Vianden Castle in Luxembourg
Luxembourg is brimming with castles, and one of the most striking and imposing is Vianden Castle, located in the northeast of the country. This majestic site, once belonging to the grand ducal family until 1977, now belongs to the state and serves as a significant tourist center. Visitors can partake in guided tours and engage in various events such as exhibitions and medieval and musical festivals. Join us as we uncover all the Vianden Castle in Luxembourg has to offer.
Vianden Castle in Luxembourg stands as one of the world's most beautiful, as recognized by CNN. In their list of 21 castles around the globe, Vianden Castle holds the impressive 12th position, just after Edinburgh Castle.
Vianden castle tickets and location in Luxembourg
The Vianden Castle is open daily from 10:00 and closing times depend on the season according to the following calendar:
- 02.01 - 28.02 from 10.00 to 16.00
- 01.03 - 31.03 from 10.00 to 17.00
- 01.04 - 30.09 from 10.00 to 18.00
- 01.10 - 31.10 from 10.00 to 17.00
- 01.11 - 31.12 from 10.00 to 16.00
The Luxembourg Vianden Castle is located in the town of the same name in the northeast of the country and very close to the German border. Perched on a small hill overlooking the town, this magnificent structure was built between the eleventh and fourteenth centuries on the foundations of a Roman castle and a Carolingian refuge.
Its splendid exterior is a sight to behold, as it truly looks like a fairy tale castle. There are several viewpoints from which it is possible to appreciate its charm from afar and take beautiful pictures.
- High-Altitude Overlook
Offering the most breathtaking view, this overlook is located at the intersection of Route de Diekirch and Rue Gaessel.
- Village Viewpoint
While the view from the village below may not be as dramatic, it still provides a charming perspective. One prime location to observe the castle is along Route du Ruisseau near the regional tourism office.
In 1977, when it became part of the state, the castle began to be renovated and rebuilt preserving its historical grandeur and earning it European monument status. Nowadays it stands as Luxembourg's most visited monument, drawing visitors from near and far.
How to get to Vianden Castle from Luxembourg City?
You can reach Vianden Castle from Luxembourg City by car or public transportation. Here are the details for each route:
When is the best time to visit?
While any time of year is suitable for a visit, summer is particularly delightful, as it coincides with a plethora of events and animations organized during this season.
How much do the entrance tickets cost?
Below is a list of entrance fees, the visit lasts at least an hour but can last much longer depending on individual pace, especially if you use the audio guides available, which have an extra cost of 2 euros. Prices mentioned are per person.
Ticket Type | Adults | Students (13-25 years) | Children (6-12 years) |
Individual Tickets | 10 euros | 5 euros | 2.50 euros |
Groups of a minimum of 15 people | 8 euros | 4 euros | 2 euros |
Group Tickets with guided tour for a maximum of 40 people: | 8 euros per person + 85 euros for the guide | 4 euros per person + 85 euros for the guide | 2 euros per person + 85 euros for the guide |
History of Vianden Castle
The history of Vianden castle goes back millennia, and it keeps the fortune changes of the Luxembourg noble families and the evolution of architectural styles over the centuries. So let's take a look at the rich history of this great castle, from its beginnings in antiquity to the present day.
Late Antiquity fortifications
Castle during the Early Middle Ages
First medieval stone castle
Early residential castle by 1100
Castle expansion in 1170
Gothic transformation
Modern era and demolition
Reconstruction and recent times
What historical festivals are held in Vianden?
In addition to its appeal as a historical site, Vianden Castle attracts visitors with lively medieval festivals and a plethora of activities. Visitors can enjoy concerts of medieval music, sword fights, arquebus shooting shows, bird tamers, fire-eaters, jugglers, poets, flag bearers, dancers, children's workshops, and even a medieval market offering various delicacies from the past.
On the castle's website, you can find a list of all the events taking place throughout the year, including dates and details. The most significant event is the medieval festival, which occurs annually in the summer. Another noteworthy event is "Portae Temporis" or the Gates of Time. Let's take a closer look at these two events.
Medieval Festival
The Medieval Festival is the largest medieval spectacle in Luxembourg and the Greater Region, set against the backdrop of chivalrous romance, medieval music, and acrobatics. Over nine days, more than 100 participants will bring medieval life to the castle grounds, offering a diverse program. Knight camps, fire and combat shows, acrobats, and jesters will immerse both adults and children in a bygone era. All of this is accompanied by medieval music and a magnificent medieval market with crafts and all kinds of delicacies.
Dates in 2024
The upcoming edition of this colorful event will take place from July 27th to August 4th, 2024, promising a varied and spectacular program.
Ticket Type | Adults | Students (13-25 years) | Children (6-12 years) |
Individual Tickets | 11 euros | 7 euros | 3 euros |
Groups of a minimum of 15 people | 9 euros | Not mentioned | Not mentioned |
Portae Temporis
On June 1st and 2nd, 2024, Vianden Castle will host the Portae Temporis event where each gate of the castle leads visitors to a different century. Inside the castle, visitors can discover life in the feudal era with over 100 actors entertaining them with a "living history," encountering ancient castle inhabitants like knights, nobles, soldiers, and servants. Visitors will travel from the 12th to the 18th century, meeting representatives of each era in their respective settings. The program also includes music, combat demonstrations, and much more.
EVENTS IN LUXEMBOURG
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are there any tours available for Vianden Castle?
What is the best time to visit Vianden Castle?
Where is Vianden Castle located?
Source: castle-vianden.lu, www.lelephant-voyageur.com, www.visitluxembourg.com
We took photos from these sources: Mike van den Bos, Unsplash; castle-vianden.lu