Hollerich, a neighborhood in the throes of change

Located in the southwest of Luxembourg City, Hollerich is one of the four most densely populated districts of the capital.
Hollerich is a diverse neighborhood of single-family homes and residences, businesses, and offices as it approaches the train station district.

Hollerich is also adjacent to the districts of Belair, Ville Haute, Gasperich, Cessange and Merl.

Population in the Hollerich district

Number of inhabitants as of January 1, 2022

  • of foreign population 74,32% 74,32%
  • of the population of the city of Luxembourg 5,8% 5,8%

Number of different nationalities

Hollerich, a district with an industrial past

Formerly a municipality in its own right, Hollerich-Bonnevoie, the area also encompassed the Gare de Luxembourg. The district of Hollerich was attached to the city of Luxembourg in 1920.

The jewels of Luxembourg industry

Hollerich is a neighborhood with a strong identity, derived from its industrial past.

The Buchholz brewery was established here in 1853. In 1867, the dismantling of the Luxembourg fortress attracted new industries. The “Kesselfabrik”, the future Paul Wurth company, was established in 1870.

This is also where Joseph Heintz van Landewyck’s Luxembourg tobacco factory came into its own at the end of the 19th century. The former Villeroy & Boch pottery factories were also located in Hollerich.

Schluechthaus, the city’s slaughterhouse

A slaughterhouse, the Scluechthaus, was set up in the still independent municipality of Hollerich in 1902. Expanded in 1928 following the closure of the Pfaffenthal abattoirs, the Schluechthaus abattoirs now cover an area of 2.5 hectares. The abattoirs will remain in operation until 1997.

Since their closure, the premises have gradually become an emblem of street culture in Luxembourg’s capital. Graffiti artists and skateboarders take over the space. Graffiti jams” bring European artists together.

But after having hosted the jewels of Luxembourg’s industry, the district has remained out of action.

Hollerich’s transformation plans

Gradually, the old industrial wasteland is giving way to a new, more dynamic district, open to culture. Nevertheless, the residential sector has been forgotten until recently.

New projects are underway to transform the Hollerich district into a mix of residential, office, green spaces, restaurants and local shops. Several projects are under study: the Gates of Hollerich, Nei Hollerich,… A new interchange will be created to facilitate connections between streetcars, buses and trains.

Hollerich Village Eco-Responsible Project

A large-scale ecological project, “Hollerich Village”, combining a craft and commercial zone, should be created in the next few years.

This plan could thus give a heart of life to this district. This development project along the railroad is part of the larger “Hollerich Gate” project.

Conversion of the “Schluechthaus” slaughterhouses

Today, several architects are competing to determine the future of the Schluechthaus site. The aim is to create an intergenerational meeting place on this former site. The site is strategically located, surrounded by the future Portes de Hollerich eco-neighborhood and the Geesseknäppchen school campus.

The site will be fully integrated into the life of the Luxembourg capital. Leisure, shopping and cultural activities should be given priority, as should green spaces. The old structures will be preserved and enhanced, as some of them are classified as historical monuments.

The indoor skateboard, rollerblade and BMX park on Rue de l’Abattoir is set to continue.

A “Repair Café” has already been set up there. The damaged objects can thus find a new life. In addition, occasional multidisciplinary events regularly enliven the premises.

Hollerich, a lively, well-connected district

A place for culture and entertainment

With its main street, Rue Hollerich, the district is known for its many bars and restaurants. Popular at weekends and on weekdays, they accompany the neighborhood’s cultural venues: the Den Atelier concert hall and the Rue Emile Lavandier cultural center.

A wide range of schools

Hollerich is partly home to the Geesseknäppchen secondary school complex. This large campus straddling the Hollerich and Merl districts is home to the following Luxembourg secondary schools: Athénée de Luxembourg, Lycée Aline Mayrisch and Lycée Michel Rodange. It is also home to the ISL (International School of Luxembourg) , the ECG Business School and the Conservatoire de Luxembourg.

The campus also offers athletic facilities, including a track, several gyms, an Olympic-size swimming pool and a soccer field.

An early childhood school and a Luxembourg elementary school are also present on site, as well as a school home for day care.

Good transport links

The district benefits from excellent connections to the motorway network . The Bouillon P+R parking lot provides a gateway to the city for motorists, with direct access to public transport.

The Hollerich district is well served by 28 bus stops on routes 4, 12, 15, 17, 24, 125 CN1, CN3. Access to the main railway station is immediate.

There are also several vel’OH! self-service bicycle stations.

Living in Hollerich

The district of Hollerich represents the 2nd district of Luxembourg. It has the highest percentage of foreigners, after the Station district. Highly multicultural, it attracts a young population attracted by its entertainment and lower prices.

Less expensive in terms of rent than the adjoining Belair neighborhood, Hollerich attracts a diverse population.

For more information, see advertised sales prices and rents for apartments in Luxembourg.

See also our comparative study of the different districts of Luxembourg-City.

See the other districts of Luxembourg