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Contern commune: a capital's neighboring south-eastern community
In this article, we'll enter into this vibrant community, examining its population dynamics, key landmarks, and significant aspects such as education, culture, healthcare, and real estate trends.
With 4,477 residents as of December 18, 2023, Contern may seem modest in size, but it boasts a remarkable feature: its residents' average monthly salary stands at 9,907 euros, positioning it as the seventh commune in terms of median income.
General characteristics of Contern commune
Contern, a commune of Luxembourg, lies adjacent to the capital within the Luxembourg canton. It is bordered by Suttrange to the north, Sandweiler to the northwest, Hesperange to the west, Weiler-la-Tour to the southwest, Dalheim to the south, Bous-Waldbredimus to the southeast, and Lenningen to the northeast.
Comprising four distinct localities, namely Contern itself, along with Medingen, Moutfort, and Oetrange, the commune offers tranquil village settings, enveloped in natural beauty, just under 20 minutes away from the bustling capital. Accessible via national routes N2 and N28, as well as several secondary roads, Contern provides residents with a serene living environment coupled with convenient connectivity to Luxembourg City.
Population of the commune
As of December 18, 2023, Contern's population stood at 4,477 individuals, making it the 42nd largest commune out of the 102 in the country, representing 0.66% of the nation's total population. Contern emerges as the most densely populated locality, with 1,868 inhabitants, followed by Moutfort, Oetrange, and Medingen.
37%
of the residents are of the foreign origins
4,477
residents live in Contern commune
20.55
square kilometers of territory
Source: created with data from contern.lu
The commune maintains a foreign resident percentage of 37.35%, significantly lower than the capital's average of 70.44%. In terms of area, Contern spans 20.55 km2, ranking 54th in size among the 102 communes in the country.
Transport accessibility
Connectivity plays a pivotal role in the livability of Contern, ensuring residents have easy access to neighboring areas and Luxembourg City. We'll examine the various modes of transportation available within the commune.
By car
Contern enjoys good connectivity with the capital via the national routes N2 and N28, along with several secondary roads. Thanks to this robust network, a journey to the city center takes just under 20 minutes.
By bus
The commune is served by the General Road Transport Scheme (RGTR) with numerous lines, including 324, 325, 327, 401, 403, 404, 411, 421, 422, 455, 456, and 4OU. Travel time to the capital varies due to the commune's size but generally ranges from half an hour to 45 minutes. Additionally, the municipality operates a reservation-based bus service, the Conti Bus, offering flexible transport to any destination within Contern and its vicinity.
By bicycle
While biking to the capital is impractical due to the distance, moving between villages within the commune is convenient, with journeys typically taking 10 to 20 minutes. It's also feasible to bike to neighboring villages like Sandweiler, Schuttrange, Trintange, or Syren within a maximum of 20 minutes.
By train
The municipality is connected to the rail network via line 30, running from Luxembourg to Wasserbillig, with stations at Sandweiler-Contern and Oetrange. These stations facilitate easy access to the capital and enable travel to other destinations across the country by rail.
You can check in detail all the transportation options on the transportation page of the Contern commune or get detailed instructions to get from one point to another on mobilitet.lu and its route planner.
Renting and buying real estate
Contern presents the advantage of offering a pleasant rural environment, close to nature and removed from the hustle and bustle of the capital, yet conveniently located just a short distance away, with considerably more affordable prices. Real estate prices remain relatively uniform throughout the commune, with minimal variations between each locality.
Source: created with data from immotop.lu (prices from February 2024)
The average purchase prices in the municipality stand at 8,753 euros/m², significantly lower than the capital's average of 12,468 euros/m², while rental prices are at 23.71 euros/m², also well below the capital's average of 32.07 euros/m². Detailed price information for each locality can be observed in the accompanying graph.
For buying the average price is
8,753 euros/m2
in the commune
12,243 euros/m2
the capital's average in 2024
For renting the average price is
23.71 euros/m2
in the commune
30.72 euros/m2
the capital's average
Applications, search, and profound advice in our guide to renting
Infrastructure of the commune
Contern is equipped with everything its residents need, making life easier and more enjoyable for everyone. The town boasts great schools, like the Contern Um Ewent Primary School, healthcare services from a variety of doctors, and places to stay active and have fun, including the Contern Omnisports Hall and tennis courts. In short, Contern works hard to make sure its community has access to all the essentials.
Contern has a lot to offer for its community's well-being, even though it might not have as many options as the big city. Still, with supermarkets like Gran Frais and local stores around, living in Contern is pretty convenient, even if it's a bit quieter and smaller scale compared to the hustle and bustle of the capital.
Place to call home
If you're considering making Luxembourg your new home, we encourage you to explore our range of articles that look in depth at the different city communes and neighborhoods.
Pros and cons of living in the Contern commune
Contern's location offers an ideal blend of proximity to the capital and excellent connectivity through various roads and the national routes N2 and N28.
Moreover, the commune stands out for its affordable real estate prices, approximately 30% lower for purchasing and 25% lower for renting compared to the capital.
Though it's true that the commune doesn't have everything. Most of its cultural activities happen in community halls, and you won't find theaters, museums, or movie theaters here. Also, if you're looking for high schools or big shopping centers, you'll have to head to the capital. While Contern has a lot of charm, residents do sometimes need to travel for more options and amenities.
Pros and cons
Contern is close to the capital, making it convenient for residents.
The area is well-connected through various roads and national routes, ensuring easy travel.
Real estate prices in Contern are affordable, offering good value for homebuyers.
The commune boasts a rural ambiance and is home to numerous nature trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
The infrastructure in Contern is limited, which may affect convenience.
Cultural offerings are sparse, with few events and activities.
There are no theaters, museums, or cinemas in Contern, limiting entertainment options.
The absence of secondary schools and major retail outlets requires residents to go elsewhere for these services.
What can you find in this commune?
Contern is a peaceful place with a countryside feel, full of walking paths and natural beauty that offer a calm lifestyle. The commune website showcases that there are many communal events and happenings, and that the community lives a bright life and shares a lot with each other. Besides, there are educational facilities, shopping and cultural places and more.
Schools, creches, and education
Contern provides primary education through its public institution, the Contern Um Ewent Primary School, along with childcare services conveniently located within the same facility. Several daycare centers, such as Le Paradis des Enfants and Abc in Contern, and Spillkëscht Mutfert Elisabeth and Sunflower Montessori in Moutfort, cater to the needs of younger children.
Contern Um Ewent Primary School
Maison Relais
Le Paradis Des Enfants Nursery
Addresses: 54 Rue de Luxembourg and 69 Rue des Prés, Phone: (+352) 26 35 24 20, Website: leparadisdesenfants.lu
Abc Nursery
Spillkëscht Mutfert Elisabeth Nursery
Address: 1 B Rue de Medingen, Moutfort Contern, Phone: (+352) 3 58 40 24 00, Website: enfance.elisabeth.lu
Sunflower Montessori Nursery
There is a music school
Additionally, Contern is home to a music school, affiliated with the Ecole de Musique de l'UGDA, offering opportunities for musical education.
Secondary education
The educational landscape lacks private primary schools and any form of secondary education. Residents seeking secondary education must commute to the capital to access such facilities.
Cultural centers
Despite having 4 cultural centers, one in each locality, Contern's cultural offerings are somewhat limited. These centers host events, but they may not feature high-profile activities on a weekly basis, and the variety of events is restricted.
An Henkes Cultural Center
Address: 1 Rue de Luxembourg, Contern, Website: contern.lu
Oetrange Cultural Center
Address: 1 Im Medenpoull, Oetrange Contern, Website: contern.lu
Moutfort Cultural And Sports Center
Address: 1 Rue de Medingen, Moutfort Contern, Website: contern.lu
Medingen Cultural Center
Address: Rue de la Chapelle, Medingen, Website: contern.lu
Furthermore, Contern lacks significant museums, cinemas, or theaters. For a more extensive cultural experience, residents often find it necessary to venture to the capital, where a broader array of cultural amenities awaits.
Learn more about Luxembourg's culture and traditions in our special guide.
Healthcare
Contern offers access to multiple general practitioners across its different localities. Dr. Raoul Warken practices in Contern, while in Moutfort, residents can consult with Dr. Monique Roth, Dr. Mélanie Noesen, and Dr. Roland D'amico.
Dr. Raoul Warken
Dr. Monique Roth (Boden)
Dr. Roland D'amico
Dr. Mélanie Noesen
In Oetrange, the Oetrange Medical Center provides specialized care, including orthopedics, traumatology, and musculoskeletal sonography by Dr. Lara Heinz, as well as dermatology and allergology by Dr. Frederik Langenbach. Additionally, music therapy services are available with Martine Wallenborn in Medingen.
Martine Wallenborn (Music therapist)
Oetrange Medical Center
For immediate pharmaceutical needs, residents can visit the Pharmacie du Contern on 2 Rue des Sports, Phone: (+352) 26 35 24 03, Website: pharmaciedecontern.com. However, given the limited number of specialists within the commune, residents may need to travel to the capital for access to other specialized medical services.
You can read more about urgent healthcare in our dedicated article: Emergency medical help in Luxembourg: ambulance and hospitals.
Parks, nature places and kids playgrounds
Contern is full of green spaces and has more than twelve playgrounds all over town, giving kids lots of fun places to play. You can find out all about where each playground is and what it offers on the Spillplaz website.
Even though Contern doesn't have big parks to talk about, it's really known for its beautiful countryside paths that are perfect for walking in nature. Trails like Contern-Moutfort-Medingen, Oetrange-Moutfort, Natur-a Kulturwanderwee Contern-Weiler, Fitnessparcours Medingen, and Contern-Dalheim-Waldbredimus are great for peaceful hikes surrounded by natural beauty. You can easily find detailed maps for each of these trails on the town's website, so both locals and visitors can enjoy exploring Contern's scenic outdoors.
Sports infrastructure
The Commune of Contern features an omnisports hall in Contern, situated adjacent to the primary school. Additionally, tennis courts are available in Moutfort, along with a large football field in Moutfort and a smaller one in Oetrange. For CrossFit enthusiasts, Contern hosts the CrossFit 1839 gym.
Um Ewent Sports Hall
Address: 40 Rue de Syren, Contern
Tennis courts
Address: Rue des Prés, Moutfort
Football fields
In Moutfort at Rue Soibelwee, Moutfort and in Oetrange at Rue Medenpoull, Oetrange
CrossFit 1839
Shopping and restaurants
For grocery shopping, Contern is primarily served by Gran Frais, a supermarket chain specializing in fresh produce and international groceries.
Additionally, located at 15 Rue de Moutfort, residents can find a small food store, alongside a butcher's shop and a bakery. Other various small businesses operate within the municipality, with a comprehensive list available on the commune's website.
Grand Frais
Address: Rue Daniel Grün Face à Total, Luxembourg, Phone: (+352) 28 99 20 52, Website: grandfrais.com
Contern local grocery store
Address: 15 Rue de Moutfort, Contern
Butcher's shop Kirsch
Fischer Bakery
Get in, we are getting shopping
Find out more about Luxembourg shopping malls in our dedicated article.
Historical overview
The origins of the Contern commune trace back to ancient times, with speculation suggesting Roman settlement during the 1st Century BC. Although evidence of Roman infrastructure exists within the modern commune, including remnants of a Roman road linking Luxembourg and Dalheim, the precise founding of Contern remains elusive.
First settlements and formation of land
The earliest mention of Contern appears in a charter in the 9th century AD, with its official listing occurring in 1128, indicating its existence likely predates this period, possibly reaching back to the Celtic era. By the 14th century, Contern had evolved significantly, influenced by Christianity and chivalry, culminating in the establishment of a parish and the construction of its church.
Parishes and first recognition
Formally established as a parish in 1621, Contern saw further development with the formation of neighboring parishes, including Oetrange in 1684 and Moutfort in 1707. During this period, various settlements emerged within the region, such as Kackerterhaff in Oetrange and Medingen and Millbech in Moutfort, reflecting the expanding communal landscape. By 1796, Contern was recognized as an arrondissement, encompassing several localities and signaling its administrative significance within the region.
Separation and growth
Contern's status as an arrondissement persisted until 1912, after which the commune was officially formed, although the precise timeline of its establishment remains uncertain. However, archival records indicate the presence of Contern as a distinct entity as early as the 19th century, with census data from 1821 reflecting its delineated boundaries. From 1945 onwards, Contern's municipal structure comprised Contern, Oetrange, Moutfort, and Medingen, with subsequent administrative changes leading to the absorption of Oetrange into Moutfort's parish in 1946, followed by the dissolution of Contern and Moutfort parishes in 1948, reflecting the evolving administrative landscape of the commune.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How far is Contern commune from Luxembourg City?
Contern commune is conveniently located near Luxembourg City, situated just a short distance away. Luxembourg City can be reached from Contern in less than 20 minutes, making it easily accessible for daily commuters and residents seeking amenities and employment opportunities in the capital.
What healthcare facilities are available in Contern commune?
In Contern commune, residents have access to various healthcare facilities to cater to their medical needs. These include multiple general practitioners spread across different localities, along with specialized medical services offered at the Oetrange Medical Center. Additionally, pharmacy services are available at Pharmacie du Contern, ensuring convenient access to medications and healthcare products.
Is there a shopping mall or big retail chains in Contern commune?
No. While Contern commune may not boast major retail centers or shopping districts, it provides essential shopping amenities for residents. The primary grocery store is Gran Frais, offering a range of fresh produce and international groceries. Additionally, there are smaller food stores, a butcher, and a bakery located within the commune to fulfill daily shopping needs.
What parks to visit in Contern commune?
Contern commune offers residents numerous green spaces and recreational areas to enjoy outdoor activities. While there may not be large parks, the commune features multiple playgrounds for children and rural pathways for nature walks. In addition, scenic trails, such as Contern-Moutfort-Medingen and Oetrange-Moutfort, provide residents with opportunities to immerse themselves in nature and lead an active lifestyle.
How affordable is housing in Contern commune compared to Luxembourg City?
Housing in Contern commune is notably more affordable compared to Luxembourg City, presenting an attractive option for residents seeking more budget-friendly accommodation. On average, real estate prices in Contern are approximately 30% lower for purchasing and 25% lower for renting compared to the capital, making it an appealing choice for individuals and families looking to settle in the area.
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Source: contern.lu, contern.lu, contern.lu, contern.lu, fr.wikipedia.org, en.wikipedia.org, contern.lu, contern.lu, www.cmo.lu, contern.lu, www.crossfit1839.com, contern.lu, www.immotop.lu
We took photos from these sources: DP Contern Facebook Page, Contern Website, Oetrange Medical Center Website, Spillplaz, Grand Frais on Google Maps
Authors: Luz
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