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Belval Innovation Campus
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Industrial site
Belval is a pioneering urban redevelopment project and a symbol of Luxembourg's economic transformation. Located on the site of a former steelworks in Esch-sur-Alzette and Sanem, it has become an ultra-modern innovation campus that unites science, industry, and culture. The centerpieces of the district are the two preserved blast furnaces, which stand as imposing industrial monuments to the era of steel production and are now open to the public. Since 2015, Belval has served as the primary campus of the University of Luxembourg, giving the area a spirited and international atmosphere. In addition to academic institutions, Belval hosts the 'Cité des Sciences', numerous startups and research institutes, and the Rockhal, the Grand Duchy's largest concert venue. The blend of historic industrial architecture and futuristic new builds makes Belval a unique urban space, serving as a global model for transforming former industrial zones into thriving knowledge-based societies.
- Location: Luxembourg
- Top sights: Rockhal · Massenoire · Blast furnace A
- Nearby: Mondercange (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 1 | 1 | 5 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 2 |
| Rain mm | 67 | 57 | 57 | 46 | 70 | 68 | 65 | 72 | 56 | 65 | 68 | 79 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Belval Innovation Campus is a former steelworks site transformed into a modern hub for research, education, and technology. The preserved blast furnaces serve as iconic symbols of this transformation.
Visiting
The campus is open to the public and invites exploration of modern architecture and historic industrial installations. Guided tours of the blast furnaces and innovation center are offered regularly.
Where to view it
From the pedestrian bridge between the blast furnaces, there is a spectacular view of the entire campus. The roofs of the research buildings are also visible from there.
Local products
The Belval Innovation Campus hosts several start-ups and research institutions, but they do not offer direct sales products. Nearby bookstores feature specialized literature on innovation and technology.
Active season
The campus is lively year-round, especially during the academic semester from October to July. Lecture halls and labs are then filled with students and researchers.
Nearby
A visit to the campus can be excellently combined with the nearby Blast Furnace Museum and the Belval shopping center. The green spaces around the campus also invite relaxation.
Geography
Facts
- Blast furnaces A and B reach heights of over 80 meters and can be climbed by visitors.
- The redevelopment of the 120-hectare site officially began in 2001.
- The University of Luxembourg relocated its main campus here in 2015 with 6,000 students.
- The Rockhal concert venue features a main hall with a capacity for 6,500 people.
- The transformation project is managed by the development agency Agora.
- Belval-Université station provides direct train links to Luxembourg City every 15 minutes.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Belval Innovation Campus (10)
Centre Culturel
Cultural centre with events and exhibitions.
Saint-Henri
Church building in Luxembourg, Catholic.
Église Saint-Luc
Church located in Moselle, France, Catholic.
Église Saint-Brice
Church located in Moselle, France, Catholic.
Musée National de la Résistance🏛 museum
World War II museum in Luxembourg.
Konschthal Esch
Art centre in Esch-sur-Alzette.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Belval Innovation Campus?
A former industrial site that now houses the University of Luxembourg and various research centers.
Can you visit the old blast furnaces?
Yes, one of the blast furnaces can be climbed, offering a fantastic view over Belval.
What is Rockhal?
It is Luxembourg's largest concert hall, located directly on the Belval site.
How do you get from Luxembourg City to Belval?
By train, the journey from Luxembourg central station takes about 30 minutes to the Belval-Université stop.
Are there restaurants there?
Yes, around Place de l'Académie and in the Belval Plaza shopping center, there are many dining options.
Belval Innovation Campus: where is it located?
Belval Innovation Campus is located in Luxembourg.
Belval Innovation Campus: what is there to see?
Highlights include Rockhal, Massenoire, Blast furnace A.
Belval Innovation Campus: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Belval Innovation Campus: why is it worth visiting?
Belval is a pioneering urban redevelopment project and a symbol of Luxembourg's economic transformation.
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