Luxembourg municipalities, towns, and villages

Luxembourg has 100 municipalities spread across 12 cantons. From the city of Luxembourg to the residential municipalities on its outskirts, including the towns in the south and the more rural areas, the choice of where to live directly influences housing, transportation, schooling, and daily life.

For expatriates and newcomers, understanding how municipalities are organized also helps them know which local government office to contact for many local administrative procedures.

How are municipalities organized in Luxembourg?

The municipality is the local administrative unit in Luxembourg. Each municipality may comprise one or more localities, villages, or neighborhoods.

The 100 municipalities are divided among 12 cantons: Capellen, Clervaux, Diekirch, Echternach, Esch-sur-Alzette, Grevenmacher, Luxembourg, Mersch, Redange, Remich, Vianden, and Wiltz. The cantons do not have their own administration comparable to that of a municipality.

At the municipal level, residents elect the municipal council. Municipal elections are held every six years. The mayor and the aldermen then administer the municipality within the scope of the powers assigned to them.

For a newcomer, the municipality quickly becomes an important point of contact, particularly for formalities related to arrival and residency.

Understanding the right to vote and elections in Luxembourg.

What are the largest cities and municipalities in Luxembourg?

Luxembourg’s population is distributed very unevenly across the country. Luxembourg City tops the list by a wide margin, while several of the most populous municipalities are located in the southern part of the country.

Luxembourg City is the country’s most populous municipality

As of January 1, 2026, Luxembourg City had a population of 137,678, representing approximately one in five of the country’s residents. It is by far the most populous municipality in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

Asthe political and economic capital, Luxembourg City is home to a large number of jobs, services, businesses, schools, and infrastructure. Its highly international character also makes it a popular destination for expatriates.

Discover where to live in Luxembourg City and its various neighborhoods.

Esch-sur-Alzette, Differdange, and Dudelange: the major cities in the south

After the capital, the three most populous municipalities are located in the southern part of the country. As of January 1, 2026, Esch-sur-Alzette had 38,275 residents, Differdange had 31,515 residents, and Dudelange had 22,377 residents.

Southern Luxembourg has historically been shaped by the steel and mining industries and has undergone a profound transformation in recent years. Esch-sur-Alzette and the neighboring district of Belval are prime examples of this transformation, featuring new housing, cultural facilities, economic and academic activities, all while showcasing the industrial heritage.

Municipality	Population as of January 1, 2026	Key Facts
Luxembourg	137,678	Capital and Largest Job Market
Esch-sur-Alzette	38,275	The country’s second-largest municipality, in the heart of southern Luxembourg
Differdange	31,515	A large municipality in the southwest
Dudelange	22,377	A city in the south near the French border

Where to live around Luxembourg City?

The municipalities in the inner suburbs around the capital are particularly popular with people who want to stay close to Luxembourg City without necessarily living there.

Depending on where you work and your daily needs, you might want to consider:

• to the west: Strassen and Bertrange;
• to the southwest: Leudelange;
• to the southeast: Hespérange;
• to the east: Sandweiler and Schuttrange;
• to the northeast: Niederanven;
• to the north: Walferdange;
• to the northwest: Kopstal.

These municipalities on the outskirts of Luxembourg City offer easy access to the capital’s jobs and services while providing different residential environments, some of which are even more nature-oriented. Commute times, however, can vary significantly depending on the time of day, mode of transportation, and the exact location of your home.

That said, Luxembourg offers free public transportation throughout the entire country. Before signing a lease or buying your new home, be sure to check which routes and schedules are actually available from your intended address.

Which municipality should you choose if you have children?

For an expat family, choosing a municipality isn’t just about the cost of housing. The proximity of schools and childcare facilities for your children can significantly impact your daily routine. Note, however, that every municipality offers its residents free enrollment in the local primary school (the Luxembourg school system) and high-quality childcare facilities known as “Maisons relais.”

Before choosing your home, be sure to find out about:

• the elementary school corresponding to your place of residence;
• childcare facilities and “Maisons relais”;
• childcare options for young children;
• school and public transportation;
• local sports and cultural activities;
• the distance between home and the parents’ workplaces.

Understanding childcare options in Luxembourg and how the public elementary school system works.

Municipalities Sought After by Newcomers to Luxembourg

Some municipalities are notable for having a majority of foreign residents:

• City of Luxembourg: 72.6%
• Strassen: 65.1%
• Bertrange: 56.9%
• Esch-sur-Alzette: 56.1%
• Hesperange: 55%
• Kopstal: 54.7%
• Walferdange: 54.4%
• Mamer: 54.1%
• Larochette: 53.1%
• Differdange: 52.3%
• Sandweiler: 51.1%

These municipalities are often favored for their accessibility, range of services, and international atmosphere.

Over time, many expats choose to move away from urban centers to enjoy a quieter setting and more affordable prices.

How do you choose a municipality when moving to Luxembourg?

There is no single “ideal” municipality for all expats. The right choice depends above all on your workplace, your family situation, your transportation options, and your housing budget.

Criteria	What to Check
Housing	Rent or purchase price, square footage, utilities, and availability of properties
Work	Actual commute time during rush hour
Transportation	Trains, trams, buses, and connections from the neighborhood
Children	Schools, daycare centers, after-school care centers, and extracurricular activities
Living Environment	Downtown, residential neighborhood, village, or rural setting
Services	Shops, doctors, recreational activities, and local services

To round out your search, check out real estate market prices in Luxembourg and our tips for choosing where to live in Luxembourg.

Some Popular Towns Around the Capital

Our dedicated pages on certain towns favored by expats in Luxembourg allow you to learn more about the localities, the quality of life, and the unique features of each area.

Town	Towns or Areas
Bertrange	West of Luxembourg City
Hespérange	Hespérange, Howald, Itzig, Alzingen, and Fentange
Niederanven	Northeast of the capital and the Senningerberg area
Sandweiler	East of Luxembourg City
Strassen	Immediately west of Luxembourg City
Walferdange	Walferdange, Bereldange, and Helmsange
Luxembourg City	The capital’s various neighborhoods

Which towns and villages should you visit in Luxembourg?

Choosing a town to live in is one thing; exploring the country is another. Several towns and villages offer a deeper understanding of Luxembourg’s history, industrial heritage, and European identity.

Luxembourg City

The capital combines business districts, European institutions, residential neighborhoods, and historic heritage. It is also the country’s main economic and demographic hub.

Learn more about Luxembourg City.

Esch-sur-Alzette and Belval

Esch-sur-Alzette is the country’s second-most populous municipality. Its industrial history remains very much alive, while the development of Belval symbolizes the transformation of former steel industry brownfields. Esch-sur-Alzette was also named the European Capital of Culture in 2022.

Schengen

Located on the banks of the Moselle, near the French and German borders, Schengen holds a special place in European history. The Schengen Agreement was signed there on June 14, 1985, followed by the implementing convention on June 19, 1990. The implementation of the area without internal border controls began in 1995.

Learn more about Luxembourg and the European integration process.

Echternach

Echternach is considered the oldest city in Luxembourg. Its dancing procession, held on Pentecost Tuesday, has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2010.

Discover the Echternach Dancing Procession.

Vianden

Vianden is particularly known for its castle, which overlooks the Our Valley. The town is a popular destination for exploring northern Luxembourg and its historical heritage.

Plan your visits to Luxembourg.

Clervaux

Clervaux is located in the northern part of the country. Its castle is home to the photography exhibition “The Family of Man,” curated by Edward Steichen.

Discover Luxembourg’s museums and cultural centers.

Esch-sur-Sûre

Nestled in a bend of the Sûre River, Esch-sur-Sûre is a small town in the northwestern part of the country, in the heart of the Haute-Sûre Nature Park. Its natural surroundings and cultural heritage make it a popular stop for exploring this region.

Discover other must-see attractions and activities in Luxembourg.

FAQs about Luxembourg’s towns and cities

How many municipalities are there in Luxembourg?

Luxembourg has 100 municipalities. They are divided among 12 cantons.

How many cities are there in Luxembourg?

Twelve municipalities officially hold the title of city: Luxembourg, Diekirch, Differdange, Dudelange, Echternach, Esch-sur-Alzette, Ettelbruck, Grevenmacher, Remich, Rumelange, Vianden, and Wiltz.

What is the largest city in Luxembourg?

Luxembourg City is by far the most populous municipality in the country. As of January 1, 2025, it had a population of 136,161, ahead of Esch-sur-Alzette, Differdange, and Dudelange.

Which municipality should you choose to live near Luxembourg City?

The choice depends on where you work, your budget, and your needs. Strassen, Bertrange, Hespérange, Walferdange, Niederanven, Sandweiler, and Schuttrange are among the municipalities located around the capital. Be sure to compare actual commute times, public transportation, housing, and—for families—schools and childcare facilities.

Is public transportation free between municipalities in Luxembourg?

Yes. National public transportation is free in second class in Luxembourg. This applies in particular to buses, trains operating within the country, and the tram. Cross-border trips and certain services or classes are still subject to specific fare conditions.

Should you choose a municipality before looking for a public school?

Your place of residence is important for public elementary education, which is organized locally. If you’re moving to Luxembourg with children, find out about the local schools and childcare options before finalizing your housing choice.