Brazil
Argentina
Chile
Colombia
Peru
Uruguay
Germany
Belgium
Spain
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Ireland
Italy
Portugal
the United Kingdom
Switzerland
Castle · Vianden, Vianden
Château de Vianden (Castelo de Vianden)
Castle from the 11th to the 14th centuries on a hill above the river Our, residence of the counts of Vianden and later of the house of Orange-Nassau. It fell into ruin in the 19th century and was restored by the State from 1977 onwards.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Château de Vianden (Castelo de Vianden)
The castle of Vianden occupies a rocky spur above the Our valley and can be seen from afar by those arriving in town. It was built between the 11th and the 14th centuries on the site of a Roman fortress and a Carolingian refuge, and it was the seat of the counts of Vianden, who were among the most powerful families in the region between the Rhine and the Moselle.
In the 15th century the castle passed by inheritance to the house of Nassau, the same as the royal family of the Países Baixos and the grand-ducal family of Luxembourg. In 1820, King Guilherme I dos Países Baixos sold it to a local merchant, who dismantled and sold roofs, windows and furniture; the castle became a ruin. Victor Hugo, who was in Vianden in 1871, drew and described those ruins.
In 1977, Grand Duke Jean handed the castle over to the State, which began a complete restoration. Today the visit includes the palace, the two-storey chapel, the kitchen, the great knights' hall, the armory and rooms with furniture, tapestries and armor, as well as models showing the construction phases.
From the windows you can see the town, the Our valley and, in the distance, the German plateau. In early August the castle usually hosts a medieval festival, and at Christmas a market. At night it is illuminated and can be seen from any point in the town.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1.5 to 2 hours.
Best time
Early in the opening hours, before the day-trip buses arrive, or in the mid-afternoon. From April to October the opening times are usually longer; in winter they are reduced. Check before you go.
How to get there
From the centre of Vianden, walk up the Grand-Rue and the rue du Château, about 15–20 minutes uphill. You can also reach it by walking down the forest trail from the top of the cable car. There is a small car park near the entrance.
Tip
Take the cable car up and walk down to the castle to avoid the steep climb. After your visit, walk down through town to the bridge. In the evening, view the castle illuminated from the bridge over the Our.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Château de Vianden (Castelo de Vianden)
Why did the castle fall into ruin?
In 1820 King William I of the Netherlands sold the castle to a merchant, who dismantled and sold the roofs, windows and furniture. The structure was left exposed and fell into ruin.
When was the castle restored?
After Grand Duke Jean transferred the castle to the state in 1977. The restoration rebuilt the roofs and the rooms that are visited today.
What can you see on the visit?
The palace, the two-storey chapel, the kitchen, the knights' hall, the armoury, furniture, tapestries and models of the construction phases, as well as the view over the Our valley.
Is the castle wheelchair accessible?
Only partially, due to stairs and level changes in the medieval castle. Confirm access conditions before your visit.