Rheinfels Castle Tours

Rheinfels Castle
Rheinfels Castle
Rheinfels Castle showing heritage architecture
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 center. 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 center 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 Mondial am Dom Cologne - MGallery
Astor & Aparthotel
Mauritius Hotel & Therme

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Best Lodging Options Near Rheinfels Castle

Hotel Schloss Rheinfels

Hotel Schloss Rheinfels

4.5 out of 5
Schlossberg 47, Sankt Goar, RP
Hotel Schloss Rheinfels
Hotel Rheinfels

Hotel Rheinfels

Heerstraße 69, Sankt Goar, RP
Hotel Rheinfels
Exceptional vacation home in a fantastic location above Rheinfels Castle, Loreley

Exceptional vacation home in a fantastic location above Rheinfels Castle, Loreley

Sankt Goar
Exceptional vacation home in a fantastic location above Rheinfels Castle, Loreley
Holiday Apartment 'Burgblick' with Balcony

Holiday Apartment 'Burgblick' with Balcony

Sankt Goar
Holiday Apartment 'Burgblick' with Balcony
Villa Muehlenschenke Game-Room Vineyard and more

Villa Muehlenschenke Game-Room Vineyard and more

Sankt Goarshausen
Villa Muehlenschenke Game-Room Vineyard and more
Winery Retreat in Germany with Wine Cellar

Winery Retreat in Germany with Wine Cellar

St. Goar
Winery Retreat in Germany with Wine Cellar
Loreley Retreat - Sauna-Billiard & more

Loreley Retreat - Sauna-Billiard & more

Sankt Goar, Rheinland-Pfalz
Loreley Retreat - Sauna-Billiard & more
Good times in St. Goar (suitable for workation)

Good times in St. Goar (suitable for workation)

Sankt Goar
Good times in St. Goar (suitable for workation)
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

Experience a memorable family adventure at Rheinfels Castle in Sankt Goar, where you can explore its rich history through guided and self-guided tours. Discover the castle's stunning architecture and breathtaking views of the Rhine River. For additional fun, enjoy nearby activities like ferry rides, boating, and canoeing to make your visit even more enjoyable.

Shopping

Shopping near Rheinfels Castle offers a mix of experiences. The Löhr-Center is conveniently located 15 miles away with various stores. If you're up for a drive, head to Forum Mittelrhein, also 15 miles away, for entertainment and family-friendly vibes, or visit Eiermarkt mit Michel-Mort-Denkmal, 22 miles away, for a local market experience.

Recreation

Emser Therme, 12 miles from Rheinfels Castle, offers a serene body treatment experience, perfect for relaxation. Binger Buhne, 15 miles away, provides lively music concerts for your entertainment. For family fun, visit Deichwelle Neuwied, 22 miles distant, featuring a refreshing pool and outdoor sports activities.

Adventure

Take a scenic ride on the Vierseenblicklift Boppard cable car, located 8 miles from Rheinfels Castle, offering stunning views and outdoor vibes. Explore the Klettersteig hiking trail, 9 miles away, for an adventurous trek amidst beautiful scenery. Don’t miss the Hessen Trail, only 5 miles away, for more outdoor exploration.

Nightlife

Experience a romantic evening at Koblenz Theatre, just 15 miles away, where culture and entertainment come alive. For a thrilling adventure, visit Sommerrodelbahn Loreley-Bob, only 1 mile away, for an exciting amusement ride. Enjoy family fun at Tolli Park, 23 miles away, with its arcade and adventure vibes.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Rheinfels Castle

When visiting Rheinfels Castle in Sankt Goar, you'll find an array of attractions including the stunning castle itself, charming churches, and beautiful parks. Ideal for culture lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike, you can explore the breathtaking Rhine views, discover nearby Schloss Arenfels, and learn about the history of Burg Rheinfels Castle. Whether you're seeking romance or adventure, there are plenty of activities to enhance your trip.

  • Loreley: Located a mile from Rheinfels Castle, Loreley is a serene park perfect for outdoor family activities. Its eco-friendly atmosphere and picturesque views over the Rhine make it an ideal spot for relaxation and enjoying nature.
  • Katz Castle: Just 0.9 miles away, Katz Castle exudes romance and rich cultural history. Its stunning architecture and scenic surroundings provide a perfect backdrop for a leisurely exploration, making it a must-see for history enthusiasts and couples alike.
  • Bluecher Museum Kaub: Situated 5 miles from Rheinfels Castle, this history museum offers a deep dive into the region's culture. With fascinating exhibits and engaging displays, it’s a great place to learn about local heritage and historical events.

Best time to go to Rheinfels Castle

The best time to visit Rheinfels Castle is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January35.1°F (1.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February36.7°F (2.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
March42.1°F (5.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April49.5°F (9.7°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June63.3°F (17.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July66.4°F (19.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August66.0°F (18.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
September59.0°F (15.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly 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 CloudyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Rheinfels Castle

To save money on your trip to Rheinfels Castle, consider visiting during the cheaper months of January to February and November. Booking your hotel about a month in advance or checking last-minute deals on Expedia can help you find lower rates, especially on Tuesdays. Utilize Expedia’s filters to find eco-friendly accommodations within your budget, and consider package deals that combine flights and hotels for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and earn you cash for future stays.

  • 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 Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Rheinfels Castle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to narrow down your options based on your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you prefer. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotel choices that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Rheinfels Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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