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

Drachenburg Castle

Königswinter

The cog railroad takes you steeply uphill. From Drachenfels near Königswinter, Germany's most "climbed" mountain, the view stretches far across the Rhine. A stop at Drachenburg Castle is worthwhile halfway up.

You can decide whether you want to take on the challenging ascent to the Drachenfels on foot or take a leisurely trip to the summit on the cog railroad? It doesn't matter what you end up doing, you should definitely plan a stopover halfway up. This is where the beautiful Drachenburg Castle is located - a mixture of villa, castle and palace. With magnificent rooms and halls. And an extensive park.

The true panorama can be seen at the very top - from the summit of Drachenfels. Here you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Rhine and the Siebengebirge mountains. The remains of a castle from the 12th century give the place a particularly mystical feel. Those who like to stop for a bite to eat can enjoy the view from the Panorama Restaurant. The way back down is either on foot or by cog railroad.

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

And what else?This could also be interesting

  • Panarbora treetop walk Froschperspektive, Waldbröl, Bergisches Land
    Tourismus NRW e.V., Panarbora treetop walk Froschperspektive, Waldbröl, Bergisches Land
    Panarbora Nature Adventure Park
    Waldbröl
    Open today
    Walk through the treetops, enjoy a breathtaking view of the Bergisches Land and learn interesting facts about nature and the people in the region - the Panarbora nature adventure park with its treetop walk is a highlight for nature lovers.
    Learn more
  • Starry sky in the Eifel National Park
    Tourismus NRW e.V., Tourismus NRW e.V., Starry sky in the Eifel National Park
    Sternenpark Eifel National Park
    Kall
    The star park in the Eifel National Park offers a breathtaking view of the night sky. The low lighting and sparse population minimise light pollution so that the Milky Way and the constellations of the solar system are clearly visible. Star tours, offered by Sternen Guides and the astronomy workshop ‘Stars without Borders’, allow visitors to experience the fascination of the starry night sky in the Eifel.
    Learn more
  • Biggeblick viewing platform Sauerland
    Tourismus NRW e.V., Biggeblick viewing platform Sauerland
    Biggeblick Skywalk
    Attendorn
    Open today
    After a short hike along a forest path, you will be rewarded with a magnificent view over Lake Bigge on the Biggeblick Skywalk. Important: don't forget your camera! The Biggeblick is an exceptional photo opportunity.
    Learn more
Load more elements