Alzette Valley

Alzette Valley

A connection between nature, history, and picturesque neighbourhoods

The Alzette valley is a unique space where natural landscapes and historical charm blend harmoniously. Between forest paths and landscaped riverbanks, it crosses several emblematic districts of Luxembourg City:

• Grund, with its cobbled streets, colorful houses, and riverside cafés, offers a lively and welcoming atmosphere.
• Pfaffenthal, a former working-class district, is now a peaceful area where history and modernity coexist. Its steep streets and bridges – don't miss the view from the Pont Grande-Duchesse Charlotte and the crossing of the Béinchen bridge –  give it an authentic charm.
• The Pulvermühl and Hamm districts, where the valley becomes greener, features shaded trails, fitness paths, and playgrounds for children. It is an ideal setting for a nature escape. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the steep trails that connect the lower valley to the city's heights.

📍 Easily accessible on foot from the Ville Haute (central old town) or the Kirchberg plateau, or even from the Bonnevoie district, the valley offers a rich experience combining heritage, nature, relaxation, and picturesque discoveries.

Outdoor activities in the Alzette valley

Whether you enjoy relaxing walks or outdoor sports, the Alzette valley offers a variety of activities:

• Hiking and walking: Explore forest trails like Écureuil, Tilleul, and Fouine, perfect for fresh air and nature walks. For a different experience, paths also descend from Fort Thüngen and the Dräi Eechelen Museum, providing a direct connection between Kirchberg and the valley. These routes wind through wooded slopes and lead to Pfaffenthal and Clausen.
• Cycling: Ride along designated bike paths and explore the valley with ease.
• Outdoor fitness areas: Freely accessible fitness stations are available for everyone  in the Pulvermuhl district.

A rich heritage along the Alzette

Beyond its natural landscapes, the Alzette valley is a key witness to the historical and economic evolution of Luxembourg. Its route is dotted with iconic sites that tell the story of the country through the centuries:

• The remains of fortifications and military structures: The Pfaffenthal played a strategic role in Luxembourg's defense. Once integrated into the city's fortifications, it housed bastions, ramparts, and barracks. Today, some of these structures are part of the UNESCO World Heritage, notably the Vauban fortifications.
• The Panoramic Elevator Pfaffenthal: In 30 seconds, it transports visitors from the valley to the Upper Town, offering spectacular views over the district and the river. A modern way to connect heritage with contemporary urbanism.
• An artisanal and industrial past: Since the Middle Ages, Pfaffenthal has been a center for artisanal activity. Thanks to the waters of the Alzette, the district flourished with mills, tanneries, and breweries, making the valley an economic hub. Today, several sites recall this past, including:
  • The former Schlaïfmillen textile factory: Once a bustling textile mill, it now hosts artists who use the space to create and exhibit their works.
  • The Théiwesbuer: a former public washhouse in Pfaffenthal, dating back to 1882, which stands as a testament to the everyday life of past centuries.
  • The Muerbelsmillen: A former mill that operated as a mustard factory until 1985.

Whether you're looking for a picturesque stroll, a historical discovery, or an immersion in nature, the Alzette valley offers a unique experience in the heart of Luxembourg City. Follow its paths, explore its emblematic districts, take in its contrasting landscapes, and discover a new perspective of the capital.

LUGA 2025: A unique experience in the Alzette valley

From May 7 to October 18, 2025, the Alzette valley will host part of the LUGA – Luxembourg Urban Garden, a temporary open-air exhibition described as “an open-air ideas laboratory” that will transform the landscape into a space for artistic and social experimentation.

Within the Alzette valley, visitors will discover landscape and artistic installations that explore the connection between art, nature, and society. The valley will become a meeting place where immersive installations, participatory workshops, and discussions will focus on the challenges of urban and natural spaces.

💡 A unique opportunity to rediscover the Alzette valley from a fresh perspective—where art, reflection, and nature converge!
 

Alzette Valley in pictures

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Prepare your visit with our free guides!

📖 Download our free pocket guide to explore the city's history, culture, and must-see attractions. Whether you're visiting for the first time or a regular explorer, this guide will help you uncover the city's hidden gems.

🚴‍♂️ Prefer a bike tour? Download the Luxembourg City Bike Promenade and ride through the city's most scenic cycling routes, including a stunning circuit in the Alzette valley.

📍 Available for free download or at the Luxembourg City Tourist Office.

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