Getting to Vianden by public transport

The Victor Hugo Museum gives an insight into the life and works of this influential writer who was the author, among many other works, of “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame” and “Les Misérables”. Visitors can see Victor Hugo’s room, complete with original furnishings and hologram projections that almost literally bring the writer to life. There are fascinating original artefacts to see, along with 70 information panels and a multimedia room. Audio guides are available for rental in German, English, French and Dutch.

Vianden Castle is a real magnet for visitors, being one of the biggest and most beautiful feudal residences from the Romanesque and Gothic periods. The castle was built between the 11th and 14th century on the foundations of a Roman castle and a Carolingian refuge and for a long time belonged to the Grand Ducal family, before passing into state ownership in 1977. Since then it has been restored to all its former glory. Today, Vianden Castle is one of Europe’s leading historical monuments. There is a modern, interactive visitor centre in the entrance area. The medieval festival in summer has become an annual highlight at Vianden Castle. During this time, visitors can discover a colourful medieval animation with battle demonstrations, musicians, fire artists, jugglers, minstrels, bird of prey displays, calligraphy demonstrations and much more. The LuxembourgPass is not valid during the Medieval Festival.

Follow in his footsteps and visit the places that inspired the writer on our culture tour with your LuxembourgPass. Victor Hugo travelled to Luxembourg multiple times during the 19th century. He spent several weeks in political exile in Vianden and also visited Clervaux, Echternach and Larochette on his travels. He penned plenty of masterpieces along the way, including stories, poems and drawings of spots that left an impression on him. Our tour lasts one full day of around eight hours, with breaks included.

Building a Scenic Route To connect Vianden, engineers faced the challenge of laying track within the winding Our Valley. They opted for a narrow-gauge design, allowing for tighter curves and making construction more feasible. Though its origin is debated, this line became affectionately known as the "Benny Express." The Heartbeat of the Valley The "Benny" served as a lifeline for both locals and visitors. Tourists enjoyed the scenic journey, while residents relied on the train for their daily commute and to transport goods like timber and agricultural products. On a typical day, you might see families heading for a day trip, farmers with their produce, or perhaps hikers disembarking to explore the beautiful countryside. Decline and Transformation Changing times brought challenges. Rising costs and the increasing popularity of buses led to the "Benny Express" being discontinued in 1948. While this marked the end of the line, its legacy lives on. Rediscovering the Rails Today, a portion of the old railway has been transformed into a cycle path, allowing visitors to follow the line's route through the picturesque Our Valley. The preserved Bettel station also stands as a reminder of Vianden's railway past. Though the "Benny Express" no longer runs, it holds an important place in both the region's history and the hearts of those who remember its rhythmic chugging along the valley.

The Veiner Konstgalerie is the official art gallery of the municipality of Vianden and is located in a former barn that was extensively renovated in 2017. Local artists had already been using the building since 2013. Today, the gallery is managed by the ViArt a.s.b.l. association and hosts a varied program of high-quality art exhibitions from March to early October. It serves as a cultural hub for artists and art lovers from the region and beyond.

Built entirely in 1248, the church of the Trinitarians is one of the finest expressions of Gothic art in Luxembourg. The large choir was added in 1644. The main altar, made in 1758 in Rococo style, is the work of the artist Michel Weiler. Beside the church, the former cloister of the Trinitarians (1250). The recumbent effigy of Marie de Spanheim (approx. 1400) preserves the memory of the last descendant of the Counts of Vianden.