How to Visit Vianden Castle, Luxembourg

If you’re planning a trip to Luxembourg, then I highly recommend including a visit to Vianden Castle in your itinerary. Europe has many castles to choose from, but I love a fairytale castle and Luxembourg is home to one of the best!

Located north of Luxembourg City, a visit to Vianden Castle is an excellent option for a day trip out of the City. The Castle’s official website describes the Castle as “one of the largest and most beautiful feudal residences of the Romanesque and gothic periods in Europe” and they aren’t wrong!

To help you plan and get the most out of your trip, here’s my guide on how to visit Vianden Castle.

Is Vianden Castle Worth Visiting?

Yes, a visit to Vianden Castle is definitely worth it! Easily accessible using free public transport links from Luxembourg City combined with the natural beauty of the area and the history of the castle make a visit to Vianden Castle a perfect day trip.

Getting to Vianden Castle

Vianden Castle is located in the town of Vianden in northeastern Luxembourg. There are several ways to get there:

1. Train

The easiest option is to take the train from Luxembourg’s main train station. The train takes you as far as the town of Ettlebruck where you will change to a local bus. I used bus number 570 but I would suggest you check with the ticket office when purchasing your ticket to ensure there have been no route changes. As luck would have it, during my visit there were engineering works on the lines and so I had to use a replacement bus service. This ran very smoothly however.

Given that I wasn’t travelling via train I can’t be accurate as to the usual travel times, but I believe it should take a little over an hour to get to Vianden from Luxembourg City.

Public transport in Luxembourg is free making it by far the best option for your budget!

2. Car

If you plan on renting a car, then check the Castle’s official website for GPS coordinates.

3. Taxi

Going by taxi remains an option, however given that public transfer is free and, in my opinion and engineering works aside, efficient, a taxi wouldn’t be my preferred means of getting to Vianden Castle.

Arriving in Vianden

On arrival in Vianden you will be struck by just how very picturesque the town is notwithstanding its small size. Do take time to appreciate the colourful buildings, the Church and, certainly when I visited, the decorative ornaments and door embellishments along the way!

You cannot miss Vianden Castle! It is located on the top of the hill overlooking the town and is a really imposing sight.

To get up to the Castle you can either walk, although it is a little steep, or catch bus 188. I did not take this option (I walked) and you will therefore need to check availability on arrival in Vianden.

It’s also possible to get up to Vianden Castle using the Vianden Chairlift, the only chairlift in the Grand Duchy. The chairlift takes you across the Our Valley to an altitude of 440m. I chose to take the chairlift up and back separately after visiting the Castle.

A return ticket for the chairlift costs €9.50 (prices for children and one-way trips are cheaper) although it is free with the Luxembourg Card. The chairlift is closed over the winter months.

The views up to the Castle are impressive and, if you’re walking up, there are some great spots on the way to stop and take photos. 

Visiting Vianden Castle

To help you plan your visit to the Castle itself, here’s some if the key information worth knowing beforehand:

1. A Bit of Vianden Castle History

Vianden Castle was constructed between the 11th and 14th century on the foundations of a Roman fort and a Carolingian refuge. The Castle was sold in 1820 but fell into disrepair. The family of the current Duke of Luxembourg transferred it to the state in 1977 and restoration works were undertaking over the following years.

2. Vianden Castle Opening Hours

Vianden Castle is open daily from 10am and closes anywhere from 4pm to 6pm depending on the season. The Castle is closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

3. Tickets

Tickets can be purchased at the Castle entrance. It is not necessary to book tickets in advance, although if you wish to have a guided tour you must contact the Castle administration in advance by email. The contact details are on the Castle’s official website.

Adult tickets cost €13, students €7 and children €4. Different charges apply for a guided tour, check the Castle’s official website for further details.

An audio guide is available for an additional €2.

Your visit to Vianden Castle is free with the Luxembourg Card, although the card is not valid during the Medieval Festival usually held over the summer months.

4. How Long Should You Visit For?

I would allow 2-3 hours for your visit to the Castle. On top of that add an hour or two for spending time in the town, getting something to eat or drink and generally having a look around.

5. What Is There to See?

There are a number of areas within the Castle to see, including the Arms Hall, Chemin de Rhonde, Byzantine Gallery, Dining Room and Bedrooms.

In addition, the Interior Courtyard offers lovely views over the surrounding countryside and the Information Centre provides interesting details of the history of the Castle site.

Return to Luxembourg

When you are ready to return to Luxembourg City, head to the bus stop alongside the river. Alternatively, there is a stop just outside of Vianden town. You will go back the same way and by the same mode as you went to Vianden, in my case, that was by bus the entire route due to the engineering works.

Organised Day Trip Option

If you prefer to have someone else deal with the logistics of visiting Vianden Castle, then this day tour might be a great option for you:

Final Thoughts

Visit Vianden Castle! It’s a simple day trip from Luxembourg City using the free and efficient public transport system the Grand Duchy is known for. Alternatively, join an organised day trip and let someone else take care of it all!

Vianden itself is a very quaint, pretty town and the Castle is not just worthy of a visit for its fairytale looks, but also for its very long and interesting history. Widely regarded as one of the best castles of Luxembourg, it’s definitely worth adding a visit to Vianden Castle to your Luxembourg itinerary.

If you are planning a short visit to Luxembourg then do read my post on how to spend One Day in Luxembourg City and if you need any general assistance in planning your visit then do check out my Resources page.

Disclaimer – Information correct at the time of writing but do check before visiting.