Rheinfels Castle

Rheinfels Castle in St. Goar is the largest castle ruin on the Middle Rhine and one of the most exciting castles to explore in the Rhine Valley. Perched high above the river, it lets you wander through courtyards, ramparts and dark underground tunnels at your own pace. Once a mighty fortress, it is now part of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site and a highlight of any Rhine cruise or road trip.

Where it is and how to get there

St. Goar is a small town on the left bank of the Rhine in Rhineland-Palatinate, between Koblenz and Bingen in the famous Rhine Gorge. It works as a day trip from Koblenz, Mainz or Frankfurt.

• By train: Regional trains stop hourly at St. Goar station on the Rhine line.
• To the castle: Walk up the steep path from town or take bus 681 up to the castle (line 682 runs back).
• By boat: Many Rhine cruise boats stop at St. Goar, and a car ferry links it with St. Goarshausen on the opposite bank.
• By car: There are only a few paid parking spaces at the castle.

Why it is special

Count Diether V of Katzenelnbogen built the castle in 1245 to collect tolls from ships on the Rhine. It withstood a siege in 1256 and later became a huge fortress under the Landgraves of Hesse, holding out against a French army in 1692–93. In 1797, French revolutionary troops blew it up, and its stones were later used to build Ehrenbreitstein Fortress in Koblenz. In 1843 the future Emperor William I bought the ruin; today it belongs to the town of St. Goar. Unlike many restored Rhine castles, Rheinfels is an authentic ruin, which makes exploring it feel like a real adventure.

What to see

• The mine tunnels: Underground passages dug in the 17th century. Bring a flashlight.
• The palace ruins: Towering walls with empty window openings.
• The viewing tower: Sweeping views over the Rhine and St. Goar.
• Castle museum: A small museum on the castle's history.

Tickets and opening hours

As of October 2026, the castle is open daily 10 am to 6 pm from April to November (last entry 5 pm) and 10 am to 5 pm in the off-season. It closes in snow and ice. Admission is €6 for adults, €3 for children aged 6 to 14, and €13 for a family ticket. Guided tours run on weekends and holidays at 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm. Note that parts of the castle are currently closed for construction work, so ask on arrival which areas are open.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, especially for families and anyone who prefers ruins to polished palaces. Allow about two hours and wear sturdy shoes, as paths are uneven and steep. The ruin is not suitable for wheelchairs and is difficult with strollers. A tavern with a terrace serves food and drinks.

Nearby

Across the river are Katz Castle, Maus Castle and the legendary Lorelei rock. Downstream, visit Marksburg Castle and Koblenz with Ehrenbreitstein Fortress and the Deutsches Eck. Upstream, the wine town of Oberwesel has a well-preserved town wall.