Area guides
Where to stay in Pfaffenthal
5 min read
Pfaffenthal panoramic lift shaft rising from the valley
The lift is the whole story
Pfaffenthal is the narrow strip of houses below the Red Bridge and Passerelle, historically cut off from the upper town. Since the free panoramic glass lift opened in 2016, connecting Pfaffenthal directly to Place du Saint-Esprit in Ville Haute in 30 seconds, this valley became genuinely usable as a base. There is also the Pfaffenthal funicular linking to the Kirchberg tram.
Hotel inventory is thin: a couple of guesthouses on Rue Vauban and Rue Laurent Menager, plus short-term rentals. Prices sit around $110-150, notably cheaper than the plateau.
Who this actually suits
Pfaffenthal suits budget-conscious travellers who still want fast access to both Ville Haute and Kirchberg without a rental car. The double connection, lift up and funicular across, is unique in the city. It also suits photographers: the view up at the Adolphe-era railway viaduct is one of the best in Luxembourg.
It does not suit anyone wanting restaurants at the door. Pfaffenthal has maybe three eateries. For dinner you go up the lift. Also skip it if you arrive after 11.45pm on a weekday, when the lift closes.
Frequently asked questions
What are the lift operating hours?
The Pfaffenthal panoramic lift runs from about 5.45am to 1am Sunday to Thursday, and until 3am on Friday and Saturday. It is free and takes bicycles.
Can I walk out of Pfaffenthal if the lift breaks down?
Yes, up Montee de Pfaffenthal or the Cote d’Eich, both around 15 minutes uphill on foot. Bus 9 also connects to the centre.
Where to stay
Rooms worth pairing with this guide.
Ready to plan this trip?
Real prices for the places this piece names.
