©Jängel Klasen

Veiner Gare – Former Trainstation

Nestled along the River Our, the town of Vianden once boasted a unique railway connection – the "Benny Express." This narrow-gauge line operated from 1889 to 1948, linking Vianden with Diekirch's main railway, a vital step in making the town more accessible to tourists.

Building a Scenic Route

To connect Vianden, engineers faced the challenge of laying track within the winding Our Valley. They opted for a narrow-gauge design, allowing for tighter curves and making construction more feasible. Though its origin is debated, this line became affectionately known as the "Benny Express."

The Heartbeat of the Valley

The "Benny" served as a lifeline for both locals and visitors. Tourists enjoyed the scenic journey, while residents relied on the train for their daily commute and to transport goods like timber and agricultural products. On a typical day, you might see families heading for a day trip, farmers with their produce, or perhaps hikers disembarking to explore the beautiful countryside.

Decline and Transformation

Changing times brought challenges. Rising costs and the increasing popularity of buses led to the "Benny Express" being discontinued in 1948. While this marked the end of the line, its legacy lives on.

Rediscovering the Rails

Today, a portion of the old railway has been transformed into a cycle path, allowing visitors to follow the line's route through the picturesque Our Valley. The preserved Bettel station also stands as a reminder of Vianden's railway past. Though the "Benny Express" no longer runs, it holds an important place in both the region's history and the hearts of those who remember its rhythmic chugging along the valley.

Opening hours

Contact

Address: Veiner Gare – Ehemaliger Bahnhof
L-9414 Vianden
Show on map

More sites

©Joachim Köhler
Notre-Dame de Lorette Chapel
A Gem of Clervaux's Spiritual Heritage
Find out more
Anti-tank gun 43
At the Houfëls viewpoint, the imposing presence of two World War II relics awaits visitors.
Find out more
Saint-Hubert Church
Discover the fascinating architecture of the church, built on the ruins of a pagan site!
Find out more
©Visit Éislek
St. Cunegonde Chapel
The St. Cunegonde Chapel in Heiderscheidergrund, a noteworthy example of 19th-century ecclesiastical historicist architecture in Luxembourg, features a neo-Gothic design, late Gothic sculptures, 18th-century statues, and glass paintings, embodying the country's historical and national consciousness as the oldest Kunigundis shrine.
Find out more
©Visit Éislek
Bunker Kaundorf
This bunker from World War II, where deserted forced conscripts hid until liberation, can be reached via an approx. 1 km-long footpath. The walk is well worth it, as hikers near the bunker are rewarded by an impressive view over the Upper Sûre Lake.
Find out more
©Visit Éislek
St. Pierre Chapel
The chapel in Lellingen is an octagonal masterpiece that combines history and architecture in unique harmony.
Find out more
©Visit Éislek
Bourscheid Hougeriicht – High justice
In the 15th or 16th century, a witch trial in Bourscheid unfolded with accusations of devilish pacts and plots against God's creation. This dark chapter mirrors a broader era of witch hunts in Luxembourg, fueled by societal turmoil, economic struggles, and the fear of a mysterious witchcraft sect.
Find out more
©Visit Luxembourg
Thematic paths
Bunker hiking route
Distance: 13,84 km
Duration: 4:30 h
Difficulty: difficult
Find out more
©Gaul’s Legacy Tours
US Memorial Diekirch
The US Memorial located in the municipal parc of Diekirch river remembers a number of US units that were present in and around the city, September 1944 – February 1945.
Find out more

Take a journey into the past

Schleif Winsler
©Visit Éislek

Rediscovering past heritage in the Éislek

The LEADER project ‘Time Travel’ brings the history of Éislek to life in a special way.

Read all time travel stories