Below the ramparts of the upper town, the Alzette winds through the old riverside quarters of the Grund, Clausen and Pfaffenthal. The Grund is the prettiest: stone houses, a Benedictine abbey complex at Neumünster, an old bridge and riverside paths, all overlooked by the Corniche and the cliffs. In the evening it becomes one of the city’s favourite places for a drink, with pubs and terraces along the water. To the north, the Pfaffenthal Panoramic Elevator links the upper city with Pfaffenthal and its train station. It is free to use, with glass walls and a glass floor, and runs from early morning until past midnight according to the tourist office. Riding it down and walking back along the river is one of the simplest pleasures in Luxembourg.
How to see it: start in the upper town at the top of the panoramic lift, ride down to Pfaffenthal and look back at the Red Bridge and the fortress walls. Follow the river south past Clausen to the Grund, cross the old bridge and visit the Neumünster Abbey courtyard, now a cultural centre. Climb back up via the stairs to the Corniche, or use the public lift between the Grund and the Holy Ghost plateau.
What to expect: the riverside paths are flat and peaceful, but getting down and up again means steep streets or lifts, so plan your route. Pubs and restaurants get busy on warm evenings and at weekends. The glass floor of the panoramic lift is not for anyone with vertigo.
Making the most of it: combine the walk with the Bock Casemates, which open onto the same valley, or come back at dusk for a drink by the water. In winter the valley is quieter, but the views of the lit walls are just as good.
What to expect
The experience
A free self-guided walk through the riverside lower town, linked to the upper town by lifts and stairs.
Best time
Late afternoon into the evening, when the walls are lit and the pubs open.
How long
Two to three hours at an easy pace.
Tips
Ride the panoramic lift down and walk back up through the Grund to save your legs.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Walkers who want the gorge from the bottom as well as the top.
- Families
- The lift is a hit with children and the river paths are flat.
- Couples
- A riverside drink in the Grund after a walk along the walls.
- Pair with
- The Corniche, the Bock Casemates and an e-bike ride along the valleys.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours.
Good questions
Is the Pfaffenthal panoramic lift free?+
Yes, it is free and runs from early morning until past midnight.
How do I get down to the Grund?+
Walk down the stairs from the Corniche or use the public lift from the Holy Ghost plateau.
What is Neumünster Abbey?+
A former abbey in the Grund that is now a cultural centre with a courtyard you can visit.
Is the Grund good for an evening out?+
Yes, its riverside pubs and restaurants are popular, especially at weekends.
Is the lift scary?+
It has a glass floor and walls, so anyone with a fear of heights may prefer the stairs.
