Drachenburg Castle front view with sunset
Tourismus NRW e.V., Drachenburg Castle offers pure Rhine romance in the Siebengebirge Nature Park

Castle Drachenburg

Königswinter

Drachenburg Castle, built between 1882 and 1884, is the youngest of the castles and palaces on the Middle Rhine. The interior is exceptionally splendid. Following its extensive restoration, visitors can experience the living culture of the late 19th century in the refurnished rooms. The large landscaped park invites visitors to linger and take a stroll. Exhibitions on the castle's eventful history and the restoration work bring the history of the castle to life. A visit to the museum on the history of nature conservation in the carriage house rounds off the visit.
TIP: The Bonn Regio WelcomeCard entitles you to reduced admission!

Current changes to the opening times can be found at Drachenburg Castle

Make yourself a culture pack!

The gateway to Rhine romance

The journey up to the most famous peak in the Siebengebirge, the Drachenfels, is an experience in itself. Germany's oldest cog railway, dating back to 1883, rattles loudly and takes you safely and comfortably to the top.

  • The town of Königswinter lies at the foot of the Siebengebirge on the eastern side of the Rhine.
  • The journey up to the most famous peak of the Siebengebirge, the Drachenfels, is an experience in itself. The loud rattling of Germany's oldest cog railway, dating back to 1883, takes you safely and comfortably to the top.
  • Drachenburg Castle sits enthroned at the middle station of the railway line.
  • Greeted by two golden stags, you enter the neo-Gothic castle complex, which looks back on an eventful history. In the permanent exhibition, you will learn why Schloss Drachenburg is actually neither a castle nor a palace, but "a villa that grew far too large". In the outer bailey, the birthplace of nature conservation so to speak, you will make exciting discoveries in the German Museum for the History of Nature Conservation.
  • Visitors to the castle have the opportunity to enjoy refreshments in the castle restaurant. Alternatively, after visiting the sights, you can stop off at Café Steinhöfel or the Kontor & Kaffeehaus in the centre of Königswinter.
  • Excursion tip: Take the cog railway to the Drachenfels plateau, from where you can enjoy one of the most beautiful views over the Rhineland and the Siebengebirge mountains. If you prefer to walk, you can hike from Drachenburg Castle to the nearby Petersberg. The walk to the "Milchhäuschen" excursion restaurant is a little shorter. You can relax on the terrace of the historic building surrounded by ancient trees.
  • Excursion tip: Travellers can find another cultural highlight in Rhöndorf. Just a few minutes' drive from Drachenburg Castle is the Adenauer House, a former home of Konrad Adenauer, where guests can get up close and personal with the famous politician. An exhibition on his life and work is located right next door in an exhibition building.
  • Overnight tip: Hotel Weinhaus Hoff in Bad Honnef or Maritim Hotel in Königswinter.

Important information at a glance

  • Open all day
    Saturday12:00 - 17:00
    Sunday12:00 - 17:00

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