Marksburg Castle
Braubach, Germany, 56338
High above the River Rhine in Germany’s Middle Rhine Valley, Marksburg Castle began life as a fortified 13th-century Romanesque tower. Later expanded into a hilltop fortress, it draws visitors for being the only undamaged medieval castle along this scenic stretch of the Rhine—making it one of its standout historical gems.
The basics
Girded by a watchtower, walls, and gates; Marksburg is a prime example of a medieval fortress. Originally constructed by the Rhine’s powerful Eppstein family, it saw the addition of several Gothic buildings in the 1300s—giving it today’s appearance—before it was expanded into a fortress in the 1400s and used as a prison during the 1800s.
Visitors can only explore Marksburg on in-house castle tours. These lead you around its highlights, including its Great Hall, kitchen, armory, cannon-guarded ramparts overlooking the Rhine, and its stables—home to a medieval torture exhibition. Many travelers opt to see Marksburg from the outside only on boat trips from Koblenz to Mainz, Boppard, or Rudesheim, while others visit on hop-on hop-off day-long cruises that dock at Braubach. Marksburg is also a stop on some multi-day Rhine cruises from cities such as Koblenz or Bonn.
Things to know before you go
- Guided tours of Marksburg Castle take around 50 minutes.
- The castle’s steep stairs and uneven grounds make it unsuitable for wheelchair users and visitors with strollers.
- On-site facilities include a café, gift shop, restrooms, and picnic area.
How to get there
The nearest town to Marksburg is Braubach, which sits just below it on the Rhine’s right bank. Regular trains run from Koblenz to Braubach, from where it’s a steep 20-minute walk up a forest trail to the castle. Shuttles circulate between the town and castle during summer. Many river boat trips and multi-day Rhine cruises also visit Braubach, while drivers can easily reach the town from Koblenz or Wiesbaden.
When to get there
Marksburg Castle is open daily, excluding December 24 and 25. Guided tours run at regular intervals every day. Consider visiting close to opening or closing time and on weekdays: lines for castle tours can be long at weekends and during summer.
Castles of the Upper Middle Rhine
The Upper Middle Rhine Valley between Bingen and Koblenz boasts more than 40 castles from the Middle Ages. While Marksburg tops the agenda, others also demand a visit. If possible, make time to explore the atmospheric, tunnel-laced ruins of 13th-century Rheinfels Castle; and Stolzenfels— a stunning example of 19th-century Prussian romanticism rising from the Rhine’s forested left bank.
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