Historic places in Vianden

Historic places in Vianden

1. See

   Maison Victor Hugo

   During his 19 years of exile from France, Victor Hugo stayed in Vianden a few times, most notably for 3 months in 1871. He left behind a painting of the castle ruins as they were at the time and reportedly got the castle architect fired as he thought his work to be insufficient. The Maison Victor Hugo is a small museum displaying some original works (manuscripts and drawings) as well as the original rooms with furniture as the famous visitor has used it. From the museum windows, there's a lovely view of the castle. Audio guides are available in English, French, Dutch and German.

   Tue-Sun 11:00-17:00·€4 for adults, €3.50 for young people (13-25) and €2.50 for children (6-12)

2. Do

   Télésiège

   Take the 11-min chairlift ride up for a scenic view over town or to spare you a fairly steep hike. To get to the start, follow the Grand-Rue down, cross the river and go left. Follow that street and you'll find it after about 500 m. If you only want to go one way, for logistic convenience it's best to take the lift up and stroll down to the castle and then back to the village. In terms of the view, however, going down it's easier to look around and take pictures. Note that as you go upwards and get close to the exit point, a picture is taken of you, with the Our valley and the town as a backdrop. You can buy a copy for €6.50 as you get out.

   €4.90/3.60 for a return/single ticket

3. See

   Vianden Castle

   There's no way to miss the grand castle of Vianden, overlooking and dominating the little town beneath it. It was impressively restored in 1977 and has been a real visitor magnet ever since. A route leads visitors through 20 different historic castle rooms, after passing the modern entrance and soon to be opened visitors centre. Some of the rooms (including the kitchen) have been fully refurbished, in order to give a real peek into life as it would have been in the castle in the middle ages. Others have been restored but leave more to the imagination, including the upper chapel, the impressive Knight's hall and the beautiful Byzantine Gallery. There's an arms room and a genealogy room, where the family history of the castle masters is explained. In short, take your time to wander through these ancient halls. It's a fine trip for adults and children alike.

   Closed · opens 10 am tomorrow·€6, student €4.50, senior €5, child (6-12) €2, children (<6) free

4. See Not mapped

   City ramparts

   In the Middle Ages, Vianden was a fully fortified town, surrounded by city walls with 24 half-round towers and five gates. Most of those ramparts are now gone, taken down by Marechal de Bouffiers in 1679. A few restored ruins and a bell tower remain, however. Take a quick detour via the small stairway between Grand Rue numbers 58 and 60. It will lead you to the 1603 belfry and some nice views over the village.

5. Do Not mapped

   Indian Forest Adventure Park

   Near the castle, the park can be reached either on foot (there are clear signs near the path to the castle, best to park your car at the castle parking) or by taking the chairlift and walking downhill (about 15min). They offer about 60 different climbing routes and courses at different difficulty levels, allowing beginners and children and advanced climbers alike to have a go. It's not just a climbing wall, but rather adventure routes including different kinds of obstacle courses, typically a few metres off the ground. Of course, all participants are secured. Reservations are usually required, especially in high-season. English-language instruction and introduction is available, but limited, so it's best to call well ahead.

   Mar 30-Oct 31: 10:00-18:00; 1 Nov-29 Mar: Wed-Mon 10:00-18:00·€18, €13 (5-15), €5 (0-4)

6. Eat Not mapped

   Le Châtelain

   Part of the Hôtel Oranienburg, this place next to the castle is one of the best restaurants in town. In the restaurant you'll be served from the fine dining menu, while on the outdoor terrace you can pick some simpler dishes from the "brasserie" menu. It is nonetheless possible to order restaurant dishes on the terrace, on request.

   Mains from €30, menus from €65

7. Do Not mapped

   Nut market

   If you happen to be here the second Sunday in October, you'll be able to join in the charming local nut festival. The Vianden region has a long history of nut productions, most notable walnuts, and this annual festival is a celebration of that tradition. The streets of the village fill with music, lots of walnuts and anything you can make using nuts, from liquor to candy and cheese.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Vianden (CC BY-SA 4.0).