Marksburg Castle
Looming 160 metres above the Rhine on a volcanic cone, Marksburg is the sole hilltop castle on the entire Middle Rhine that was never destroyed or conquered — an 800-year-old original, not a romantic reconstruction. Walking through its gates feels less like visiting a museum and more like stepping into the gritty, practical reality of a medieval knight.
An Unbroken Line of History
Begun in the early 12th century and first documented in 1231, Marksburg was built by the Lords of Eppstein to protect Braubach's silver mines and extract tolls from Rhine shipping. While wars and the cannons of Louis XIV reduced neighbouring castles to rubble, Marksburg stood firm — always occupied, always maintained.
Today it serves as the headquarters of the German Castles Association, which preserves it as a living monument. Visitors are walked through the castle kitchen, knight's hall, armoury, wine cellar, and chapel, all retaining a remarkable degree of original fabric and decoration.
The Tour & The View
Access is by guided tour only, lasting around 50 minutes. An English-language tour runs daily at 1 p.m. during the summer season; for other times, call +49-2627-206 to check whether you can join a pre-booked English-speaking group.
The panorama from the ramparts — barges threading the river below, vineyards climbing the opposite bank, the rooftops of Braubach — is alone worth the climb. After the tour, the Marksburg Schänke café in the castle grounds is the perfect spot for a Riesling with a view.
Marksburg Castle on video
More of Braubach
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Braubach →
