How to Visit Vianden Castle Luxembourg in 2021
Located in a small village called Vianden — in the northeast of Luxembourg, just a few hundred meters from the German border — is a castle that is almost a thousand years old.
Vianden Castle is one of the largest fortified castles west of the Rhine, with a height of 310 metres (1,020 ft), and a total length of 90 metres (300 ft). Set on a rocky promontory, the castle towers above the rest of the town and overlooks the River Our.
In 2019, Vianden Castle was listed by CNN as one of the 21 most beautiful castles in the world.
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A Brief History of Vianden Castle
Vianden Castle was constructed between the 11th and 14th centuries on the foundations of a Roman castle and a Carolingian refuge. Until the beginning of the 15th century, it was the seat of influential counts of Vianden. After that, it was more or less abandoned as the counts gained the additional title of the House of Nassau-Orange.
In 1820, under the reign of King William I of Holland, the castle was sold to an alderman who then started to demolish the building, selling off parts of it piece by piece — from the roof tiles, to the wood paneling, to the doors and windows. Consequently, the castle fell into a state of ruin.
There had been several attempts at restoration but they were thwarted by the Belgian Revolution and the World Wars. It wasn’t until 1977 that it was transferred to state ownership and restoration work began in earnest. The chapel and the small and large palaces, which originate from the 12th and 13th centuries are the parts that are preserved to this day.
Vianden Castle is now an important historical monument in Europe.
How to Get to Vianden Castle from Luxembourg City
Train
From the Luxembourg Central Train Station, take the train to Ettelbruck. This journey will take approximately 47 minutes long. Once in Ettelbruck, take the 570 bus to Gare de Vianden and get off at the stop on the far side of the river, directly beneath Vianden Castle.
*As of 1st March 2020, all public transports in Luxembourg — including trains, trams, and buses — are free, making them the first country in the world with completely free public transportation! This is definitely my kind of country.
Chairlift
To get the best view of the village and the Our Valley, you can take the chairlift to reach Vianden Castle. The chairlift takes you from an altitude of 220m to 440m, right to the top of the highest hill in Vianden. From the top, you need to make a short descent to get to Vianden Castle.
The chairlift can be taken both up and down. It’s open from April to October (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), and closed in October in case of bad weather.
Price
One way: 5 € (Adult) / 2.50 € (Child)
Group (> 10 people) : 4 €
School classes: 2 €
FREE with Luxembourg Card.
What to Expect at Vianden Castle
When you get off the bus in Vianden, look out for the map that shows all the different routes leading up to the castles. Yes, there are several, but don’t worry — the castle can be seen from practically everywhere in the village, so you aren’t likely to get lost. It’s a little over half a mile to get to the entrance of the castle, and along the way, you will see some cute little shops.
In the courtyard of the castle, the National Monuments and Sites Services has set up an interactive Information Center, where you can see a permanent exhibition of the castle history, its development and its many phases of construction and deconstruction.
Once you have passed that, you’ll get to see the rest of the castle. With a total length of 90 metres, it contains 20 rooms that are open to visit, showcasing Romanesque, Gothic, or Renaissance architecture.
As the castle had been deconstructed and restored many times over the centuries, it became a patchwork of different eras. Don’t miss the Upper Chapel, which has been restored to reflect its original Gothic architecture, the Archaeological Crypt, the Grand Kitchen, and the two seigniorial rooms.
Great efforts have been made to decorate the interior as authentically as possible, so that visitors will really get a feel of what the castle was like during its heyday.
Although this castle isn’t as colorful or as frilly as I imagined a castle to be (from watching too much Disney), it still fulfilled my childhood dream of being in a real castle.
I didn’t find my prince there unfortunately, but I did enjoy taking a lot of selfies in and around the castle.
To make the most of your visit, get the audio guide (available in ten languages). If you travel in a bigger group, you can try to request for a guided tour from the staff members.
Vianden Castle regularly hosts events and concerts, mostly classical music. In June, there is a special weekend of activities to showcase life in the Middle Ages, including craftsmen wearing period clothes.
In July, a nine-day Medieval Festival is held, featuring daily entertainments, such as knight’s camp, sword-fighting demonstrations, calligraphy demonstrations, and a host of other acts. This family-friendly festival attracts about 30,000 visitors each year.
And in September, Vianden Castle hosts the Book and Paper Festival, where antique dealers, collectors, and lovers of culture and literature meet around the theme of paper.
Vianden Castle Opening Hours
2nd Jan – 28th Feb: from 10:00 to 16:00
1st Mar – 31st Mar: from 10:00 to 17:00
1st Apr – 30th Sep: from 10:00 to 18:00
1st Oct – 31st Oct: from 10:00 to 17:00
1st Nov – 31st Dec: from 10:00 to 16:00
*The castle is closed on 1st January and 25th December.
Visit Vianden Castle’s official website for latest updates.
Vianden Castle Entrance Fees
INDIVIDUAL
Credit cards are accepted (min 10 Euro).
- VISA
- MASTERCARD
- VPAY
- MAESTRO
Visitors who wish to have a guided tour must contact the castle administration by e-mail. Unfortunately, guided tours are not possible during the medieval festival.
Dogs are only allowed in the courtyard and in the cafeteria.
* These entrance fees are valid for the whole year with the exception of the medieval festival (29th July – 6th August 2023)
Tél.: +352 83 41 08-1
Things to See & Do Near Vianden Castle
Vianden is a small picturesque town with a total population of just over 2,000. Although it is most known for Vianden Castle, there are also several other attractions, so you might want to spend at least a whole day there to allow you to visit some or all of these places:
- Musée d’Histoire de la Ville de Vianden – Learn about the history of the 1000-year-old town, as well as gain insight into 18th and 19th century interiors.
- Victor Hugo Museum (Musée Littéraire ‘Victor Hugo’) – discover Victor Hugo’s house in Vianden, learn about his work and life, and see exhibitions of his paintings, texts and several of his possessions.
- National Museum of Military History – see the catastrophe brought upon by the war through exhibits of military vehicles and weapons, a photo gallery and life-size dioramas.
- Grand Rue – see the town hall, the Church of the Trinitarians (13th century), and a cloister that used to be part of the Trinitarian Monastery.
Even if you don’t wish to visit any of the museums or historical attractions, you can still walk along the winding streets and look at the beautiful houses and the river Our that runs through the village. There is a pleasant cycle route and many signposted walking trails in the area.
You can then finish off with a beer on one of the terraces.
Vianden also hosts a number of annual events and celebrations, the most famous of which is the nut market in October when the local walnuts are in season. You can find a variety of walnut-based products, such as walnut cakes, walnut confectionery, walnut brandy, and walnut liqueurs.
Where to Stay Near Vianden Castle
Budget
Youth Hostel Vianden – Set in a traditional house less than 200 m from the castle, this youth hostel offers dormitory rooms with shared bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. From EUR 31 for a bed with breakfast. Full-board arrangements, with Luxembourgian specialties, available upon request.
Luxury
Hotel Restaurant “Victor Hugo” – Comes with a playground for kids and a terrace offering a wonderful view of the castle and garden. The wellness center is equipped with a bio sauna, an infrared sauna, an adventure shower and a solarium. Each room has a private bathroom with a shower or a bathtub. From EUR 93 for a Standard Double/Twin Room.
Hotel Heintz – This family-run hotel features a garden courtyard terrace and a rustic wine bar. The rooms come with extra-long beds, a flat-screen TV, and some have balconies overlooking the garden and the ancient town wall around Vianden. From EUR 96 for a Comfort Double Room.
Have you been to a medieval castle before? Share your experience in the comment section below.
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OMG! Thanks for the guide. I would love to visit this castle too one day. Looks so medieval and like from a fairy tale. 😀
You’re welcome, Tekkaus! It does look like a fairy tale, doesn’t it? 🙂
InshaaAllah nanti jumpa lah your prince hehe. im not into historic person, maybe tak akan choose visit this kind of place. but why not kan. macam best jugak baca from your experience
Oh, sama la. Actually I pun tak minat sangat history2 ni, especially ruins yang tinggal batu or tiang2 je. Tapi European castle ok. Sebab terbayang fairy tale.
Menarik! Sebijik macam dalam movie lama ada castle macam ni. Seronok la dpt merasa sendiri masuk dalam tu. Dpt bgambar then pakai baju zaman tu pun best.
Ya, kak Bell. Macam boleh bayangkan je askar-askar zaman medieval tu keluar masuk di perkarangan istana ni dengan kuda dan perisai besi. Haha. Kalau dapat pakai baju zaman tu lagi best.
Wah so excited.. rindu sangat nak travel. Bila dapat tengok orang sharing about travel dengan beautiful picture. Bestnya 👍
Thank you, Yanie. Saya pun rindu gila ni nak travel. Tengok gambar-gambar sendiri pun jealous. Haha.
Cantiknya Vianden Castle! I suka dekat bahagian atas, view memang awesome lah. Kalau sunrise mesti ada feeling princess Disney haha
Ya, Farhana, I can imagine kalau wintertime mesti lagi macam fairy tale kan?
I would love to attend the Medieval Festival in their national costumes and enjoy myself throughout the festival period. And imagine myself as one of the folks in the olden days – mesti best kan
Ya, Rawlins, dah la masa kecik2 dulu selalu berangan jadi Disney princess. Memang best la pergi sini, dapat layan balik angan-angan lama tu. Haha. It would be pretty awesome to join the Medieval Festival though. Mesti rasa lagi real.
cantiknya castle ni! memang cantik viewnya. teringinnya nak travel. entah bilalah dapat travel dengan betul2 bebas lagi. 🙂
Sama la, Khairil. Saya pasti kita semua mengharapkan perkara yang sama. Semoga tak lama lagi, kita dapat kembali bebas. 🙂
Banyak yg i belajar dr entri ni.. esp mengenai Vianden Castle. Bestnya peluang dapat tgk orang lain
Terima kasih, Ayu. Memang best dapat tengok negara orang lain, dan belajar tentang sejarah dan kebudayaan mereka.
seni bina dia sangat menarik untuk dilihat! kalau lah saya berpeluang ke sana, memang boleh terpegun dengan view macam tu..thanks sis share pengalaman ni!
You’re welcome, Sunah. Memang menarik, kan? Selalu kita dapat tengok dalam filem-filem epik saja. Ni dapat tengok depan mata. Semoga sis juga berpeluang nanti. 🙂
Dapat bayangkan kalau time salji, mesti seronok bercuti di sini..
Lagi satu kan, semua gambar Ummi, Ummi guna kamera atau phone?
Saya pun bayangkan macam tu, sis, dengan salji memutih di bumbung istana, mesti lebih memukau.
Gambar2 ni tahun 2013. Waktu tu saya guna digicam canon yang model lama. Masih guna bateri AA. Tu pun dapat percuma, menang peraduan.
lovely photos and what a beautiful castle! definitely adding this to the list. urgh cant wait for this pandemic madness to be over soon!
Me neither. Thank you, Grace!
OMG! Cantiklah tempat ni. envy nya dengan Ummi dapat berjalan merata-rata. how i wish covid ni dah takde. macam susah dah nak travel after this ermmmmm
Thanks, Khai. Alah, ni gambar2 lama. Kita pun terperuk kat rumah jugak ni. Lepas ni kalau boleh travel pun, mesti undang2 lebih ketat di mana2.
Untung dah sampai kat castle ni, klu kita tak taulah bila nak sampai lglah klu pg travel sendirian. Seronom baca article ummi rasa mcm kita pun berada di situ
Terima kasih, kak Halimah. Mana tahu satu hari nanti kak Halimah pun ada rezeki datang ke sini. 🙂
I have been to one, it was outside London. But that was way back in 1999! And my most vivid memory of the castle was the wine cellar because it was at the basement, so huge and dark inside😁.
Oh wow, that sounds exciting, Habibah! 1999 is more than two decades ago — perhaps it’s time to give it another visit? 😉 I hope there’s still some wine in the cellar.
menarik sekali bangunan castle tu.. mmg unik.. teringat filem-filem lama..
Ya, Mus. Memang menarik dan unik sekali istana ni.
best nyaaaaaaaaaaaaa !! cantik betul castle dengan binaan klasik camni.. huu~ akak suka, boleh tangkap gambar banyak-banyak dan belajar serba sedikit tentang binaan..
Terima kasih, kak Siti! Memang cantik istana-istana purba di Eropah ni. Sebab kita biasa tengok dalam filem atau televisyen je kan. Rasa teruja sangat bila dapat tengok depan mata.
I seriously miss Europe so much… Sometime before I reach 40, I really need to take a few months day off to explore Europe especially Central Europe and Eastern Europe… But of course including this as well..
I hope your dream will come true, Kitkat. Europe is a marvelous continent that is rich with history and culture. I miss it too!
Cantiknyaaa tempat dia. Mahal sikit pun tak pe asal berbaloi..best travel ni
Terima kasih, Min. Memang cantik tempat dia.
This sounds like a wonderful place. But you really got my attention with the free public transport. Wow!! Everyone should do that for sure.
For sure, Heather! Wouldn’t it be great? Then there would be fewer cars on the road.
Thanks for the guide. I’ve been to Vianden castle a long time, with my parents, when I was eleven or so.
You’re welcome, Cosette! Perhaps it’s time to pay another visit then? 😉
Definitely adding this castle to my list! I visit as many castles as possible when I travel and this one looks incredible.
Oh that sounds like a cool thing to do when you travel, Krista. I wish I could visit as many castles as possible too! You definitely have to visit this one in Vianden.
Vianden Castle looks beautiful!
I’ve been to Luxbourg once but unfortunately had to leave earlier because I got sick. Thus I didn’t have enough time to explore the country properly. I guess I need to go back and visit this castle as well 🙂
Oh no, so sorry to hear that, Lina. You definitely have to go back and give the country a proper visit. And yes, don’t forget Vianden Castle!
This is such a great guide and your pins are beautiful! I love how so many epic castles are everywhere in Europe 😀
Thank you, Samantha. I think Europeans are so lucky to have easy access to all these beautiful places! 😀
Oh wow – what an incredible castle! I love that they use it as an event venue for things beyond just weddings. Can’t wait to visit one day – I always enjoy a good castle 🙂
Then you will definitely enjoy this one, Julia! I wish I could have come during the medieval festival though. It has always been my dream to put on those period costumes.
Luxembourg has been on my travel bucket list forever. This castle is just absolutely stunning and I will definitely be visiting when it’s safe to travel again.
I hope you will, Marika! Luxembourg is so beautiful but rarely gets the publicity it deserves. 🙂
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