Pfaffenthal, an ancient district nestled in the Alzette Valley

Pfaffenthal Luxembourg

Pfaffenthal (Pafendall) is one of Luxembourg City's 24 districts. It is nestled in the Alzette valley.

Located at the foot of the Rocher, below the Grande Duchesse Charlotte bridge, it stretches from the Kirchberg to the Limpertsberg, as far as the north-east of the Ville Haute, near the railway viaduct. Pfaffenthal is nestled

Population in the Pfaffenthal district

Pfaffenthal districtLuxembourg City
Number of inhabitants on January 1, 20231.303132.778
Number of different nationalities75167
% foreigners in total population61,73%70,8%
Source: City of Luxembourg

The population of Pfaffenthal tends to be made up of working people aged between 30 and 59.

The historic village of Pfaffenthal in Luxembourg

The oldest district in the capital of the Grand Duchy, Pfaffenthal has been inhabited since Roman times. Like the Grund and Clausen districts, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. Pfaffenthal has long been overlooked and unappreciated, but now that the panoramic elevator linking it directly to the upper town has been opened up, it has come out of the shadows.

It has a very special atmosphere, quite different from other parts of Luxembourg City.

The Pfaffenthal district is like a small village out of time. It has a calm and peaceful atmosphere, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the Ville-Haute.

Previously home to 2,500 inhabitants, the dismantling of the fortress in the 19th century left the area abandoned, and it now has 1,300 inhabitants.

Pfaffenthal (Pafendal in Lëtzebuergesch) bears witness to its Roman and artisan past. The road linking Reims and Trier crossed theAlzette here. In those days, the district lived off its small industries, with bistros and shops catering to locals and travelers alike. Today, the narrow, cobbled streets are still very peaceful.

Today, however, the district is enjoying a new lease of life. Thanks to the Pfaffenthal panoramic elevator, which opened in July 2016, the district is linked to the Ville-Haute on one side. On the other, the funicular provides direct access to the tramway and the Kirchberg district.

Pfaffenthal amenities in Luxembourg

The recent opening-up of Pfaffenthal has given the area a new lease of life. Professionals such as osteopaths, physiotherapists and lawyers are once again moving in, and local shops and bistros are coming back to life.

The former Muerbelsmillen mustard factory has been refurbished. One part has been converted into a "Moschterfabrik" museum and the other into student accommodation.

The Convent of the Holy Spirit has also been renovated. It now houses a residence for the elderly.

Transport/bus : Only buses 23 and CN1 pass through this neighborhood, with 9 bus stops.

The Pfaffenthal elevator, opened in 2016, transports more than 30,000 residents and tourists every month. It now provides quick access to the Ville-Haute's Pescatore park. On the other side of the valley, the funicular and its connection to the tramway provide rapid access to Kirchberg, at Pont Rouge level.

Schools: There is a precocious and fundamental school in this neighborhood. It is located on rue du Pont.

Shops: There is just one small grocery store. See shopping section.

Relaxation and leisure: nestling on the banks of the Alzette river, the district offers plenty of space for relaxation. It's ideal for cycling and jogging. There are several green spaces, including Parc Odendahl, a community garden and 4 playgrounds.

Sports enthusiasts can practice their favorite sport on a soccer pitch, a multi-sports field and the Stade Gaston Diderich.

Living at Pfaffenthal, Luxembourg

The neighborhood is a protected area. Residents have lived there for many years.

The Pfaffenthal district is undergoing a major transformation. Its strategic location between the Kirchberg business district and the city center makes it an ideally situated district, long disadvantaged by its isolation.

To find out more about the city of Luxembourg, read our study on the subject.

New construction is rare here, apart from social housing. Many empty buildings belong to the municipality. The few private mansions are offered at very high prices. Few products are for sale or rent, which explains the fairly wide annual variations.

Price per m2 for saleRental price per m2
9,500 euros35.33 euros
Up 15.41% year-on-yearUp 23.14% year-on-year
Luxembourg City comparison: 12,056 euros/m2 Center region comparison: 30.53 euros/m2
Source Immotop - October 2023

Want to know more about prices and the property market in Luxembourg? Follow this link

 Find out more about the districts of Luxembourg City

BeggenBelair
BonnevoieVille-Haute / Historic center
CentsCessange
ClausenDommeldange
EichStation
GasperichGrund
HammHollerich
KirchbergLimpertsberg
MerlMühlenbach
Neudorf- WeimershofPfaffenthal
PulvermühleRollingergrund
Weimerskirch Luxembourg City

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