Communes and neighborhoods

Hamm: an industrialized yet green district in the City of Luxembourg

From the convenience of transport accessibility to the intricate infrastructure weaving through schools, cultural centers, healthcare facilities, and parks, we'll uncover the essence of living in Hamm

Table of content

The Hamm neighborhood, nestled in the eastern fringes of Luxembourg's capital, stands as one of the city's largest yet least populated districts. Bordered by Cents to the north, Bonnevoie-Sud to the south, and Pulvermühl to the west, this diverse enclave boasts a mix of residential charm in the south and center, while embracing industrial vitality to the north with the Hamm Industrial Zone and Mac Adam Business Park.

General characteristics of Hamm

The neighborhood is praised for its recreational areas and the verdant spaces along the Alzette, providing a serene escape within the city's bounds. Despite its industrial past, the district now boasts a peaceful residential vibe, with a mix of modern and 19th-century housing, underscoring its evolution from a bustling industrial hub to a tranquil community space. The presence of the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial adds a poignant historical note.

Population of the neighborhood

Despite being the fourth-largest neighborhood spanning 407.62 hectares, Hamm stands as one of the least populated areas.

1.18%

of the total population of the capital

1,566 residents

as of January 1, 2023

This unique dynamic positions Hamm with the lowest population density in the city, boasting a mere 3.8 inhabitants per hectare.

Source: created with data from Ville de Luxembourg

Notably, 56.48% of the residents are foreigners, making it the second-least diverse neighborhood after Cents and significantly below the national average of 70.82%.

Transport accessibility

Navigating to and from Hamm is remarkably convenient, benefiting from its close proximity to the A1 highway. Whether by car, bus, bike or even by train, the neighborhood offers a range of transportation options for residents.

Let's explore the various modes of transportation available, each catering to different preferences and needs:

By car

Moving by car is notably easy, thanks to the nearby A1 highway. It takes just over 10 minutes to reach the city center, the main train station, or the Kirchberg business district.

By bus

Residents can rely on one of the seven bus lines servicing the neighborhood, including lines 7, 9, 15, 25, 27, 29, and CN3. A bus journey to the city center takes approximately 20 minutes, while reaching the Kirchberg business district varies between 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the starting and ending points.

By bicycle

Cycling proves to be a favorable alternative for commuting within the neighborhood. Riding to the city center takes around 15 minutes, extending to 20 minutes from more distant areas. Although distances to the Kirchberg business district are slightly greater, cyclists can cover the journey in 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the start and end locations. In addition, two Veloh self-service stations are strategically placed throughout the district, offering residents the convenience of electric bikes for their journeys.

By foot

While walking within the neighborhood remains viable, longer distances make it less practical for journeys to the city center, taking anywhere from 40 minutes to an hour from the farthest points.

By train

One notable advantage of Hamm is the presence of a train station, Cents-Hamm, greatly enhancing mobility for those needing to travel beyond the capital. The train station facilitates connections to various destinations, offering residents a convenient transportation option beyond the local vicinity.

Show all

You can check the route of each bus line in detail on the interactive map provided by the city of Luxembourg and get detailed instructions to get from one point to another on their route planner page.

Renting and buying real estate

Hamm presents an appealing real estate landscape, with purchase prices notably lower than the capital's average. Rental rates stand closely approaching the city's average. These comparatively affordable prices make Hamm an attractive option for those seeking cost-effective housing solutions within Luxembourg City.

For purchase prices stand at

9.927 euros/m2

for purchase in Hamm

12.243 euros/m2

average in the capital of the country

For renting prices stand at

30.14 euros/m2

for rent in Hamm

30.72 euros/m2

average renting price in the capital

Rent

Housing

Luxembourg

Applications, search and profound advice in our guide to rent in Luxembourg

Infrastructure of the neighborhood

The neighborhood stands out for its rich cultural diversity, marked by a harmonious blend of Luxembourgish residents and a substantial Portuguese community, weaving together a vibrant multicultural fabric. Esteemed for its leisure facilities and the lush greenery that adorns the banks of the Alzette, the area offers a tranquil haven amidst the urban landscape. Transitioning from its industrial roots, the district now exudes a calm residential atmosphere, characterized by an eclectic mix of contemporary and 19th-century architecture, illustrating its transformation from a dynamic industrial center to a serene communal haven.

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 Hamm

Hamm presents a tranquil residential environment in the lower and central parts of the city, accentuated by green spaces along the Alzette River, providing natural havens and scenic trails in the nearby beautiful forest. However, the neighborhood faces drawbacks. Commercial options are limited, and the absence of supermarkets is notable, with only a tiny Delhaize Shop & Go next to a gas station on the Cents border. Residents need to venture into neighboring districts for grocery shopping.

Another downside is the noise from aircraft, as Findel Airport is situated just north of the neighborhood, with a portion of the runway extending into its boundaries. On a positive note, Hamm stands out as one of the more affordable areas for housing in Luxembourg.

Pros and cons

Very affordable housing options in the Hamm neighborhood

A lot of nature around, hiking routes, cycling passes and river bank

A lot of transporatiton options, including public transport

Residents often face discomfort of the noises from the proximity of the airport

Not enough shopping infrastructure options

Not too many cultural and education options, for example, not presented with higher education facilities

What can you find in this neighborhood of Luxembourg City

The neighborhood is usually praised for its recreational areas and the verdant spaces along the Alzette, providing a serene escape within the city's bounds. The presence of the Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial adds a poignant historical note, being the final resting place for thousands of American servicemen, including General Patton, and highlights Hamm's significance beyond its borders.

U.S. Military Cemetery, source: Wikipedia

Sunflower Montessori Hamm Nursery, source: Montessori website

Schools, creches and education

Cultural centers and historical sights

Healthcare

Parks, nature places, and playgrounds

Sports infrastructure

Shopping in Hamm

Historical overview

The origins of the Hamm neighborhood trace back to a sparsely populated region with strategic significance, hosting a Roman guard post controlling access to the Alzette Valley.

Mills and monastery

The foundations of Hamm can be linked to the 14th-century Sainte Catherine monastery, around which a village began to flourish. In 1796, the population stood at a modest 90 inhabitants. The proximity to the Alzette River spurred the construction of several mills, such as Gantebeensmillen, Follmillen, Broyeur, Bouneweger Millen, and Polvermillen.

Samson and Quetschlik Godchaux

By 1830, the Godchaux brothers, Samson and Quetschlik, purchased some of these mills and established a textile manufacturing hub. The success of their factory, employing 800 individuals at its peak, transformed Hamm into an industrial village. This growth led to its independence in 1874, separating from the Sandweiler commune. The impact of World War I brought challenges to the factory, affecting the municipality's finances. In response, Hamm swiftly prepared for a merger with Luxembourg City in 1920.