Top 20 Castles around Kaub
Best castles around Kaub are situated along the Rhine River, offering historical insights and scenic views. This region is known for its rich history and the strategic importance of its fortifications. The landscape features the Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with numerous castles perched on hillsides or on islands. There are 20 castles to explore around Kaub, providing a range of historical and architectural experiences.
Best castles around Kaub
- The most popular castles is Rheinstein Castle, a castle that features a museum and an adjoining restaurant. The castle has origins in the early 14th century and offers views down to the Rhine Valley.
- Another must-see spot is View of Burg Stahleck, a viewpoint of a castle that rises high above the wine town of Bacharach. This former customs castle is now a youth hostel and offers views of Bacharach and the Rhine Valley.
- Visitors also love Bacharach Old Town, a historical site within the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley. This old wine trading post features half-timbered houses and historical church buildings, with Burg Stahleck located above the town.
- Kaub is known for its customs castles, residential castles, and former robber baron strongholds. The area offers a variety of castles to see and explore, from ruins to well-preserved structures.
- The castles around Kaub are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 2500 upvotes and over 300 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
View of Burg Reichenstein
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Pfalzgrafenstein Castle
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Rheinstein Castle
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This form is preserved to this day and can be visited. The castle now houses a museum and an adjoining restaurant. In addition, the view from the wall and from the towers down to the Rhine Valley is simply picturesque. If you can not get enough of the castle, then you should also look at the accommodation offers.
You can find all information about opening times and entrance fees at burg-rheinstein.de.
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View of Burg Stahleck
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Stahleck Castle
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From the castle you have a very nice view of the Rhine Valley.
The castle itself has been restored and houses a very good youth hostel.
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The first documented mention of the hilltop castle dates back to 1213, when the Imperial Abbey of Kornelimünster near Aachen appointed Philipp III von Bolanden as "castellanus" and governor. Experts partly doubt or reject the first conquest in 1253. What is certain is the siege, conquest and destruction by King Rudolph of Habsburg in 1282. The castle was banned from being rebuilt. From 1290 onwards, the ruins were owned by the Counts Palatine, who gave them up in favour of the Electorate of Mainz in 1344. A new building was then quickly constructed. A double ring wall enclosed a rectangular residential tower and an inner courtyard of the main castle. A forecourt was located to the north. In 1397, after the Pope had appointed John II of Nassau Archbishop of Mainz, ignoring the election of the Mainz Cathedral Chapter the previous year, Archbishop Gottfried von Leiningen, elected in 1396, barricaded himself in the castle. Only after tough negotiations did he give up the bishop's seat and was instead given the office of provost of Mainz Cathedral. His concession prevented another attack on the castle and possible further destruction. The castle had been left to decay since the 16th century. The remains were blown up in 1689 during the War of the Palatinate Succession. In 1834 Franz Wilhelm von Barfus bought the ruins and converted a tower into his residence. His heirs sold the castle to Baron von Rehfuß in 1877 and he sold it to Consul Chosodowsky in 1889. The castle was given its current appearance by Baron Nikolaus von Kirsch-Puricelli, a wealthy industrialist and owner of the Rheinböllerhütte. From 1899 to 1902, Kirsch-Puricelli had the castle rebuilt into a neo-Gothic residential castle in the Tudor style according to plans by the Regensburg architect Strebel. Additional residential buildings and an observation tower were built on the site of the outer castle. Reichenstein was the last castle in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley to be rebuilt in the spirit of Rhine Romanticism. After the castle was sold by the family in the 1990s, media entrepreneur Lambert Lensing-Wolff, a descendant of the Kirsch-Puricelli family, acquired Reichenstein Castle in 2014 as a weekend residence and also runs a museum and a hotel with a restaurant here.
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Beautiful view from the bike path up to the castle
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Great view of the castle which is still well preserved.
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Stahleck Castle was built around 1000 as a hilltop castle and customs castle on a field spur by the Archbishopric of Cologne. In 1120/21 it was owned as a Cologne electoral fief by Gozwin von Stahlecke, Count of Höchstadt and Bildhausen. Today Stahleck Castle is a beautiful, modern youth hostel.
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The castle has its origins in the early 14th century. With its towers and battlements, it really looks like you would imagine a medieval castle to be - a fairytale view directly over the Rhine.
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The city center is well worth seeing with its old half-timbered houses and the many city gates.
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It's about maintaining an original feeling
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There is a youth hostel at the castle, which is highly recommended
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which castles around Kaub are particularly family-friendly?
Several castles in the region are great for families. Rheinstein Castle offers a museum and restaurant, providing an engaging experience for all ages. Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, located on a Rhine island, is accessible by ferry from Kaub and offers a unique historical setting. The area around View of Burg Stahleck, which is now a youth hostel, also provides a scenic backdrop for family outings, especially when combined with a visit to Bacharach Old Town.
Are there good viewpoints to see the castles around Kaub?
Yes, the Rhine Valley offers many excellent viewpoints. The View of Burg Stahleck provides a fascinating perspective of the castle high above Bacharach and the Rhine Valley. Similarly, the View of Burg Reichenstein offers a great vantage point of this former 'Raubburg' (robber baron castle) on the left bank of the Rhine.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the castles around Kaub?
The region around Kaub is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy, moderate, and difficult options. For example, there are routes like the 'Oberwesel Town Wall and Towers – Schönburg Castle loop' which is an easy hike. For running enthusiasts, there are trails such as the 'Ox Tower, Oberwesel – Pfalzgrafenstein Castle loop'. You can explore more options on the hiking guide for Kaub or the running trails guide for Kaub.
Are there easy hiking trails that include castles near Kaub?
Yes, there are several easy hiking trails that allow you to experience the castles. The 'Pfalzgrafenstein Castle – Panorama Trail above Kaub loop' is an easy 4.7 km route. Another easy option is the 'Gutenfels Castle – Pfalzgrafenstein Castle loop' which is about 2.9 km. For more easy routes, check the easy hikes around Kaub guide.
What is the best time to visit the castles around Kaub?
The castles around Kaub, situated in the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley, are beautiful year-round. However, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for exploring and hiking, with vibrant foliage in autumn. Summer is also popular, though it can be warmer. Many castles, like Rheinstein Castle, have specific opening hours, so it's advisable to check these before your visit.
Can I find cafes or restaurants near the castles?
Yes, some castles and nearby towns offer dining options. Rheinstein Castle has an adjoining restaurant and a cafe. Additionally, towns like Bacharach, with its Old Town, provide various cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy local cuisine and wine.
What historical insights can I gain from visiting castles in this region?
The castles around Kaub offer a deep dive into medieval history. Many, like Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, served as customs castles, controlling trade on the Rhine. Others, such as Rheinstein Castle, were romanticized residential castles rebuilt from ruins, showcasing different eras of architectural and cultural significance. The region itself, being a UNESCO World Heritage site, highlights the strategic importance of these fortifications along the Rhine River.
Is public transport available to reach the castles near Kaub?
The Rhine Valley is well-served by regional trains and ferries. Kaub itself has a train station, and ferries can take you to specific locations like Pfalzgrafenstein Castle on its island. For castles on the riverbanks, train lines often run parallel to the Rhine, making many accessible. It's recommended to check local transport schedules for specific routes to each castle.
Are there any hidden gem castles or less-known spots worth visiting?
While many castles are well-known, exploring the smaller ruins or viewpoints can offer a unique experience. For instance, while Burg Stahleck is prominent, the View of Burg Reichenstein provides a less crowded perspective of a castle with a museum of valuable art treasures. The region has 20 castles in total, so there are always new discoveries to be made beyond the most popular ones.
What should I wear when visiting castles around Kaub?
Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as many castles involve walking up hills, stairs, or exploring uneven terrain. Layers of clothing are advisable, especially during spring and autumn, as weather can change. If you plan to hike, appropriate hiking gear is recommended. During summer, light clothing and sun protection are useful, while in cooler months, a warm jacket is necessary.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Kaub?
Visitors frequently praise the picturesque locations and the stunning views of the Rhine Valley. The historical atmosphere, especially at castles like Rheinstein Castle with its medieval charm, is highly appreciated. The opportunity to combine castle visits with walks through charming towns like Bacharach Old Town and enjoy the local wine culture also adds to the experience. The komoot community has shared over 300 photos and given more than 2500 upvotes for these highlights, reflecting their popularity.
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