Castle Drachenburg

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.