Esch-sur-Alzette was European Capital of Culture 2022.
Schengen
Are you a Europhile? A detour to Schengen will give you a better understanding of the ins and outs of the construction of the European Union. It was here that European leaders signed the famous Schengen Agreement in 1990, which came into force in 1995. What's more, Schengen now harbors a piece of the famous Berlin Wall.
Echternach
The town of Echternach lies along the Sûre Valley close to Germany. Echternach offers a charming historical tour with the Basilica and Church of St. Peter and Paul. The town is best known for its dancing procession, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Vianden
Don't miss Vianden and its historic castle. With breathtaking views on arrival, you won't be disappointed by a visit to this medieval castle .
Clervaux
Also in the Ardennes, the town of Clervaux offers magnificent views and landscapes. You can also visit The Family of Man exhibition in its historic castle .
Esch-sur-Sûre
Take advantage of your visit to the Sûre National Park to stop off in this pretty village and stroll through its medieval streets.
Here are 9 things to see and do when you arrive in Luxembourg.
