Braunfels Castle

Braunfels Castle (Schloss Braunfels) in central Hesse is a neo-Gothic palace perched on a basalt cone above the small half-timbered town of Braunfels. It has belonged to the same noble family for almost 800 years, and part of it is still lived in. If you are looking for things to do between Frankfurt and the Rhine, this is a quieter, atmospheric alternative to the big-name castles.

Where it is and how to get there

Braunfels lies in the Lahn valley between Wetzlar and Weilburg, roughly an hour by car north of Frankfurt. By train, the nearest station is Leun/Braunfels on the Giessen-Limburg line, but it is about 2.5 miles (4 km) uphill from the castle. The easier option is the bus from Wetzlar to the town center. Drivers will find free parking right next to the castle wall; follow the signs to "P-Schloss".

Why it is worth a visit

The castle was first mentioned in 1246 and grew from a border lookout into the fortified seat of the Solms-Braunfels counts. Its current look is the result of a romantic makeover that began in 1845 under Prince Ferdinand, who turned the medieval stronghold into a Gothic Revival palace in the spirit of Rhine Romanticism. Because the family never lost the property, the rooms still hold collections assembled over generations: weapons, uniforms, silver, porcelain and coins.

What to see

• Guided castle tour (about 50 minutes): the main way to see the historic interiors. Guided tours in English, French, Russian and Polish can be booked on request.
• Princely Family Museum: open daily from about 8:30 a.m. until dusk without a guide, with a free audio guide.
• Gates and courtyards: the climb through the gatehouses and cannon-lined courtyards is a highlight on its own.
• Castle café: useful after the tour. In summer the courtyard hosts open-air opera.

Tickets and opening hours (as of October 2026)

Tours leave on the hour between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. every day, and from 10 a.m. on Sundays and public holidays. From November, tours run only on request. Prices in euros (EUR):

• Castle tour: adults 9, reduced 5, children aged 5 to 10 3, under 5 free, family ticket 20.
• Family museum: 4, or 2 extra when combined with a tour.
• A regular tour needs at least four people, otherwise a flat fee applies.

Book through the castle's website, and call ahead if you visit in winter.

Tips for visitors

Plan about two hours in total: the tour, the museum and a stroll through town. The castle's website does not give accessibility details, so contact the castle in advance if you need step-free access. October is a good month to come, when the forests around the hill turn color.

Nearby

The riverside town of Weilburg and the old town of Wetzlar are both a short drive away along the Lahn.