Luxtoday
Clausen Central School, source: Ville de Luxembourg
Communes and neighborhoods

Clausen: a balanced duality in the heart of the capital of Luxembourg

This article delves into Clausen, covering its history, population dynamics, and living conditions. We explore its transport, infrastructure including schools, cultural centers, and healthcare, and its green parks.

Last time updated
04.04.24

Clausen, nestled within the fortified lower city of Luxembourg, stands as one of the oldest and smallest among the 24 districts that form the capital.

General characteristics of Clausen

Nestled to the east of Pfaffenthal and comfortably tucked southwest of Kirchberg, this historically rich quarter has proudly held UNESCO World Heritage status since 1994, a testament to its undeniable charm and timeless beauty. It's a place where history's touch is palpable in every cobblestone and ancient facade. Clausen, renowned for its dynamic nightlife and effervescent atmospheres, stands out as a strategic epicenter for those in pursuit of memorable adventures and vibrant evenings. This area, a harmonious blend of historical significance and contemporary zest, offers an unparalleled experience for both history enthusiasts and nightlife seekers.

Population of Clausen

The district is a home to a population of a mere thousand individuals, making Clausen the third least populous district in Luxembourg City. It hosts

0.80%
of the country's total population
1,060 residents
as of January 1, 2023

Clausen distinguishes itself with a significant international presence, as a remarkable 74.27% of its residents are from foreign countries. This high proportion of foreign-born residents ranks Clausen fourth among neighborhoods in Luxembourg City with the largest international populations, following Hollerich, Neudorf, and the Gare district.

Clausen Luxembourg prices people how much it costs to live in Luxembourg
Source: created with data from Ville de Luxembourg

This diverse demographic composition adds a unique cultural richness and international flair to Clausen, contributing to its distinct character within the capital.

Transport accessibility

Clausen, strategically positioned near the city center, boasts excellent transport accessibility, ensuring seamless connections for residents and visitors alike. Whether by car, bus, bicycle or on foot, the neighborhood provides diverse options for commuting.

Here's a breakdown of the various transportation modes:

By car
Commuting from Clausen to the city center is a breeze, requiring a mere 5 minutes, and the train station is reachable within 10 minutes. Parking in the neighborhood is relatively convenient, thanks to a central parking area.
By bus
The neighborhood is well-connected by several bus lines, including 9, 14, 15, 23, 26, and CN1. Traveling to the city center takes just under 10 minutes while reaching the train station is achieved in approximately 20 minutes.
By bike
Cycling emerges as one of the most efficient modes of transportation to Clausen. The journey to the city center takes a swift 5 minutes, and reaching the train station is a mere 10 minutes away. While there's only one Veloh self-service station, it's strategically located in the heart of the neighborhood.
By foot
For those who prefer a leisurely stroll, walking to Clausen is an ideal option. It takes around 10 to 15 minutes to reach the city center, depending on the starting point and walking pace. The journey to the train station requires a bit more time, ranging from 25 to 30 minutes.

Renting and buying real estate

The real estate market in Clausen, Luxembourg City, demonstrates competitive dynamics. As of the latest data, the average purchase price in this district is reported at 10,463 euros per square meter. This figure positions it slightly below the overall city average, which stands at 12,243 euros per square meter.

For buying the average price is 

11,463 euros/m2
in the Clausen
12,243 euros/m2
the capital's average

For renting the average price is 

30.93 euros/m2
in the Clausen
30.72 euros/m2
 the capital's average

On the rental front, Clausen exhibits a marginally higher rate compared to the city's average, with rental prices averaging 30.93 euros per square meter, as opposed to the capital's average of 30.58 euros per square meter.

Infrastructure of the neighborhood

What makes Clausen particularly attractive is its dual character. During the day, it's a tranquil residential area with beautiful green spaces and proximity to significant landmarks like the Alzette River and Parc des Trois Glands in Kirchberg. This peacefulness is balanced by a bustling nightlife. As evening falls, Clausen transforms into a lively district, renowned for its variety of bars and restaurants. This makes it a popular destination for both residents and visitors seeking a vibrant social scene.

Living in Clausen: advantages and disadvantages

Clausen's distinctive charm lies in its rich tapestry of infrastructure, seamlessly blending historical landmarks with modern amenities.

While the neighborhood boasts cultural gems like the birthplace of Robert Schuman and the remnants of Mansfeld Castle, it grapples with limitations in education facilities, primarily offering a fundamental school.

One of the drawbacks of the area is its limited supermarkets and shopping options, as it lacks a significant number of stores. This scarcity compels residents to venture into the city center to fulfill their more comprehensive shopping needs.

On the other hand, Clausen distinguishes itself as a vibrant nocturnal destination, especially in the Rives de Clausen area. This locality is celebrated for its dynamic nightlife scene, boasting an extensive array of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants that cater to a diverse array of tastes and preferences.

Pros and cons
Busy and multifaceted nightlife scene, presenting cultural and leisure options
Historical place, that can provide you with a charm of the country's past
Quiet and secluded corner close to the heart of the city, yet tranquill suring the day
No supermarkets, hospitals or various shopping options nearby
Impossible to reach with tram connection, though there are well-developed bus lines around
Ongoing archaeological excavations might be a point to consider

What is there in this quartier of Luxembourg City?

Clausen's distinctive charm lies in its rich tapestry of infrastructure, seamlessly blending historical landmarks with modern amenities. While the neighborhood boasts cultural gems like the birthplace of Robert Schuman and the remnants of Mansfeld Castle, it grapples with limitations in education facilities, primarily offering a fundamental school.

Rives de Clausen, source: Rives de Clausen Facebook Page
Sainte-Cunégonde Church, source: Luxembourg-city website
Mansfeld Park, source: Ville de Luxembourg
Source: INS website
Schools, creches, and education
Cultural centers
Healthcare
Parks, nature places and kids playgrounds
Sports infrastructure
Shopping and restaurants in Gare

Historical overview

Clausen, an integral part of Luxembourg's historical tapestry, has been a settlement since the Middle Ages. Crowned by the Altmünster Plateau overlooking the Alzette River, it once hosted the 11th-century Benedictine Abbey of Munster, from which the district derives its name ('claustra,' meaning enclosure).

Long story short

The abbey fell victim to the forces of Charles V in 1543, prompting its relocation to Grund. Shortly thereafter, Clausen witnessed the imprint of Pierre-Ernest de Mansfeld, the city's governor from 1545 to 1604. Mansfeld erected an expansive Renaissance castle, among the most splendid in Europe, leveraging the abundant natural springs to create numerous fountains, thus christened Château La Fontaine. In a twist of fate, Mansfeld bequeathed the castle to the King of Spain upon his demise, hoping for better preservation. However, the king stripped it of sculptures and showed disinterest, leading the castle to decay rapidly, and the district to slip into obscurity.

Monks and beer

Despite the waning prominence, Clausen found a distinctive identity in its brewing heritage. The narrative unfolds within the walls of the Münster Abbey, where Benedictine monks pioneered beer brewing in Luxembourg, likely on the current site along the Clausen riverbanks. The brewing legacy endured in the neighborhood, with various facilities, under different names, continuing the tradition. Over the years, these brewing facilities changed ownership multiple times but consistently contributed to the neighborhood's beer-making legacy.
Beer in Clausen Luxembourg
Former Mousel Brewery, source: Wikipedia

Clausen, once graced by a majestic castle and ecclesiastical importance, evolved through history, leaving an indelible mark as a hub of brewing excellence that endured, echoing the resilience and adaptability inherent in this quaint Luxembourgish enclave.

faq

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What makes Clausen a unique neighborhood in Luxembourg?

What are the pros and cons of living in Clausen?

What transportation options are available in Clausen?

We took photos from these sources: Ville de Luxembourg, Immotop.lu, Wikipedia

Authors: Luz
Was this article helpful?
Very helpful!
Informative!
I didn’t get it.
This is outdated.