Modern and well-equipped hostel offering exceptional value in a central location near the city center. Features clean dormitories and private rooms, communal kitchen, lively bar, and social atmosphere. Perfect for backpackers and budget-conscious travelers seeking to meet fellow explorers.
Youth Hostel Luxembourg City is operated by the Luxembourg Youth Hostel Association (Auberges de Jeunesse Luxembourgeoises) and occupies a purpose-built facility at 2 Rue du Fort Olisy in the Pfaffenthal valley, set beneath the UNESCO-listed old city fortifications. The address places guests in one of the capital's most picturesque corners, flanked by wooded cliffs, the Alzette River, and medieval rampart walls, yet within easy reach of the historic centre via the Pfaffenthal panoramic lift or a short uphill walk through the atmospheric Grund district.
Accommodation ranges from mixed and female-only dormitories sleeping four to eight guests, to private rooms suitable for families or couples seeking budget privacy. All beds come with linen included in the nightly rate, and lockers with padlocks — padlock hire available at reception — keep valuables secure in shared rooms. The building is modern and well maintained, with clean shared bathrooms on each floor and a self-catering kitchen available to guests holding a valid Hostelling International membership card.
The social heart of the hostel is its bar and terrace overlooking the valley, a popular gathering point for solo travelers and groups in the evenings. A buffet breakfast is available each morning at a modest additional charge. Staff at the 24-hour reception can arrange bicycle hire, advise on Luxembourg's extensive free public transport network, and provide maps and recommendations for day trips to the Moselle wine region, the Mullerthal hiking trail, and the Vianden Castle area.
The hostel is a short walk from the Grund quarter with its cluster of riverside bars and restaurants, and from the Pétrusse valley walking path leading up to the Ville-Haute. The Pfaffenthal elevator, a few hundred metres away, connects the valley floor directly to the Kirchberg tram line in under a minute, providing fast access to all city districts without charge. Luxembourg's nationwide free public transport policy covers buses, trams, and national trains.
The hostel draws school groups, cycling tourers, solo backpackers, and budget-conscious families year-round. Advance booking is strongly advised from May to September, when demand frequently exceeds available beds. International guests are required to hold or purchase a Hostelling International membership to benefit from the standard nightly rate.
Amenities
- shared kitchen
- bar
- free WiFi
- laundry facilities
- luggage storage
- 24-hour reception
- outdoor terrace
Location
2 Rue du Fort Olisy, 2261 Luxembourg City
49.6147, 6.1378 View on map
Highlights
- Scenic Pfaffenthal valley location below UNESCO-listed fortifications, steps from the Alzette River
- Mix of dormitories and private rooms with linen included, operated by the official HI Luxembourg network
- Direct access to the Pfaffenthal panoramic lift connecting the valley floor to the Kirchberg tram line
- Social bar and terrace with views of medieval cliffs and wooded valley greenery
- 24-hour reception with bike hire, free public transport guidance, and day-trip recommendations
Tips for visiting
- Book well in advance for May to September stays — the hostel regularly fills with school groups and cycling tourers
- A Hostelling International membership is required for the standard rate; it can be purchased at reception on arrival
- The Pfaffenthal panoramic lift, a short walk away, connects to the free Kirchberg tram for city-wide travel at no cost
- The Grund district is a 10-minute walk and offers some of the most atmospheric riverside cafés and bars in Luxembourg City
- Use the communal kitchen and the nearby Delhaize supermarket to keep meal costs low during a longer stay
Accessibility
The building includes a lift serving the main guest floors. Some dormitory areas have limited step-free access, and guests with significant mobility requirements should contact the hostel directly before booking. The surrounding Pfaffenthal valley streets are cobbled and include some inclines.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Hostelling International membership to stay?
Yes, a valid HI membership is required. Guests without one can purchase a membership at hostel reception or pay a small nightly supplement that accumulates toward full membership.
How far is the youth hostel from Luxembourg City centre?
The hostel is in the Pfaffenthal valley below the old city. The Pfaffenthal lift, a few minutes' walk away, reaches the Kirchberg tram, from which the city centre takes about 10 minutes. On foot via the Grund the old city is around 20 minutes.
Is breakfast available at the hostel?
A buffet breakfast is served each morning for a modest additional charge. A communal kitchen is also available for self-catering guests who prefer to prepare their own meals.
Are private rooms available?
Yes, the hostel offers private rooms for couples and families alongside mixed and female-only dormitories. Private rooms book out quickly in high season, so advance reservation is strongly advised.