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 owner Stephan von Sarter (1833-1902) came to wealth and honor as a stock market analyst. After being made a baron in 1881, he laid the foundation stone for his dream castle. This was completed after less than three years of construction.

Above Königswinter, in the middle of the Siebengebirge Nature Park, the picturesque building is visible from afar, halfway up the Drachenfels. On the ascent on foot or on a leisurely ride on the historic cog railroad, the castle presents itself behind old trees and magnificent rhododendrons.

Since the beginning of the 20th century, the combination of nature and culture, romantic landscapes and rich history has attracted tens of thousands of visitors from all over the world every year. They all experience an unforgettable excursion, gather unexpected impressions of unique castle architecture, wander through the historically significant landscape park and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Rhine and the Siebengebirge region.

Visitors are transported back to the end of the 19th century. Carefully restored and refurnished, the sumptuous drawing rooms and private apartments of Drachenburg Castle now allow visitors to experience the atmosphere and lifestyle of the period in which they were built. It seems as if the former lord of the castle, Stephan von Sarter, is returning at any moment.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the local history and legends and marvel at the large-format canvas paintings by artists of the Munich School such as Frank Kirchbach and Ferdinand Wagner the Younger. Elaborate stencil paintings, artistic woodwork and stained glass still bear witness to the impressive craftsmanship of days gone by.

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.
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Important information at a glance

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

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