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Marksburg Castle
Marksburg Castle is the only hill castle on the Middle Rhine that was never destroyed, offering a unique and authentic experience of medieval life. Perched on a slate cone above the town of Braubach, it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. The castle's origins date back to the early 12th century, evolving over the centuries from a noble residence into a fortress and later a state prison. The defensive structures impress with their thick walls, gate systems, and the prominent butter-churn tower. Inside, visitors can tour rooms preserved in their original style, such as the castle kitchen, the knight's hall, the chapel, and an extensive armory documenting the development of weapons and armor. Since 1900, Marksburg has been the headquarters of the German Castles Association, which is dedicated to the preservation of this significant national monument.
- Location: Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
- Top sights: Marksburg · Philippsburg · Renaissancegarten
- Nearby: Lahnstein (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 0 | 1 | 4 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 14 | 9 | 5 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 70 | 57 | 57 | 47 | 71 | 70 | 75 | 76 | 58 | 60 | 69 | 76 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The first documented mention of the castle dates back to the year 1117.
- The castle sits approximately 150 meters above the water level of the Rhine.
- In 1900, the German Castles Association purchased the site for a symbolic 1,000 Marks.
- The Romanesque palas is one of the oldest surviving parts of the castle.
- The armory displays weapons ranging from antiquity to the 15th century.
- The castle's herb garden features over 160 plant species that were used in the Middle Ages.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Marksburg Castle (10)
Rosengarten
Garden with roses. Blooming area.
Martinskapelle
Chapel in Braubach, Rhein-Lahn district, Rhineland-Palatinate. Small place of worship.
Markuskirche
Church in Braubach. Evangelical place of worship.
Burgenblick
Viewpoint. View of Marksburg Castle.
Aussichtspunkt Im Stiel
Viewpoint. Panoramic view of the Rhine valley.
Kerkertser-Platte
Viewpoint. Plateau with a view.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is Marksburg so famous?
Can I visit the castle without a guided tour?
Are there tours in English?
How strenuous is the climb to the castle?
Are dogs allowed?
Marksburg Castle: where is it located?
Marksburg Castle: what is there to see?
Marksburg Castle: when is the best time to visit?
Marksburg Castle: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
