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Pfalzgrafenstein Castle on its island in the Rhine, with Burg Gutenfels and Kaub on the hillside behind

Day trips

The castles of the Middle Rhine: which to visit from Sankt Goarshausen

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More than 40 castles and ruins stand along the Middle Rhine, most of them built in the Middle Ages to collect tolls from passing ships. Many were destroyed by French armies in the 17th and 18th centuries, and many were rebuilt in the 19th century by romantic owners. From Sankt Goarshausen, a dozen are within half an hour by train, boat or ferry.

Castles you can visit

  • Burg Rheinfels, St. Goar: the huge ruin across the river, with towers, cellars and tunnels. A ferry ride and a short climb away.
  • Marksburg, Braubach: the only hilltop castle on the Middle Rhine never destroyed. Guided tours only.
  • Pfalzgrafenstein, Kaub: the island toll castle in the river, reached by a small boat.
  • Burg Rheinstein and Burg Reichenstein: two romantic castles near Trechtingshausen, further upstream towards Bingen.
  • Burg Lahneck and Schloss Stolzenfels: near Koblenz, both restored in the 19th century.
The Schönburg, with its red towers, on a wooded hill above Oberwesel.

Castles to admire from outside

  • Burg Katz: the Cat above Sankt Goarshausen, privately owned.
  • Burg Maus: the Mouse above Wellmich, privately owned.
  • Burg Gutenfels: above Kaub, privately owned.
  • Sterrenberg and Liebenstein: the “hostile brothers” near Kamp-Bornhofen, with restaurants that you can visit.

Castle hotels

For a night in a castle, the Schönburg above Oberwesel and the hotel beside Burg Rheinfels are two of the best-known. Burg Stahleck above Bacharach is a youth hostel.

A castle day from Sankt Goarshausen

  1. Morning: train to Braubach and a guided tour of the Marksburg.
  2. Lunch back in Sankt Goarshausen, or on a boat.
  3. Afternoon: ferry to St. Goar for Burg Rheinfels.
  4. Evening: watch Burg Katz light up from the riverbank.

Tips

  • Most castles open from about March or April to October, and some close on certain weekdays. Check before you go.
  • Almost every castle is a steep climb from the river. Wear good shoes.
  • Further afield, Eltz Castle on the Moselle is worth a day trip by car or tour.
  • See the castles from the water with our Rhine cruise guide.

Book ahead

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