| Page Views: 1,354 Last Visit to Vianden: March, 2005 | Enjoy Vianden, tourist spot for over 100 years by tompt - last update: Apr 10, 2005 |
| A toast to the Vianden castle |
During the middle ages Vianden was the capital of the powerful county of Vianden, which included 136 villages and stretched eastward with the size of the present country of Luxemburg.
It was a fortified city at the foot of a castle. In 1308, the inhabitants of Vianden received the freedom of the city, which meant special rights for the inhabitants. In the 15th century Vianden had a population of 3000, it was the third largest town of the country. There were 7 craftguilds in town: the tanners, drapers, coopers, masons, tailors, locksmiths and goldsmiths.
The Nassau dynasty inherited the county in the 15th century, but considered it only as a minor possession. The counts didn't live in the castle and administered the county through bailiffs. This was the beginning of the town's decline. The county of Vianden had to give up some villages to Austria and more trouble came when Luxemburg stopped the txfree trade with Germany, where much of the county of Vianden was located. The French troops occupied Luxembourg in 1794and general de Marboeuf demolished the town walls.
In 1815 William I of Orange Nassau, King of the Netherlands and Grand Duke of Luxembourg, got the town of Vianden and largest part of the county was given to Prussia. In 1820 William of Orange Nassau had to sell the castle to the highest bidder. The Vianden merchant Wenceslas Coster bought it and dismantled it selling all the material seperate. William I re-acquired what was left of the castle to please the inhabitants of Vianden. The reconstruction began in 1851 with the restoration of the castle's chapel. Today the castle belongs to the Luxembourg Government and it was restored in 1977. |
| The house were Victor Hugo stayed |
Vianden attracted famous visitors for a long time.
In 1863 Victor Hugo said: "Your town is not known as it should be, I shall do all I possibly can to make it better known and to contribute to its prosperity"
And Victor Hugo did indeed contribute to the rise of the Vianden tourism. The famous French poet, came to Vianden for leasure 3 times and in 1871 when he was expelled from Belgium he found refuge in Vianden.
Other famous visitors include: Queen Elizabeth of England, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, the French Prime Minister Robert Schumann, Gustav Heinemann, the President of the German Federal Republic and many more... |
| chairlift above Luxembourg |
Tourism in Vianden today:
Ofcourse the castle is still the main attraction. It is beautifull restored and worth visiting. But next to that there are churches and museums worth seeing too. Travelling with kids? Take the chairlift up the mountain and enjoy the view.
Want some action? Go for a walk around the citywalls, there is a 1,4 km long signposted walk, with info panels telling all about the town and its history. Or rent a bike, it is a great area to cycle. From the end of may untill early september you can also go for a swim in the swimming pool.
But if you just want to enjoy the good life in Luxemburg, stop at one of the bars or restaurants and enjoy !
More info:
http://www.tourist-info-vianden.lu/, website of the Vianden tourist office.
For maps see our external website: http://www.freewebs.com/tompt1 |
> Add to your Custom Travel Guide [What's This?]
tompt's Vianden Travel Tips
| Overview | Things to Do
Tips: 9 - Photos: 9 | | | Restaurants
Tips: 2 - Photos: 2 | Hotels & Accommodations
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1 | | | | Nightlife | Off The Beaten Path | | | | Tourist Traps | Warnings Or Dangers | | | | Transportation | Local Customs | | | | Packing Lists | Shopping | | | | Sports Travel | General Tips |
 tompt's Vianden Travelogues | | | |
|
 Comments for tompt about Vianden | | | | |
RhineRoll Mon Sep 5, 2005 14:09 UTC
Also stayed at the Belvedere -- missed their dinner cuisine though :-( Rest was a bit to the expensive side. Nice Vianden page. | mustertal Thu Aug 4, 2005 12:05 UTC
I was wondering if to go here in September,I think now the answerer is yes I will.Thank you for the information. | deecat Sat Apr 23, 2005 12:09 UTC
Tom & Gonnie, Outstanding! The Walls, the castle, Gothic Clister, all the churches, the architecture, Hotel Belvedere, 7-course dinner at the hotel restaurant, and lovely travelogues..a delightful read and brilliant "see". | Luchonda Sun Apr 10, 2005 15:15 UTC
Nice page folks ! Greets from Ghent |
|
|
email me
add as friend
