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Communes and neighborhoods

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.

Last time updated
04.04.24

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
Content how many people lives in Luxembourg
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.

buy and rent in contern luxembourg
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
Rent
Luxembourg
Flat

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.

Maison Relais, source: Contern Website
Oetrange Medical Center, source: Oetrange Medical Center Website
Moutfort Playground, source: Spillplaz
Tennis courts, source: Contern Website
Grand Frais, source: Grand Frais on Google Maps
Schools, creches, and education
Cultural centers
Healthcare
Parks, nature places and kids playgrounds
Sports infrastructure
Shopping and restaurants

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.
faq

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How far is Contern commune from Luxembourg City?

What healthcare facilities are available in Contern commune?

Is there a shopping mall or big retail chains in Contern commune?

What parks to visit in Contern commune?

How affordable is housing in Contern commune compared to Luxembourg City?

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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