This town set in the heart of the Rhine Gorge is famous for its ancient castles, vineyards and a legendary rock.
Sankt Goar is an attractive town located on the west bank of the Rhine River. Visit its centuries-old churches and castles. Go hiking amid lush green landscapes and see a slice of the region’s winemaking culture. Sankt Goar is surrounded by the UNESCO-protected Rhine Gorge, in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. It takes its name from Goar of Aquitaine, a Celtic missionary who settled here in the 6th century.
Find historic landmarks along the streets of the small town center. Among these are the Stiftskirche Sankt Goar, Sankt Goar Town Hall and St. Goar and St. Elisabeth Parish Church. See displays of dolls, teddy bears and vintage toys at the German Dolls and Teddy Museum. Sample full-bodied, fruity wines, such as riesling, at the town’s bars and restaurants.
Follow the path uphill to the ruins of the mighty Rheinfels CastleOpens in a new window, which dates back to the 13th century. Explore the courtyards, tunnels and living quarters and browse museum exhibits about life in the Rhine Valley. Another interesting place to visit is Wahrschauer-und-Lotsenmuseum, where you can learn about boat piloting and signaling.
Catch a ferry across the Rhine River to Sankt Goarshausen, Sankt Goar’s sister town. Enjoy panoramic views from the Dreiburgenblick lookout. Admire the medieval architecture of Katz Castle and Maus Castle. Browse exhibits about winemaking in the Rhine Valley at Loreley Museum.
Walk along the riverfront to the mysterious 433-foot (132-meter) tall hill, LoreleyOpens in a new window. Discover the hill’s legends at Loreley Besucherzentrum visitor center. Watch concerts at Loreley Freilichtbühne and have summer fun on the Loreley-Bob Sommerrodelbahn toboggan ride. Walk down to the river to the Statue of Loreley, which portrays a mythical mermaid.
Reach Sankt Goar by catching a train from major German cities such as Bonn, Cologne and Frankfurt. Travel by foot along the RheinBurgenWeg trail, which connects a series of castles and towns in the Middle Rhine Valley. Alternatively, travel between the towns via canoe or ferry.
