Pfaffenthal, an ancient district nestled in the Alzette Valley

The Pfaffenthal (Pafendall) district is one of the 24 districts of Luxembourg City. Located at the foot of the Rock, below the Grande Duchesse Charlotte Bridge, it stretches from Kirchberg to Limpertsberg, to the northeast of the Upper Town, near the railway viaduct.

Pfaffenthal is a picturesque district of Luxembourg City. With its historic charm, narrow streets, and old houses, it offers a unique, almost timeless atmosphere.

Long isolated, it has become more attractive thanks to the installation of a funicular railway and a panoramic elevator, which provide quick connections to neighboring districts. This authentic setting appeals to those seeking a quiet environment while remaining close to the urban hustle and bustle. However, its terrain and limited development make it a more atypical district than other residential areas of the capital.

Population in the Pfaffenthal neighborhood

	Pfaffenthal neighborhood	City of Luxembourg
Number of inhabitants as of January 1, 2025	1,343	136,208
Number of different nationalities	75	169
% of foreigners in the total population	61.21	70.13
Quality of life rating (out of 100) given by residents	86	77.84

The population of Pfaffenthal consists mainly of working people between the ages of 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 listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. Long overlooked and unloved, Pfaffenthal has emerged from the shadows since its isolation was ended by the panoramic elevator that connects it directly to the Upper Town.

It has a unique atmosphere, quite different from other districts of Luxembourg City.

The Pfaffenthal district feels like a small village frozen in time. It has a calm and peaceful atmosphere, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the Upper Town.

Previously home to 2,500 inhabitants, the dismantling of the fortress in the 19th century led to the neighborhood being abandoned, and today it has a population of just 1,300.

Pfaffenthal (Pafendal in Luxembourgish) retains traces of its Roman and artisanal past. The road connecting Reims to Trier crossedthe Alzette River here. The neighborhood then thrived on its small industries, with bistros and shops welcoming residents and travelers alike. Today, it still has narrow, cobbled streets that are very peaceful.

However, the neighborhood is now enjoying a new lease of life. Thanks to the Pfaffenthal panoramic elevator, which opened in July 2016, the neighborhood is connected to the Upper Town on one side. On the other side, the funicular provides direct access to the tramway and the Kirchberg neighborhood.

Amenities in Pfaffenthal, Luxembourg

With the recent opening up of Pfaffenthal, the neighborhood is enjoying a new lease on life. Professionals such as osteopaths, physical therapists, and lawyers are once again moving in, and local shops and bistros are coming back to life.

The former Muerbelsmillen mustard factory has been renovated. Part of it has been converted into the "Moschterfabrik" museum and the other part into student accommodation.

The Holy Spirit Convent has also been renovated. It now houses a retirement home.

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

The Pfaffenthal elevator, opened in 2016, carries more than 30,000 people per month, including residents and tourists. It now provides quick access to the Pescatore park in the Upper Town. On the other side of the valley, the funicular and its connection to the tramway provide quick access to Kirchberg, at the Pont Rouge.

Schools: There is a preschool and elementary school in this neighborhood. It is located on Rue du Pont.

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

Leisure and recreation: nestled on the banks of the Alzette, the neighborhood offers plenty of space to relax. It is ideal for cycling and jogging. There are several green spaces, including Odendahl Park, a community garden, and four playgrounds.

The Alzette Valley will play a prominent role in the LUGA 2025 exhibition, showcasing urban gardens.

Sports enthusiasts can practice their favorite sport on a soccer field, a multi-sport field, and at the Gaston Diderich Stadium.

Living in Pfaffenthal, Luxembourg

The neighborhood is a protected area. Its residents have lived there for a long time.

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

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

New construction is rare, except for social housing. Many empty buildings belong to the municipality. The few private mansions available are offered at very high prices. Few properties are for sale or rent, which explains the fairly significant annual variations.

Residents highlight the difficulty of accessing the neighborhood despite the presence of the funicular and its connection to the tramway. They would also like to see more green spaces and leisure areas for young people in the neighborhood.

Price per square meter for sale	Price per square meter for rent
€10,285	€33.99
12.66% increase over one year	24.82% decrease over one year
Comparison with Luxembourg City: €11,816/m²	Comparison with Luxembourg City: €34.14/m2