Castle · Koblenz, Renânia-Palatinado
Marksburg
Medieval hilltop castle above Braubach, overlooking the Reno, the only hill castle in the Middle Rhine Valley that was never destroyed, with guided visits to the rooms, the kitchen and the herb garden.
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 Marksburg
Marksburg sits atop a hill above the small town of Braubach, on the right bank of the Reno, about 12 km south of Koblenz. It is the only hill castle in the Middle Rhine Valley that was never destroyed: wars and sieges went through the region, and it reached the 20th century with its medieval structure intact.
The core of the castle dates from the 12th and 13th centuries, and the main tower dominates the complex. Over the centuries it was strengthened with new walls and bastions, but never lost its medieval fortress appearance. Since 1900 it has belonged to the Deutsche Burgenvereinigung, the German castle association, which has its headquarters there and oversaw the restoration.
The visit is guided and goes through the courtyards, the medieval kitchen with the stone stove, the hall, the bedroom and the chapel, the armory with armor from various periods, and the medicinal and kitchen herb gardens. From the walls you can see the Reno and the valley, with the town of Braubach below.
The castle is part of the Romantic Rhine Valley, a World Heritage Site, and is usually included on the itinerary of those traveling up the river by boat or train from Koblenz.
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
About 2 hours, including the climb and the guided tour, which lasts around 50 minutes.
Best time
From spring to autumn, in the morning, before tour groups arrive. In summer the guided tours fill up faster.
How to get there
By regional train along the right bank of the Reno, from Koblenz to Braubach station in about 15 minutes. From the station, the uphill walk along the slope trail takes 20 to 30 minutes. By car, there is parking near the castle entrance.
Tip
The guided tour is in German; at some times there are groups in English, and the reception usually has leaflets in other languages. Ask at the ticket office.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Marksburg
Why is the Marksburg special?
It is the only hill castle in the Middle Rhine Valley that was never destroyed. It has survived to the present day with its medieval structure intact.
How to go from Koblenz to Marksburg?
By regional train to Braubach in about 15 minutes, then a 20 to 30-minute walk uphill. By car, it's about 12 km.
Is the visit to Marksburg guided?
Yes. The visit is guided, lasts around 50 minutes and goes through the kitchen, the hall, the chapel, the armory and the gardens.
Who owns the Marksburg?
The Deutsche Burgenvereinigung, the German castle association, since 1900. The association's headquarters are located in the castle itself.
