Vianen, Netherlands

Welcome to Vianen, a charming city located in the central Netherlands, in the province of Utrecht. This picturesque town is situated south of the Lek River and is known for its historic town center that dates back to the medieval period. Vianen was granted city rights in 1337 and thrived under the counts of Brederode, who acquired its lordship through marriage early in the 15th century. The town formed a self-proclaimed sovereign seignory till 1795, including Vianen, Lexmond, Hei- en Boeicop and Meerkerk. During the Middle Ages, as a free city, Vianen could be a haven for felons and escaped serfs. Of the three castles built during the town’s history, Castle Batestein was said to be one of the most beautiful in the Netherlands. Its only remnants are a 17th-century brick gate and water-pump. Remnants of the old city wall are visible girdling parts of the old downtown. Vianen celebrates its city rights every year in October with a horse-market. Besides the horses, there are also other activities on this day, such as a fair and market and traditional Dutch games. Vianen is intersected by two major motorways leading to Utrecht: the A2 (Amsterdam-Maastricht) and the A27 (Breda-Almere). Both roads can be notoriously congested near Vianen during peak commute hours. Vianen is made up of a historic town center and more extensive modern housing developments to the east, south, and southwest and an industrial and commercial area. The municipality was merged with the municipalities of Leerdam and Zederik on 1 January 2019. The name of the new municipality is Vijfheerenlanden which is a part of the province Utrecht. Vianen is a hidden gem that is often overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbors. However, this enchanting destination boasts a rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and mouthwatering local cuisine. Come and discover the many treasures of Vianen and see why it should be on every traveler’s bucket list.