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Castle · Bacharach, Renânia-Palatinado
Burg Rheinfels
Ruin of the largest fortress-castle of the Middle Rhine, founded in 1245 above St. Goar, with underground galleries, a vaulted hall and a museum.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Burg Rheinfels
Burg Rheinfels was founded in 1245 by Count Diether V of Katzenelnbogen as a toll castle on the hill above St. Goar. Enlarged over the centuries, it became the largest fortification in the valley between Koblenz and Bingen.
In the 14th and 15th centuries it was the residence of the counts of Katzenelnbogen, who on the opposite bank built Burg Katz to collect tolls from boats in both directions. The fortress withstood sieges in the Thirty Years' War and in the 1689 conflict, but at the end of the 18th century it was captured and destroyed by French troops.
Today it is a huge ruin that can be explored independently: courtyards, ramparts, one of the largest vaults in Europe without columns and a small museum with a model of the fortress. The mine galleries, tunnels excavated for defence, and the lower part of the castle can only be visited with a guide.
The castle closes in bad weather for safety and is undergoing conservation work in some areas. From the top, the view stretches from the Loreley to St. Goarshausen and Burg Katz.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1h30 to 2 hours.
Best time
On dry days, as the ground is uneven. The main season runs from spring to autumn. On days of strong wind or storms, the castle may not open.
How to get there
From Bacharach, regional train to St. Goar, about 10 minutes. From the station, the walk up takes about 20 minutes. By car there is parking next to the castle.
Tip
Bring a torch (your phone's light will do) and sturdy footwear for the galleries and dark sections. Ask at the ticket office about guided visits to the mines.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Burg Rheinfels
How far is it from Bacharach?
About 15 km downstream at St. Goar, roughly a 10-minute regional train ride.
Can you visit without a guide?
Yes, much of the ruin and the museum can be visited independently. The mine galleries and the lower parts are only accessible with a guided tour.
What to bring?
Sturdy footwear and a flashlight for dark corridors and uneven floors.