Day trips

Day trip to Vianden from Luxembourg

6 min read

Vianden Castle perched above the Our river valley

Getting there

Take the CFL train from Luxembourg Central to Ettelbruck (35-45 min). Transfer at the station forecourt to bus 570 for Vianden (25 min). Total travel time about 1h30 and all of it free with public transport. Buses run every 30 min on weekdays, hourly Sundays. Last bus back from Vianden to Ettelbruck is typically 8pm.

The castle

Vianden Castle sits on a spur above the Our river and was heavily restored in the 1970s after decades of ruin. Entry is $10 ($4 for under-25s). Allow 90 minutes for the full route through the knights' hall, chapel and Byzantine gallery. Audio guide included. Best light for photos is late morning from the Belvedere lookout — take the chairlift ($6 return) from the bottom of Rue du Sanatorium.

The town

The old town of Vianden is 5 cobbled streets stacked below the castle. Victor Hugo lived here in exile in 1871 and his house on Rue de la Gare is now a small museum ($5). Have lunch at Auberge Aal Veinen — wild boar stew $26, or the $18 daily plate. For coffee and cake head to Café-Restaurant du Château. In summer the town fills for the medieval festival in early August.

What else to see nearby

If you have energy, walk 4 km along the Our to the pumped-storage hydroelectric plant at Stolzembourg — an oddly impressive Cold War-era feat and free to see from outside. Or drive 15 minutes to Bourscheid Castle for a second, larger fortress that's less crowded and charges $8.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Vianden day trip take?

Plan on a full day: 3 hours travel round-trip, 2 hours in the castle, 2-3 hours in town and walking. Leave the city by 9am, back by 6pm.

Is Vianden Castle worth it?

Yes. It's the most complete castle interior in Luxembourg, restored but done well, and the setting above the Our valley is unmatched. Better than Bourscheid or Larochette for a first visit.

Can I visit Vianden in winter?

Yes — the castle is open year-round except December 25 and January 1, with reduced hours (10am-4pm) November to February. The town is quieter but the castle looks better in snow.

Any way to combine Vianden with another stop?

Yes. Get off at Ettelbruck on the way back to visit the General Patton Memorial Museum ($6) — the American general is buried at the Luxembourg military cemetery near the airport, but Ettelbruck holds most of the WWII exhibits.