Rheinfels Castle

Rheinfels Castle
Rheinfels Castle
Rheinfels Castle
Rheinfels Castle
Rheinfels Castle


Explore the ruined cellars, living quarters and tunnels of this 13th-century castle, which was once the most formidable stronghold in the Middle Rhine region.

Visit Rheinfels Castle (Burg Rheinfels) to journey through the ruins of a magnificent fortress that dates back over 700 years. Uncover the ancient history of both the castle and Sankt Goar via exhibits in the castle museum. Count Diether V. von Katzenelnbogen established Rheinfels Castle in 1245 as a hideout for Sankt Goar’s tax collectors. It passed to the House of Hesse in 1479 and then to the French revolutionary army in 1794 before Napoleon inflicted major damage at the end of the 18th century.

Enter via the wooden door of the castle’s clock tower and follow the stone paths that traverse the ruins. Pass through a maze of casemates, courtyards and tunnels. Look inside former banquet halls, bedrooms and entertainment salons. Feel dwarfed while standing inside the enormous vaulted cellar.

Climb up onto the ramparts and enjoy panoramic views of the picturesque Rhine Valley countryside. Gaze down on the town of Sankt Goar and across the Rhine River to Sankt Goarshausen. Watch as canoes, cargo ships, passenger ferries and sailboats cruise along the calm water.

Browse the exhibits in the castle museum in the old chapel. Spot antique coins, ceramics and a scale model of the castle’s appearance in its heyday. Find examples of a bookbindery, tools and machinery from a fret sawmill. See a reconstruction of the Rheinfelsapotheke, a pharmacy built in Sankt Goar in 1598.

The castle stands on a hilltop above the northern side of Sankt Goar’s town centre. Walk here in 15 minutes from the town’s train station. Pay to park if you are arriving by car. Check to see if the Castle Express toy train connecting the castle and town centre is operating.

Rheinfels Castle is open daily from March to November and has an admission fee. During the rest of the year it is open on weekends only for pre-booked guided tours. The fee includes a trail map of the castle. Visit the official website of Sankt Goar for more information about guided tours and medieval festivals. Bring comfortable walking shoes and a flashlight for exploring the ruins.

Plan a trip to see Rheinfels Castle

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Hotel Schloss Rheinfels

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Apartment 'Burgblick' with Balcony

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Apartment 'Rheinblick' with Balcony and Wi-Fi

Apartment 'Rheinblick' with Balcony and Wi-Fi

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4****Fewo, quiet location directly above St Goar, the Rhine and opposite the Loreley

4****Fewo, quiet location directly above St Goar, the Rhine and opposite the Loreley

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Großes Apartment an der Loreley

Großes Apartment an der Loreley

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Erholung pur am Rhein

Erholung pur am Rhein

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Loreley: Traumferien am Rhein

Loreley: Traumferien am Rhein

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Historisches Apartment Minimalus in St Goar am Rhein

Historisches Apartment Minimalus in St Goar am Rhein

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Historisches Apartment Minimalus in St Goar am Rhein
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Rheinfels Castle

While visiting Rheinfels Castle in Sankt Goar, be sure to explore the scenic surroundings with activities like ferry rides, boating, and canoeing. Additionally, consider joining local tours to gain insights into the history of the castle, with various options available for a guided experience through the impressive Burg Rheinfels.

Shopping

While exploring Rheinfels Castle, you can enjoy local shops for unique souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, Forum Mittelrhein and Löhr-Center, both 9.3km away, offer a variety of shopping options. Eiermarkt mit Michel-Mort-Denkmal, located 13.7km away, features a vibrant public market for local goods.

Recreation

At Emser Therme, indulge in rejuvenating body treatments surrounded by a serene atmosphere, just 7.5km from Rheinfels Castle. Experience vibrant concerts at Binger Buhne, located 9.3km away, or enjoy family-friendly fun at Deichwelle Neuwied pool, 13.7km from the castle, perfect for outdoor activities.

Adventure

Explore the Klettersteig hiking trail, located 5.6km from Rheinfels Castle, offering breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventure. For family fun, ride the Vierseenblicklift Boppard cable car, 5.0km away. Alternatively, hike the Hessen Trail, situated 3.1km from the castle, for a thrilling experience amidst nature.

Nightlife

At Rheinfels Castle, the nearby Sommerrodelbahn Loreley-Bob offers thrilling amusement rides, while the Koblenz Theatre presents captivating performances in a cultural setting. For family fun, Tolli Park’s arcade adventure zone provides an exciting atmosphere, ensuring a delightful night out in the region.

Find the best attractions near Rheinfels Castle

When visiting Rheinfels Castle in Sankt Goar, you'll discover a variety of attractions, including the majestic castle itself, charming churches, and scenic parks. This destination offers cultural experiences, romantic settings, and outdoor adventures. Be sure to explore the magnificent Rhine terrace and the iconic foot of Rheinfels Castle, which together provide a stunning backdrop for your holiday in this picturesque region of Rhineland-Palatinate.

  • Loreley: Located a mile from Rheinfels Castle, Loreley is a picturesque park that offers eco-friendly outdoor experiences perfect for families. Enjoy stunning views of the Rhine, scenic walking paths, and a serene atmosphere amidst nature.
  • Stahleck Castle: Situated 4.3km away, Stahleck Castle is a romantic medieval fortress that offers a glimpse into the region's rich culture. Explore its impressive architecture and enjoy panoramic views of the Rhine Valley.
  • Marksburg Castle: Just 5.6km from Rheinfels, Marksburg Castle is the only hilltop castle along the Rhine that has never been destroyed. Its historical significance and enchanting setting make it a must-visit for culture and romance enthusiasts.

Best time to go to Rheinfels Castle

The best time to visit Rheinfels Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Rheinfels Castle falls in July, when visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Rheinfels Castle falls in January, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January35.1°F (1.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low
February36.7°F (2.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowAverage
March42.1°F (5.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
May55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June63.3°F (17.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July66.4°F (19.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
August66.0°F (18.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
September59.0°F (15.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
October50.9°F (10.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November43.0°F (6.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
December37.6°F (3.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Rheinfels Castle

To save money on your visit to Rheinfels Castle, consider travelling during the off-peak months of January to February and November, when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your stay about a month in advance can yield the best rates, with Wednesdays typically being the cheapest nights. For spontaneous travellers, check Expedia's last-minute deals for discounts. Additionally, combining your hotel with flights and activities through an Expedia package can help reduce costs. Lastly, make use of public transport and explore the area on foot to enjoy free activities while soaking in the beautiful scenery.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Rheinfels Castle are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Rheinfels Castle about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Rheinfels Castle is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Rheinfels Castle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, including your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To find the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially reduce your expenses by combining your Rheinfels Castle hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.