Luxembourg is a small but beautiful country nestled between Belgium, France and Germany. Though it's one of Europe's smallest countries by area, Luxembourg punches above its weight when it comes to natural beauty. Around one-third of the country is protected green space, providing ample opportunities for nature lovers who call Luxembourg home.
If you're looking to live surrounded by lush forests, rolling green hills and meandering rivers, Luxembourg has no shortage of idyllic neighborhoods and villages that offer easy access to the great outdoors. Here are the top 7 most nature-filled neighborhoods in Luxembourg for outdoor enthusiasts and natural beauty seekers.
1. Esch-sur-Alzette
The second largest city in Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette lies in the southwestern corner of the country. It's located directly on the border with France and encompasses part of Luxembourg's "Green Belt," a swath of protected natural areas.
The city contains over 2,300 acres of green space, including the Hengescht Natural Park. Crisscrossed with hiking trails, the park contains meadows, forests and ponds that provide habitat for local wildlife. Parts of the valley along the Alzette River have also been left in their natural state.
For green living right in town, neighborhoods like Belval and Raemerich offer direct access to walking trails while still providing urban amenities and conveniences. Belval borders Red Rock, a former industrial wasteland that's been reclaimed by nature and features unique rock formations.
2. Strassen
Just west of Luxembourg City lies the commune of Strassen, which contains nearly 1,000 acres of protected green space. The main draw is the Kaltreis Valley, a nature reserve containing wetlands, meadows and mixed forests.
Nearby, the commune's many parks and green corridors, like the ones along the Mamer River, provide natural spaces for residents to enjoy. For people who work in the capital but want to be surrounded by nature, Strassen provides the perfect balance of accessibility and green space.
3. Bertrange
South of Strassen and still close to Luxembourg City, Bertrange contains a massive nature reserve called Marais de Bertrange. Spanning nearly 600 acres, this protected wetland area consists of marshes, ponds, reed beds and riparian forests, providing an excellent habitat for birds, amphibians and insects.
With over 200 bird species recorded here, the Marais de Bertrange is a top spot for birdwatching in Luxembourg. A network of walking paths allows visitors to explore the reserve and its diverse wildlife. For nature lovers, Bertrange offers small town living right next to this exceptional natural site.
4. Larochette
Nestled along the White Ernz River Valley in central Luxembourg, Larochette charms visitors with its medieval castle ruins overlooking the quaint town center. But venturing beyond the castle walls reveals Larochette's surrounding natural bounty.
The valley contains protected forested areas perfect for hiking and cycling. The Ernz Noire Natural Park sits just north of town, while the Hoffelt Plateau to the south offers dramatic clifftop views along walking paths. Larochette provides a great home base for exploring central Luxembourg's wooded valleys, rivers and rolling hills.
5. Vianden
Tucked away in Luxembourg's picturesque northern region, Vianden sits within a rugged, forested landscape carved out by the Our River. Its crowning jewel is the breathtaking Vianden Castle surrounded by lush, sloping hills.
Steps from the castle lies the Vianden-Echternach Nature Park, containing mixed forests, meadows and streams. Nearby woodlands like the Sierck-les-Bains Forest offer many kilometers of marked hiking trails with scenic overlooks.
For nature lovers who also want proximity to history and culture, Vianden's beautiful setting adjacent to forests and valleys creates an ideal living environment.
6. Beaufort
Surrounded by forests and straddling the Wiltz River, Beaufort gives you the opportunity to be immersed in nature while only being a 10-minute drive from larger towns.
Over half of the commune is forest, including parts of the Upper Sûre Nature Park that surrounds the Upper Sûre Lake Reservoir. Trails for hiking and nordic skiing abound across the rolling green hills and woodlands.
The castle ruins perched above Beaufort provide panoramic views of the verdant river valley. Whether you love the woods or want to live on the water's edge, Beaufort offers idyllic country living steeped in natural beauty.
7. Dudelange
Located where Luxembourg meets Germany and Belgium, Dudelange incorporates forests, farmlands, rivers and parks into the fabric of the city. The protected green corridor along the Dudelange River serves as an urban oasis for walking or cycling.
To the north, Dudelange Radio Tower Natural Park contains over 75 acres of trails traversing wooded hills and overlooks. For an even wilder experience, head south to Dudelange-Burange Nature Park, where you can explore the diverse landscape along the Woltz River.
From city parks to massive nature reserves, Dudelange provides plentiful opportunities to enjoy the outdoors just steps from your front door.
Benefits of Green Neighborhoods in Luxembourg
Beyond just having pretty scenery, living in nature-filled neighborhoods and communes in Luxembourg provides many lifestyle benefits.
- Better access to hiking, biking, birdwatching and other outdoor activities. Luxembourg's protected forests and reserves give you plenty of options right near home.
- Less noise and more clean air. Green spaces muffle sounds and filter pollutants from the environment.
- Peaceful surroundings. Being immersed in nature helps reduce stress.
- Spaces for kids to play and explore. Natural areas near home provide enrichment for children.
- Greater biodiversity. Nearby forests and wetlands support a diversity of plant and animal species.
- Enhanced real estate value. Properties located next to green spaces often enjoy higher property values.
No matter where in Luxembourg you choose to settle, you're never far from nature. But for homebuyers who want their daily life deeply embedded within beautiful natural surroundings, these neighborhoods offer idyllic locations.
Luxembourgers are known to be keen lovers of the outdoors. Hiking, cycling, camping and watersports are all hugely popular nationwide pastimes. By opting to live within or adjacent to the country's many protected green spaces, you can easily embrace Luxembourg's active, eco-friendly lifestyle.
Conclusion
For nature lovers, Luxembourg offers the best of both worlds: extensive protected green spaces on its outskirts coupled with green corridors weaving through the interior. Even if you settle in a suburb or city, it's simple to enjoy daily nature immersion while still having urban amenities close by.
Options like Strassen, Bertrange and Larochette put you just a quick jaunt from the capital while letting you homebase right next to exceptional nature reserves. Or if you don't mind being further afield, places like Vianden and Beaufort deliver total immersion into Luxembourg's idyllic rivers, hills and forests.
Wherever you choose, embracing Luxembourg's many green neighborhoods promises a sustainable lifestyle filled with outdoor adventure and natural beauty.
FAQ About Green Neighborhoods in Luxembourg
What are the greenest neighborhoods around Luxembourg City?
Some of the most nature-filled neighborhoods near Luxembourg City include Strassen, Bertrange, Bridel and Leudelange. All offer quick access to forests, nature reserves, rivers and parks just minutes from the capital.
Are there hiking trails in Luxembourg's city parks?
Yes, many of Luxembourg City's largest parks like the Pétrusse Valley and Notre Dame Forest contain extensive hiking trails. Smaller neighborhood parks also often have short walking paths.
What types of natural landscapes can be found in Luxembourg?
Luxembourg has a diversity of landscapes including dense forests, rolling hills, river valleys, craggy cliffs, wetlands and lakes. Different regions contain unique natural features and ecosystems.
Where are the best birdwatching spots in Luxembourg?
Top birding locations include Mullerthal's river valleys, the Upper Sûre Lake, the Alzette River, the Marais de Bertrange wetlands, and Vianden's forests.
Do all neighborhoods in Luxembourg have access to parks?
Nearly all populated areas in Luxembourg have at least small green spaces. Larger parks exist across cities and towns, often connected by nature corridors along rivers and streams.
