Stahleck Castle

Stahleck Castle
Stahleck Castle
Stahleck Castle
Stahleck Castle
Stahleck Castle

Admire the authoritative stature of this romantic medieval castle and enjoy uninterrupted views over the Rhine Valley from its terrace.

Stahleck Castle is one of the many magnificent fortresses that decorate the spectacular landscape of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. It stands proudly on a hilltop above the historic winemaking town of Bacharach. Established sometime around the 11th century, today Stahleck Castle operates as a youth hostel. It is also the location for an annual living card game based on the fantasy television series Game of Thrones.

Appreciate the history of this longstanding structure. The first documented record of the castle dates back to 1135, when it was the residence of Goswin von Höchstadt, Count of Stahleck. The giant castle towered over Bacharach for over 500 years, before being destroyed by Louis XIV’s French army in 1689. The castle lay in a decrepit state until Frederick William IV, Crown Prince of Prussia, purchased it in 1828. Work on restoring the castle to its original glory started in the early 1900s and it opened as a hostel in 1926.

Get great views of the castle’s façade and its surrounding countryside from the large courtyard. Note the building’s huge round towers, thick stone walls and half-timbered framed windows. Look down on the rooftops of Bacharach’s town centre and along the Rhine River. Admire the vineyards and forest-covered hills, which stretch for miles. A viewing platform above the castle presents additional impressive panoramas.

Visit in November for the Tourney of Stahleck. Join fantasy game players for a weekend of entertainment of living card games. The main event tests players’ knowledge of George R. R. Martin’s hit novels and the television series Game of Thrones. Additional fantasy games run concurrently to the main competition.

The castle is just a 10-minute uphill walk from Bacharach’s town centre via a zigzagging path. Parking is available about 660 feet (200 metres) from the castle entrance. If you walk here, stop on the way to see the gothic ruins of Werner Chapel.

Stahleck Castle is principally a youth hostel, although non-guests can still access the courtyard. Purchase light snacks and refreshments at the hostel café. Visit the hostel’s official website for information about room rates.

Plan a trip to see Stahleck Castle

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Dorint Venusberg Bonn

Dorint Venusberg Bonn

4.5 out of 5
Stadtbezirk Bonn
Save 100% on your flight
per person
11 Oct - 15 Oct
found 1 day ago
Return flight included
London (LON) to Cologne (CGN)
8.8/10 Excellent! (454 reviews)
Is a good place to stay but i found an small issue with the a/c and the shower. Thanks

Reviewed on 25 Jul 2025

Hotel Weiler

Hotel Weiler

3 out of 5
Save 100% on your flight
per person
8 Sept - 11 Sept
found 24 hours ago
Return flight included
Manchester (MAN) to Cologne (CGN)
9.2/10 Wonderful! (26 reviews)
Funky place. Nice town and ambiance.

Reviewed on 31 Mar 2025

Novotel Köln City

Novotel Köln City

4 out of 5
Old Town Cologne
Save 100% on your flight
per person
11 Oct - 15 Oct
found 1 day ago
Return flight included
London (LON) to Cologne (CGN)
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,046 reviews)
Our biggest issue was the lack of response from the admin team. During our trip we intended to stay at this hotel twice, but because of a flight cancellation we had to miss our first night. I messaged the hotel to find out how to reclaim the 10% cost we were entitled to but I heard nothing back. Similarly our 2nd booking was for two rooms. We requested interconnecting rooms but nobody told us this wasn’t possible until our arrival. One of our rooms had a faulty minibar which we reported right away because we need it for milk, but there was no action. Eventually I chased this up face to face and they refused to accept it was broken. It was clearly warm inside unlike the one in the second room we booked. We made do with just the one despite having paid for two. Reception often lacked personnel and the food service was slower than expected, especially for my son’s two scoops of ice cream. We nearly offered to scoop them ourselves by the time they arrived. One of our rooms had a window with no curtain and a broken luggage bench which had screws sticking out of it. The original room layout was not thoughtfully arranged for a family and so we moved the furniture to make it more comfortable. It didn’t live up to my expectations.

Reviewed on 31 Jul 2025

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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 Stahleck Castle

When visiting Stahleck Castle in Bacharach, indulge in a range of activities such as scenic hiking trails that offer breathtaking views. Explore the castle through guided tours, which provide fascinating insights into its history. Additionally, consider taking a ferry ride along the Rhine River for a unique perspective of the landscape. These experiences ensure a memorable visit to this enchanting location.

Shopping

Stahleck Castle offers a charming shopping experience with the Eiermarkt mit Michel-Mort-Denkmal public market, 9.3km away, showcasing local goods. If you're up for a drive, the Forum Mittelrhein shopping mall and Löhr-Center, both 13.7km away, provide a mix of entertainment and family-friendly shopping.

Recreation

At Emser Therme, indulge in rejuvenating body treatments 11.8km from Stahleck Castle, enveloped in a tranquil ambiance. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of Binger Buhne, just 5.6km away, where music concerts offer delightful entertainment. For family fun, relax at Deichwelle Neuwied pool, located 25.6km away, featuring outdoor sports activities.

Adventure

Take the Assmannshausen Cable Car, located 4.3km from Stahleck Castle, for spectacular views and a thrilling ride. Explore the Hessen Trail, 1.2km away, where you can hike amidst beautiful scenery. For more adventure, the Vierseenblicklift Boppard, 9.3km distant, offers family-friendly outdoor fun.

Nightlife

Experience thrilling nights at Sommerrodelbahn Loreley-Bob, a fun-filled amusement ride just 3.7km from Stahleck Castle. For a cultural evening, enjoy a performance at Koblenz Theatre, located 13.7km away, or indulge in the excitement at Bad Schwalbacher Kurbahn, only 8.7km away.

Find the best attractions near Stahleck Castle

Stahleck Castle in Bacharach, Rhineland-Palatinate, offers an enchanting blend of culture, romance, and outdoor experiences. Visitors can explore the historic Stahleck Castle, along with nearby attractions such as Burg Stahleck, Stahlberg Castle, and the charming local churches and museums. This captivating destination invites tourists to immerse themselves in the rich history and scenic beauty of the region, making it an ideal spot for a memorable getaway.

  • Loreley: Nestled 3.7km from Stahleck Castle, Loreley is a picturesque park ideal for families. Enjoy its eco-friendly atmosphere, lush greenery, and stunning views of the Rhine River, perfect for a relaxing day out.
  • Drosselgasse: Located 5.6km from Stahleck Castle, Drosselgasse is a charming street brimming with city vibes. Explore its delightful shops, traditional restaurants, and lively atmosphere, making it a great spot to soak up local culture.
  • Rheinstein Castle: Just 3.7km away, Rheinstein Castle offers a glimpse into the region's rich history. With its romantic setting and cultural significance, visitors can enjoy guided tours and breathtaking views of the Rhine Valley.

Best time to go to Stahleck Castle

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

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January35.2°F (1.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low
February36.9°F (2.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyLowSlightly Low
March42.6°F (5.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
April50.2°F (10.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
May56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June64.4°F (18.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July67.6°F (19.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
August67.3°F (19.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
September60.3°F (15.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
October51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November43.0°F (6.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
December37.6°F (3.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Stahleck Castle

To save money on your visit to Stahleck Castle, consider travelling during the off-peak months of January to February or November for lower accommodation rates. Booking your hotel about a month in advance can yield savings, and keep an eye out for last-minute deals on sites like Expedia. Mondays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Utilise public transport and explore the charming town of Bacharach on foot to save on travel costs. Look for package deals that combine flights and hotel bookings for additional savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Stahleck Castle are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Stahleck Castle is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Stahleck Castle is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Stahleck Castle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional criteria. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to easily find the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your Stahleck Castle hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.