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Rollingergrund: a long valley quarter
Rollingergrund follows a valley that runs north-west from the edge of the centre, below the plateaux of Belair and Limpertsberg. Its spine is the main road along the valley floor, with residential streets climbing the slopes on both sides and woodland above. Officially the quarter is grouped with Belair-Nord, the part of the plateau that overlooks it.
The quarter grew along its road, and its housing reflects that history: older buildings along the valley, later apartment construction, and houses on the slopes. There is a good supply of rooms and shared flats, which is one reason many newcomers start here. For our overview, see our Rollingergrund page.
The forest on the doorstep
At the upper end of the valley lies the Bambësch, one of the city's forests, with walking and running trails, playgrounds and open spaces. For residents, it is a real daily asset: a forest within the city boundary, reachable on foot.
Close to the hospital
The Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg is a short distance away, which makes the quarter practical for healthcare staff and for students and trainees working there.
Mühlenbach: small and quiet
Mühlenbach sits in a narrow side valley on the northern edge of the city, tucked between Eich and the slopes below Limpertsberg and Rollingergrund. Its name recalls the mills that once stood along its stream. Almost everyone there is a resident rather than a commuter, and it is among the calmest places in the capital.
Most homes are older houses and small blocks of flats, and they rarely come to the market. There are almost no shops, so groceries mean a short trip to a neighbouring quarter. For our overview, see our Mühlenbach page.
Which street matters
In both quarters, the position within the valley makes a real difference.
- On the valley road, you are closest to the buses and the shops, and also to the traffic, which can be heavy at rush hour.
- On the slopes above, streets are calmer and often brighter, at the cost of a climb.
- At the valley floor near the stream, homes can be cooler and damper in winter; check ground floors and cellars.
When viewing, stand outside at rush hour and look at the orientation of the main rooms. Our viewing checklist has the rest.
Getting around
Both quarters are served by the AVL bus network, with lines towards the centre, the station and neighbouring quarters. The tram does not run through them, but the T1 line in Limpertsberg is a short bus ride or a climb away. All public transport is free. Our guide to free public transport explains the network.
For drivers, the valley road gives direct access to the centre and to the roads north and west. Parking is easier than in the central quarters, though not unlimited.
Rents and value
Rollingergrund is one of the more affordable addresses close to the western plateau quarters. Rooms and shared flats are typically priced below comparable space in Limpertsberg or Belair, while being close to both. That makes it a realistic first address for someone on a first Luxembourg salary, and a sensible choice for people who want to be near the centre without paying for a central postcode.
Mühlenbach, with fewer homes, offers occasional houses and flats for people who specifically want quiet close to the city.
Who they suit
- Newcomers looking for a room or a shared flat at a reasonable price near the centre.
- Hospital staff and people working in the north-west of the city.
- Runners, walkers and families who value the forest.
- People who want quiet without moving out of the capital.
Who they suit less well
- Anyone who wants cafés and evening life close to home.
- People who dislike hills or depend on walking everywhere.
- Those who want to walk to the old town every day; it is possible from the lower end, but not a short stroll from the upper valley.
Questions we are often asked
Is Rollingergrund part of Belair?
Not exactly. Officially the quarter is grouped as Rollingergrund and Belair-Nord, and the two are neighbours, but Rollingergrund is the valley and Belair the plateau above it. The character, and the prices, are different.
How long does it take to get to the centre?
From the lower end of the valley, the centre is close enough to walk. From the upper end, a bus is the practical option. Test the journey you will actually make at rush hour.
Is it a good place to share a flat?
It is one of the better ones in the city: rooms are available, prices are more moderate than on the plateau, and the forest, the hospital and the centre are all close. Read our guide to colocation rules before signing a joint lease.
What about parking?
Easier than in the central quarters, particularly on the upper streets, but not unlimited along the valley road. Residents can apply to the City for a residential parking permit.
Our take
Rollingergrund is a quarter we know well, because several of the rooms we let are there. It is a good example of how value works in Luxembourg City: a few minutes further out, one valley over, and the same budget buys a bigger room or a quieter street. Mühlenbach, its small neighbour, is one of the city's best-kept secrets for people who want calm.
See the rooms available in Rollingergrund, or compare with the neighbouring plateau in our guides to Limpertsberg and Belair.
