woensdag 20 augustus 2014

HaveBeen: CityTrip - Vianden (Luxembourg)

In Luxembourg, there is a bit of a lack of cities to visit that are really close (well, a lack of cities that are close in general). So there are two places I end up visiting very regularly; Trier and Vianden. Trier for shopping and relaxing and Vianden for touristic reasons (mainly when friends are visiting me). So let's talk about Vianden today.  





I have been to Vianden in different weather types; hot and burning sun, a gloomy rainy day and once in the winter when the village was covered in snow. The difference in weather gives the village a whole different atmosphere. 










In Vianden, there is more to do then you would expect from a small village like this. Of course, it;s a nice area to hike or cycle. you can take different routes to the castle and to several view points that won't disappoint. 












If you don;t want to walk up to the castle, you have to possibility to take the funicular (although I think this one only runs in the rummer). It's not only fun but brings you to a high point on the hill with an amazing view. A return ticket for this beautiful ride costs just 5 euros. From the viewpoint you can take a walk to the castle (but you are walking down this time) or drink something at the terrace to enjoy the view some more. 










From here you can also see the outdoor swimming pool of Vianden. The pool is situated on the hill opposite the hill where the castle is. So while to are working on your tan you can enjoy a view of the castle. It is quite difficult to get here by foot though, since the only way to get there is the road, which is a bit dangerous. The pool itself is just simple, but the location is just fantastic. Unfortunately the Luxembourgish weather does not allow a visit very often.   



Then there is of course also the Vianden Castle on the top of the hill. What is special about this castle is that you can go inside and have a walk through the rooms yourself. The entrance price is 6 euros for adults and 4,50 for students. 







From the castle grounds you can have views over the village and the surrounding area from different sides. Some of the rooms have windows, but other rooms are open. This gets pretty windy and cold but also gives you the chance to take may great pictures. 










Many of the rooms still have furniture in it to recreate the former living situations. Other halls have been changed into exposition halls. 







A walk around the castle and it's grounds will take at least one hour but can take much longer if you really want to explore it. Every year, there is a Medieval Festival in the castle. On those weeks, the castle is full of live performances, stalls with food and crafts and much more. I would really recommend this event! 











Another yearly festival in Vianden is the Nut Festival. The streets are full of stalls which sell products made out of nuts and there is entertainment everywhere. Also an event not to miss.


All in all, Vianden is always a good place to spend an otherwise boring weekend. 



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