Philippsburg Castle Renaissance Garden & Winzerkeller Schloss Philippsburg
While Marksburg steals the headlines, Braubach's second castle — Philippsburg — hides one of the Rhine Valley's most beguiling secrets: a Renaissance garden that faithfully recreates its original 1607 design, paired with a wine cellar where you can taste the valley's celebrated Rieslings in atmospheric surroundings.
A Garden Frozen in 1607
The Renaissance Garden of Philippsburg Castle is part of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley's World Heritage Garden Route, and it stands out for its fidelity to its original layout — the geometric beds, clipped hedges and period planting schemes replicate a design that is over 400 years old. It offers a far quieter, more contemplative experience than the busy castle up the hill.
Braubach earned the nickname 'The Town of the Roses' partly thanks to its floral heritage, and the garden is at its most spectacular in late May and early June when the roses are in full bloom. The Rheinanlagen Rose Garden on the riverside promenade — which includes the rare 'Magic of the Loreley' World Heritage Rose — is the perfect complement to a visit here.
Wine Tasting at Winzerkeller Schloss Philippsburg
Beneath the castle, the Winzerkeller Schloss Philippsburg offers tastings of locally produced wines — the vineyards clinging to the steep Rhine slopes produce world-class Rieslings and Spätburgunders that rarely leave the region. Pair a glass with regional specialities like the celebrated 'Braubacher Schlossbraten' at one of the old-town restaurants nearby.
For a more casual setting, the wine garden on the river promenade buzzes on summer evenings, where locals and visitors share bottles of Riesling as the sun drops behind the opposite ridge and the Marksburg turns gold above the town.
More of Braubach
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Braubach →
