The castle was built more than a thousand years ago, starting small and growing bigger over hundreds of years as more towers and halls were added. It sits so high that from the towers you can see right across the treetops of the Our valley, which turns brilliant red and orange in autumn.
Vianden has a beautiful hexagonal chapel inside — a chapel with six walls instead of four. It is decorated with arches and columns and feels a bit like stepping inside a stone crown. The great hall next to it is enormous, with tall windows that let in shafts of light.
The town of Vianden below the castle is tiny and charming, with a river running through it, cobbled streets and colourful houses. A chairlift takes visitors from the town up to the top of the hill, so you get a bird's-eye view of the castle as you ride up.
Every July the town celebrates the Vianden Festival with street performers, markets and music. The whole area smells of river water, pine trees and hot food from the stalls.