The first medieval stone castle dates to around 1000, and the counts of Vianden built a residential castle around 1100. A decagonal chapel and a larger tower were added in the first half of the 12th century. A two-story palace followed in the early 13th century, and the castle was adapted to the Gothic style in the mid-13th century. Prince Maurice of Orange-Nassau-Vianden built the Renaissance Nassau Mansion in 1621. The article names no original architect.
Lightning started a fire in 1667. King William I sold the castle in 1820, and the roof tiles, panelling and doors were sold off before he repurchased it in 1827. Bobo Ebhardt directed a restoration under Grand Duke Adolphe from 1890, and works finished in 1990.
Grand Duke Jean ceded it to the state in 1977. It stands on a promontory about 330 feet (100 m) above the River Our.
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