Vianen is not only a fortified town with a rich history and old buildings, it's also situated in a beautiful area that invites visitors to explore the provinces of Gelderland and South Holland. The polder around the Lek River invites walkers and cyclists to put on their shoes and get on their bikes and enjoy the flat landscape.
Vianen is the southernmost municipality in the province of Utrecht and the only town south of the Lek River that is in the province of Utrecht. It's a historic fortress with city walls that were built to keep an eye on the inhabitants of Utrecht. Its strategic location on the water gave it an economic advantage in the Middle Ages.
The oldest remains of the city centre are a testament the town's ‘noble’ past. Even if Batenstein Castle no longer exists, remains of the Hofpoort and the Lekpoort are reminiscent of the 15th-century castle. The majority of the 190 historic buildings, including the 16th and 17th-century buildings in Voorstraat and Langendijk are in the city centre.
Vianen has also been designated as best destination for walking and cycling along the Lek and the New Dutch Water Line, where you will find the old fortifications Fort Honswijk and Fort Everdingen.
If you want to go out for dinner, drinks or some nightlife, you can take the bus to Utrecht. Mariaplaats, Oudegracht and Neude are great places for an evening out.
Vianen has a small city centre, making it easy to explore on foot or by bicycle. If you want to cross the Lek, take ‘Vrevia’, the pedestrian and bicycle ferry. A number of buses stop in Vianen. You can park your car for free at car parks P1, P2 and P3 and explore the town on foot.
Driving to Vianen can be a lengthy endeavour due to heavy traffic. Consider taking the bus or train. There are excellent connections to Utrecht and Leerdam/Gorinchem, two other very lovely towns. Vianen does not have a train station but if you take the bus to Utrecht train station (about 15 minutes), the rest of the Netherlands is your oyster!
The old fortified town of Vianen is perfectly located for a relaxing weekend in the countryside and a fun night out.
