©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

©Visit Éislek
Vianden Dam
The Vianden Dam is currently being transformed into an oversized artwork.
Find out more
Holy Church Lieler
The Roman Catholic church "Zum Heiligen Kreuz" in Lieler impresses with a Gothic choir tower from the 14th century, accompanied by frescoes from the 16th century.
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
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
Përmeshaff – Estate ruins
Përmeshaff, a historic site near Kaundorf, traces its roots to 1195. Over the centuries, it evolved into a religious centre, attracting pilgrims to its chapel and healing springs. Despite enduring a devastating fire in 1936, recent archaeological efforts have unveiled layers of its rich history, highlighting significance of Përmeshaff as a cultural landmark.
Find out more
©Visit Éislek
Kalborn Mill
The mill in Kalborn, which is over 200 years old, has developed into a nature conservation centre. Endangered river pearl and brook mussels are bred here. Information boards in front of the mill show how gardens can provide habitats for wildlife and insects.
Find out more
Fransiscan Church
The Franciscan church of Troisvierges is an impressive religious landmark in the heart of the town. With its imposing architecture and historic charm, the church is a place of peace and contemplation.
Find out more
©Naturpark Oewersauer, Naturpark Oewersauer
Circular routes
Schumannseck 1944-1945 Memorial Path
Distance: 3,09 km
Duration: 0:50 h
Difficulty: easy
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

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