Up the northeast, a 45-minute drive from Luxembourg City, and with some 2,200 residents, this town´s roots go back to Viennensis, a small fort established here during the Roman Empire, and was a population center at least as far back as the 7th century. Apart from its quaint architecture, Vianden is best known for its huge fairytale castle, built between the 11th and 14th centuries, and other attractions include a house-museum dedicated to the great French author Victor Hugo (who lived here for a time); museums of local and military history: a chairlift to the top of the hill for great views; and plenty of wonderful hiking and biking in the surrounding hills.  


Frans Berkelaar