The medieval fortified city of Vianden was the capital of the county of Vianden and has city rights since 1308.
The castle, on top of the hill above the city, was built between the 11th and 14th centuries, and was the residence of the counts until 1417 when the county was inherited by the House of Nassau.
The city walls were destroyed in 1679 and the county was abolished in 1794.
The castle was sold in pieces in 1820 and became a ruin. Today the castle has been restored since 1997.