©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.

Contact

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

More sites

Saint-Roch church Insenborn
Discover the neo-Gothic splendour of the Insenborn church, built according to plans by architect Biver in 1861.
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
Museum of the Battle of the Bulge Wiltz
Discover the moving history of the "martyr town" during the Battle of the Bulge in the interactive museum in Wiltz. Experience history up close in the beautiful Wiltz Castle.
Find out more
Saint-Michel Chapel
The Saint-Michel Chapel towers high above Oberschlinder, surrounded by forest and accessible via hiking trails.
Find out more
©Ville d'Ettelbruck
Patton Monument Ettelbruck
Discover the Patton Memorial in Ettelbruck, an important place of remembrance. This monument honours General George Patton Jr, whose 3rd US Army liberated Ettelbruck in December 1944, stopping the invasion of the Wehrmacht during the Battle of the Bulge.
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
©Paul Dostert
A stumbling sill in memory of the Jewish community
Discover a poignant tribute to Ettelbruck's vibrant pre-war Jewish community, as you walk through the historic heart of the town and stumble upon the "Stumbling sill."
Find out more
The Chapel of St Mark
St Mark's Chapel in Longsdorf attracts visitors as a popular place of pilgrimage, especially on 25 April, the feast day of the holy patron saint. The chapel with its two-nave design, geometric paintings and a baroque altar is certainly worth a visit.
Find out more
©Visit Luxembourg
Thematic paths
Bunker hiking route
Distance: 13,84 km
Duration: 4:30 h
Difficulty: difficult
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