Embedded in the Ardennes, the town of Vianden is tucked at the foot of a restored castle, once owned by the Nassau dynasty, which inherited the county in the 15th century. In 1820, William I of Orange Nassau, King of the Netherlands and Grand Duke of Luxembourg, sold the castle for the sum of 3200 florins to a Vianden merchant who immediately started to dismantle the structure and sell it off in bits and pieces. To calm the anger of the inhabitants of Vianden, William I re-acquired what was left of the castle for the sum of 1100 florins. Today the castle is owned by Government of Luxembourg. Restoration of the majestic manorial seat started in 1977. The halls of the castle are animated by precious gobelins and furniture, ancient weapons and suits of armour. Genealogical tables and portraits still represent the Nassau dynasty.
The way to the parking lot leads over idyllic cobble-stoned streets, past a gothic church and ramparts with fortified towers. Park your car at N 49°56.146' E006°11.974' and marvel at the towering castle. Walk to the House of Dwarfs at N 49°56.048' E006°11.840' and navigate from there to the cache at N 49°56.592' E006°11.754'
Take your time to enjoy the spectacular panoramic view from the cache-site. In the valley below a bridge crosses over the artificial lake that stores the hydro-electric potential of the river Our behind the dam in Vianden. The hydro-electric power station itself is situated in the heart of Mount St. Nicholas (on your left if you face the bridge). Two upper reservoirs are connected to the lake below by giant pipes that lead the water through the underground power-house (open daily, free entrance). At night, cheap off-peak electricity is used to pump the water back into the upper reservoirs.
Descend to the chapel 'Bildchen' at N 49°56.707' E006°11.834' and return to Vianden and your car via the Garden of Napoleon.
Hint: If you prefer a more easy way up, you can park at N 49°56.215' E006°12.350'. But take notice: transport from there is neither free nor always available.