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.

Popular places to visit

Sankt Goar

Katz Castle

You can find out about the history of Sankt Goarshausen with a trip to Katz Castle. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Katz Castle
Sankt Goarshausen featuring landscape views, chateau or palace and tranquil scenes

Maus Castle

You can find out about the history of Wellmich when you stop by Maus Castle. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Maus Castle
Loreley

Loreley

Admire great views of the Rhine River, learn about ancient legends, watch shows at an open-air theater and have fun on a summer toboggan ride at this striking headland.

Loreley
Pfalzgrafenstein Castle in the foreground is a toll castle that was erected in 1326-1327. It sits on Falkenau Island on the Rhine. Burg Gutenfels in Kaub can be seen in the distance.

Falkenau

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Falkenau during your trip to Kaub? Discover the area's museums and monuments.

Falkenau
Pfalzgrafenstein Castle in the foreground is a toll castle that was erected in 1326-1327. It sits on Falkenau Island on the Rhine. Burg Gutenfels in Kaub can be seen in the distance.

Pfalzgrafenstein Castle

You can browse the exhibits at Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to Kaub. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Pfalzgrafenstein Castle

Stefans Wine Paradise

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Stefans Wine Paradise during your travels to Sankt Goar. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Stefans Wine Paradise

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
Gemütliche Fewo, Ruhige Lage Direkt Über dem Rheintal Gegenüber der Loreley

Gemütliche Fewo, Ruhige Lage Direkt Über dem Rheintal Gegenüber der Loreley

Sankt Goar
Gemütliche Fewo, Ruhige Lage Direkt Über dem Rheintal Gegenüber der Loreley
See all 726 properties in Rheinfels Castle
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, don't miss the chance to enjoy romantic spots and guided castle tours that reveal its rich history. Additionally, explore the beautiful surroundings through ferry rides, boating, and canoeing on the Rhine River, making your trip both adventurous and memorable.

Shopping

For a unique shopping experience near Rheinfels Castle, visit the Löhr-Center, a local store just 15 miles away. If you're up for a drive, check out Forum Mittelrhein, a vibrant shopping mall 15 miles away, or Eiermarkt mit Michel-Mort-Denkmal, a public market located 22 miles from the castle.

Recreation

Emser Therme, located 12 miles from Rheinfels Castle, offers a soothing body treatment experience amidst a relaxing atmosphere. For entertainment, enjoy a music concert at Binger Buhne, 15 miles away. Families can splash around at Deichwelle Neuwied pool, which is 22 miles from the castle, embracing sports and outdoor fun.

Adventure

Embark on an exhilarating hike along the Klettersteig trail, located 9 miles from Rheinfels Castle, where stunning scenery awaits. Experience the thrill of the Vierseenblicklift Boppard cable car, 8 miles away, perfect for family adventures. Explore the beautiful Hessen Trail, just 5 miles from the castle, offering captivating outdoor views.

Nightlife

At Rheinfels Castle, enjoy a romantic evening at the Koblenz Theatre, just 15 miles away, showcasing captivating performances. For thrills, head to Sommerrodelbahn Loreley-Bob, a mile away, for a fun ride. If you're up for an adventure, Tolli Park, 23 miles away, offers exciting arcade games for the whole family.

Find the best attractions near Rheinfels Castle

When visiting Rheinfels Castle in Sankt Goar, you'll find a wealth of attractions including the castle itself, charming churches, and scenic parks. This destination offers a perfect blend of culture, romance, and outdoor experiences. Don't miss exploring the stunning views from the foot of Rheinfels Castle or the nearby Schloss Arenfels for a full day of adventure and history.

  • Loreley: Located 1 mile from Rheinfels Castle, Loreley Park is a beautiful outdoor space perfect for families. Enjoy eco-friendly vibes while exploring its scenic trails, picnicking, or simply soaking in the breathtaking views of the Rhine River.
  • Katz Castle: Just 0.9 mile away, Katz Castle offers a romantic atmosphere steeped in history. Wander through its charming halls, admire the stunning architecture, and take in panoramic views of the Rhine Valley that are sure to inspire.
  • Oberwesel Kulturhaus: Situated 3 miles from Rheinfels Castle, this cultural center showcases local art, music, and events. Experience the vibrant culture of the region and discover the rich heritage of Oberwesel.

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 moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Rheinfels Castle falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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 Rain (Dry)Mostly 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 visit to Rheinfels Castle, plan your trip during the cheaper months of January to February and November. Book your hotel about a month in advance or check Expedia for last-minute deals, especially on Tuesdays for the best rates. Utilize Expedia's search tools to find budget-friendly accommodations, and consider combining your hotel stay with flights for additional savings. Look for hotels with free cancellation and flexible booking options. Lastly, join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash 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: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Rheinfels Castle is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • 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: Expedia's search tool lets you customize your travel preferences by selecting your budget, desired location, and additional criteria. You can easily arrange your search results from the lowest to the highest prices, ensuring you see the most affordable hotel options first. Additionally, you have the option to narrow your search by hotel type; for instance, by selecting the "Eco-certified" filter, you'll find sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels ready for booking.
  • 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.