Canton
Capellen
Portrait of
the canton
Canton Capellen is a canton in the south of Luxembourg. It has 55,513 inhabitants (2025) and covers an area of 199 km². It combines urban centers, industrial heritage, and rural character.
Bascharage
Landscape
The landscape of Canton Capellen is shaped by sandstone and iron ore geology, with plateaus and winding valleys. The rivers Eisch and Mamer form valleys such as the valley of the river Mamer and the Vallée des Sept Châteaux. The canton is characterized by fields, forests, and residential areas, giving it its distinctive mix of rural idyll and urban character. The south of the canton lies in the Minett UNESCO Biosphere reserve.
The river Eisch in the locality of Steinfort, Municipality of Steinfort
Hivange, Municipality of Garnech
History
Historically, Canton Capellen has always been a blend of culture and industry. Celtic and Roman presence is evidenced by archaeological remains of a Roman villa and a settlement near the town of Goeblange, while Capellen itself is located on an important Roman road between the cities of Reims and Trier.
Roman villa near the town of Goeblange, Municipality of Koerich
In the Middle Ages, fortifications such as the castle of Septfontaines were already mentioned in the 12th century. The castle of Koerich dates back to the 13th century. Both castles are part of the Valley of the seven castles. From the 17th century, iron production developed in the valley of the river Eisch, and in the year 1846, the construction of a blast furnace in the town of Steinfort marked an important milestone in the canton’s industrial history.
Town of Septfontaines, Municipality of Hobscheid
The old iron works of the town of Steinfort, Municipality of Steinfort
Culture
Culturally, Canton Capellen is deeply rooted in Luxembourgish traditions and national identity. The town of Nospelt is known as the home of Luxembourgish potters and the famous Péckvillchen, celebrated every year at the traditional Emaischen festival. The canton is also associated with Michel Rodange, who worked here as a cantonal road inspector in 1862 and shaped the national language with his satirical epic “Renert”.
Péckvillercher from the town of Nospelt
The canton is also known for Nic Frantz and Josy Barthel, who were born here. Nic Frantz is one of the few cyclists to have worn the yellow jersey from the first to the last stage of the Tour de France. Josy Barthel is one of Luxembourg’s few Olympic gold medalists. Both athletes are commemorated today by the Barthel-Frantz Monument in the town of Mamer.
Another notable figure from the canton is Nicolas Cito, also known as "Claus," a sculptor who created the Gëlle Fra, among other works.
Barthel-Frantz Monument by Wil Lofy, Town of Mamer, Municipality of Mamer
Attractions
Visitors today explore the Vallée des Sept Châteaux by bike, visit Roman archaeological sites, hike, and enjoy local beers from the brewery of the town Bascharage.
The canton is also known for the Dräikantonsstrooss (N13), an important connection between the west and east of the country, passing through the cantons of Capellen, Esch, and Remich.
Castle of Koerich, Town of Koerich, Municipality of Koerich
Brasserie Nationale, Town of Bascharage, Municipality of Bascharage