Vianden
Vianden is a small river town in northern Luxembourg, known for its hilltop castle and walks along the river Our.
We may earn a commission. It never decides our picks.
Vianden is a small town in northern Luxembourg, in the Ösling highlands, where the river Our forms part of the border with Germany. A large medieval castle rises above the old center, and its towers and courtyards draw most visitors. The castle was restored in the 20th century. Victor Hugo visited in the 19th century and drew the castle.
Vianden suits a trip built on walking and quiet days. Paths follow the river Our and climb into the forest around the town, and the village is small enough to cover on foot in a day. Most cafés and guesthouses sit along the river below the castle, so the old town is easy to reach on foot. Spring through autumn is the most practical season for hiking. Two nights cover the castle and a couple of walks, while three nights give a slower pace.
Vianden in five
- Take the bus from EttelbruckVianden has no train line today, so the usual public route is a train to Ettelbruck and then a bus. Check the timetable on the national mobility site before you travel, since service changes by season.Getting around
- Wear shoes with grip for the castle roadThe road up to the castle is steep, and the village streets slope down to the river. Wear shoes with grip.Getting around
- Download offline maps before you arriveLoad the area in Komoot or Google Maps while you still have signal, so you can find the trails and the bus stop without relying on a data connection in the valley.Phones and eSIM
- Carry euro cash for small cafés and bakeriesCards work in most shops and hotels, but small cafés and bakeries in the village may take only cash. Keep a few euro notes and coins on you.Money and costs
- Book a room early for summer weekendsVianden has a small number of guesthouses and hotels, and rooms on summer weekends fill first. Book before you leave for the trip, not after you reach Luxembourg.Where to stay
Things to do in Vianden
See all attractions in Vianden
Need to know
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Entry
- Schengen rules; many passports visa-free for short stays, check yours Read more
- Emergency
- 112 for police, fire or ambulance; 113 for police
- Tipping
- Not expected; rounding up the bill is normal
- Time
- UTC+1, UTC+2 in summer (daylight saving)
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCold, quiet
- FebruaryCold, grey
- MarchSpring starts
- AprilSpring, mild
- MayGreen, mild
- JuneLong days
- JulyWarm, busy
- AugustWarm, busy
- SeptemberMild, clear
- OctoberAutumn color
- NovemberGrey, quiet
- DecemberDark, quiet
Right now in Vianden
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
6
- Feels like
- 4°
- Humidity
- 81%
- Wind
- 8 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 89%
Vianden
09:37 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today8°3°89%Monday: Drizzle. High 8°, Low 3°. Chance of rain 89%.
- Tue6°1°16%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 6°, Low 1°. Chance of rain 16%.
- Wed8°2°0%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 8°, Low 2°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Thu9°2°0%Thursday: Clear. High 9°, Low 2°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Fri9°1°0%Friday: Cloudy. High 9°, Low 1°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Sat6°3°5%Saturday: Drizzle. High 6°, Low 3°. Chance of rain 5%.
- Sun9°3°14%Sunday: Cloudy. High 9°, Low 3°. Chance of rain 14%.
Updated 09:31 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Every year
- Mar–AprEmaischenLuxembourg City, a day trip
- JulLuxembourg PrideLuxembourg City, a day trip
Day trips by train
- Luxembourg Cityabout 1 to 1.5 hours by carThe capital, with the old fortifications and the main museums.Read the guide
- Clervauxabout 30 min by carA castle town with a famous photo exhibition in its castle.Read the guide
- Echternachabout 45 min by carLuxembourg's oldest town, on the Sûre, with an abbey and a quiet centre.Read the guide
Before you go to Vianden
Rules for Vianden, checked
- Luxembourg is in the Schengen area, and visa rules depend on your passport. Check the EU entry page before you book.Source
- Carry a passport or national ID card at all times, since police can ask for identity at any point.
Plan around Vianden
Regions, entry, transport and money for a Luxembourg trip
Read the guideGetting aroundTrains, buses and car hire for the north and the valleys
Read the guideWhere to stayGuesthouses and hotels in the village and nearby
Read the guideVisas and entryEntry rules for your passport before you book
Read the guideMoney and costsTypical prices for a bed, meals, transport and sights
Read the guidePhones and eSIMData and offline maps for the hills and valleys
Read the guideVianden FAQ
Is Vianden worth a day trip from Luxembourg City?
Yes, if you want a castle above a river valley and quiet streets. Plan a few hours for the castle and a walk, and allow the travel time to and from the city.
How hard is the walk up to Vianden Castle?
It is a short but steep climb from the village. Take your time on the slope and wear shoes with grip, especially after rain.
How many days do you need in Vianden?
One day covers the castle and the village. One night lets you see the streets after day visitors leave and walk to the river in the morning.
When is the best time to visit Vianden?
May, June, September and October bring mild weather for walking and the castle. July and August are warmer and busier.
Is Vianden or Clervaux better?
Vianden suits a castle on a hill above a river, while Clervaux suits a museum-style visit with its castle and photo exhibition. Choose based on the sights you want most.