Location: Rhineland
The castle of Marksburg stand on the right side of the river on a hill overlooking city of Braubach. Marksburg Castle was originally constructed in 1117 to defend the city below and it is the only castle in the Middle Rhine from the medieval times that hasn’t been destroyed. It listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. It was owned by the Eppsteins, the Counts of Katzenelnbogen and from 1479 the Landgraves of Hesse. The city and the castle above finally fell in 1866 to the Prussians and under Kaiser Wilhelm II in 1899 the castle underwent restoration that did not change overall original appearance. The Marksburg castle is easy to spot by its distinctive 130 feet high tower. Inside you can immerse in authentic medieval atmosphere and experience life as it was in the past. Additionally a museum of military warfare is also located here.
Early History of Braubach
Braubach has roots going
back to at least the early medieval period. It was mentioned in a
charter as early as 933 as a fief of the Counts of Arnstein of Lahngau.
The settlement benefited from its strategic position along the Rhine
trade route, which facilitated commerce, toll collection, and defense.
In 1276, King Rudolf of Habsburg granted Braubach the status of a free
imperial city under Count Gottfried of Eppstein. This elevated its
importance and autonomy. However, in 1283, Count Eberhard I of
Katzenelnbogen purchased the town and the castle, bringing it under the
control of this powerful noble family.
Under the Katzenelnbogen
counts, Braubach became a key administrative and economic center,
particularly for wine production. It served as the hub for vineyards in
surrounding areas (including Rhens, Spay, Boppard, etc.), with
documented outputs like 33,000 liters in 1438 and 84,000 liters in 1443.
The town also saw later economic activity from lead and silver mining
starting in 1769 on nearby mountains.
The town retains much of its
medieval charm today, with intact sections of town walls, half-timbered
houses, gates like the Obertor and Fischertor, and churches such as the
Romanesque St. Remigius (or Martinskappelle, parts from the 11th–12th
century) and St. Barbara's Church (13th century with Gothic elements).
History of Marksburg Castle
Marksburg (originally called Burg
Braubach) is perched on a cone-shaped hill about 160 meters above the
Rhine. It is unique among Middle Rhine hill castles: it is the only one
that was never destroyed and one of only two that were never conquered
(the other being Burg Maus). It has been continuously inhabited or used
for over 800 years and preserves its medieval character authentically,
unlike many Rhine castles that were ruined and later romanticized in
19th-century reconstructions.
Construction and Early Ownership
(12th–13th Centuries)
A fortification existed around 1117, built by
the Lords (or noble freemen) of Eppstein (or sometimes associated with
Braubach nobles) to protect the town and support Rhine toll collection.
The first documentary mention of the hill castle dates to 1231.
Dendrochronology dates the oldest surviving elements (base of the keep
and lower hall) to 1239. Earlier 12th-century foundations, including a
Romanesque chapel discovered in 2014, suggest prior structures.
The
castle featured a characteristic Staufer-era design: a tall bergfried
(keep, butter-churn tower style), a simple hall, and a triangular
curtain wall.
The Eppstein family was influential, with members
serving as archbishops in Mainz and Trier. The castle served primarily
defensive and customs purposes rather than as a luxurious residence.
Katzenelnbogen Period (1283–1479)
In 1283, after the Eppstein
line effectively ended in that branch, the castle passed to Count
Eberhard of Katzenelnbogen through marriage. The family significantly
expanded it in Gothic style during the 14th century, adding much of the
imposing structure visible today. Around 1340, they built the Gothic
chapel dedicated to St. Mark, from which the castle takes its name
(Marksburg).
The Katzenelnbogens were wealthy and controlled multiple
Rhine castles (including Katz). They continuously rebuilt and
strengthened Marksburg until 1479. The castle remained unconquered
throughout turbulent medieval times.
Hessian Period and
Fortifications (Late 15th–18th Centuries)
In 1479/1429 (male line
extinction led to inheritance), the castle passed to the Landgraves of
Hesse. They modernized it for artillery, adding batteries, bastions,
pointed outworks, and round towers to the outer walls. These upgrades
likely helped it survive the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648) with minimal
damage when many other Rhine castles were devastated.
Additional
modifications occurred in the 17th and 18th centuries (e.g., a vaulted
tunnel passage). It maintained its medieval core while adapting to
gunpowder warfare.
19th Century: Decline and New Uses
After
the Napoleonic era (1806), the castle went to the Duchy of Nassau as a
reward for alliance. It lost military importance and was used as a
prison and home for disabled soldiers/invalids. Following the
Austro-Prussian War (1866), it became Prussian property.
In 1900, it
was sold for a symbolic 1,000 Goldmarks to the newly founded Deutsche
Burgenvereinigung (German Castles Association), which has owned and
preserved it ever since. This organization is headquartered there today.
20th Century and Modern Era
Marksburg suffered minor damage from
American shelling in March 1945 (targeting Nazi forces using it), but
repairs were completed by the 1960s–1980s. It escaped major destruction
in both World Wars, adding to its remarkable preservation.
Today, it
is a museum offering guided tours that showcase medieval life, with
features like the Knights' Hall, armory, dungeon (with historical
torture devices), chapel frescoes, cannons, and a garden. It provides
panoramic views of the Rhine and is a highlight of the Rhine Gorge. The
association focuses on castle preservation across Germany.
Broader Context and Other Sites in Braubach
Philippsburg Palace
(built 1568–1571 by Landgrave Philipp II of Hesse-Rheinfels) served as a
more comfortable residence below the hill. It later fell into disrepair
but parts remain.
Braubach transitioned from a wine and mining town
to a tourist destination, benefiting from its location in a scenic,
historically rich valley.
The intertwined history of Braubach and
Marksburg exemplifies the feudal power struggles, Rhine trade economics,
and defensive architecture of the Holy Roman Empire era. Marksburg
stands as a rare authentic survivor of centuries of conflict, offering
visitors a tangible link to medieval Germany.
Overall Layout and Defensive Architecture
The
castle follows a triangular layout, characteristic of Staufer-era
(Hohenstaufen) fortifications from the 12th–13th centuries. This design
minimized vulnerable wall surfaces to attackers while fitting the
hilltop terrain. It features multiple baileys (courtyards), layered
defenses, and staggered buildings for defense-in-depth.
Key defensive
elements include:
Multiple gates (four in total): The first is a
drawbridge gate leading into a 17th-century reinforced vaulted tunnel
passage (about 81 feet long) with a sharp bend for better defense.
Subsequent gates include the Fox Gate (Fuchstor), the Arrow Slit Gate
(Schartentor) with a machicolation (overhanging projection for dropping
stones or boiling substances), and others.
Thick stone walls, narrow
windows/loopholes, and strategic positioning on the rocky outcrop.
Batteries and bastions added in the 15th–18th centuries for artillery
(e.g., Great Battery and Small Battery platforms for cannons).
Keep
(Bergfried): A striking butter-churn tower (cylindrical or slightly
tapered fortified tower), mainly a watchtower and status symbol rather
than a residence. The lower part dates to 1239; the upper section was
added in 1468. It has an extremely narrow, steep internal stairway.
Outer fortifications expanded under the Landgraves of Hesse for
gunpowder-era warfare.
The castle was built primarily for military
protection and customs enforcement on the Rhine, not as a luxurious
noble residence.
Main Buildings and Architectural Styles
Marksburg evolved over centuries, blending Romanesque (solid, rounded
arches, sturdy forms) and Gothic (pointed arches, lighter structures,
chapels) elements, with later Baroque/18th-century additions while
retaining its medieval character.
Romanesque Palas (Main Hall): The
oldest major residential building, dating to 1239 (dendrochronology
confirms). It is a simple, sturdy hall within the original triangular
curtain wall. Interiors were modified later; it now houses offices and
is not fully open to tours.
Gothic Hall Building (1435): Contains the
castle kitchen on the ground floor, with large fireplaces and period
utensils. Features typical Gothic elements like vaulting.
Gothic
Chapel (Kapellenturm / Chapel Tower, ca. 1340): Dedicated to St. Mark
(giving the castle its name). Located at the apex of the triangular
complex. It includes beautiful wall paintings (some restored or added
later) and is a highlight of tours. Foundations of an even earlier
Romanesque chapel (possibly 12th century) were discovered nearby.
Rhine Wing (Rheinbau, 1706): The most “modern” addition, with domestic
features like a weaving room for flax/linen. It includes half-timbered
elements in some areas.
Wine Cellar: 17th-century interior,
reflecting the castle’s self-sufficiency.
Armory: Displays armor,
weapons, and replicas showing evolution from medieval to early modern
periods.
Other features: Knights’ Hall, living quarters, a historical
“indoor restroom,” forge, and courtyards.
Materials are primarily
local stone (shale/schiefer), giving it a rugged, fortified appearance.
Expansions under the Counts of Katzenelnbogen (14th century) added most
of the visible Gothic character.
Braubach Town Architecture
The small town of Braubach at the base of the hill complements the
castle with its well-preserved medieval and post-medieval character. It
features:
Half-timbered houses (Fachwerkhäuser): Narrow, colorful,
and ornate buildings typical of Rhineland towns, lining picturesque
alleys and the market square (Marktplatz). These date from various
periods, with some Renaissance examples like the Eckfritz House (1597).
Churches:
St. Barbara’s Church (13th century, early Gothic with mural
paintings).
Martinskappelle (11th century), the oldest church in
town.
Other structures: Historic gates (e.g., Obertor), the Rhine
promenade, and Philippsburg (a 16th-century palace/castle lower down,
now housing the European Castles Institute).
Braubach’s old town is
charming and compact, with cobblestone streets, cozy squares, and views
up to the Marksburg, creating a classic Rhine Valley medieval ensemble.
Historical Context and Preservation
Construction began around
1117 by the Lords of Eppstein (initial keep ca. 1100–1117), with major
phases in the 13th–15th centuries. It passed to the Katzenelnbogen
family and later Hesse. It was continuously inhabited and adapted (e.g.,
for artillery), surviving wars including minor damage in 1945. Since the
20th century, it has been owned and preserved by the Deutsche
Burgenvereinigung (German Castles Association), making it an authentic
example rather than a romantic 19th-century reconstruction.
Getting There
By Train/Bus: The easiest base is
Koblenz (major rail hub). Regional trains to Braubach station take
~10–15 minutes. From there, it’s a scenic but steep 25–40 minute uphill
walk through the forest to Marksburg (or take a taxi). Buses also run
regularly.
By Car: Take the B42 (Rhine road) and follow signs to
Braubach/Marksburg. There’s paid parking at the castle (€4 for cars,
higher for larger vehicles). The final approach road is narrow and
winding—drive carefully.
By Boat (Rhine Cruise): Many river cruises
stop at Braubach’s quay. From there, you can walk (steep), take a taxi,
or use a seasonal tourist train/shuttle if available.
From Frankfurt
Airport: Train via Koblenz (about 1.5–2 hours total).
Tip: Braubach’s
tourist information office near the station can hold luggage and provide
maps/brochures.
Visiting Marksburg Castle
Marksburg dates back
to the 12th–13th centuries and offers a genuine feel of medieval
fortress life (unlike many romanticized 19th-century reconstructions
elsewhere on the Rhine).
Key Practical Info:
Opening Hours
(subject to minor changes): March–October: 10am–5pm (last tour starts at
5pm); November–February: 11am–4pm. Closed Dec 24–25.
Access: Only by
guided tour (~50 minutes). Tours run regularly in German; English tours
daily at 1pm (and often 4pm) in summer season. Off-season, download fact
sheets or call ahead (+49 2627 206) to join a group.
Tickets
(approx., check current prices): Adults €11, schoolchildren €8, under 6
free, family €24. Tickets at the souvenir shop.
What You’ll See:
Fortifications, batteries, chapel, living quarters, kitchen, armory,
herb garden, and panoramic ramparts with stunning Rhine views. The tour
covers medieval daily life, defense systems, and history.
Physical
Demands: Steep uphill walk from town/parking (10–30+ minutes depending
on starting point). Inside: uneven rocky/cobblestone paths, many stairs,
narrow passages. Not suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, or those with
serious mobility issues. Wear sturdy shoes; use walking sticks if
needed. Take it slow—many visitors note it’s challenging but rewarding.
Pro Tips for Marksburg:
Arrive early or aim for English tours to
avoid crowds.
There’s a castle tavern/restaurant for lunch with
decent prices and views.
Gift shop has unique souvenirs (books,
replicas, wine).
Combine with a short hike on the Rheinsteig trail
for more views.
Exploring Braubach Town
Braubach itself is
delightful—compact, with half-timbered houses, narrow cobblestone
streets, and a relaxed vibe. Spend 1–3 hours wandering.
Highlights:
Marktplatz: Central square with cafés, half-timbered buildings—perfect
for people-watching and wine.
Schloss Philippsburg (16th century):
Now houses the European Castle Institute; check for events.
Historic
Gates & Towers: Obertor, Kriegerdenkmal.
Churches: St. Barbara’s and
others.
Bauernmuseum: Local agricultural tools, ceramics, and art.
Wineries: Tastings at places like Winery Willems or Braubacher
Weingarten—try local Riesling.
The town is very walkable. Stroll the
Rhine promenade for river views.
Best Time to Visit
Spring
(April–June) or Autumn (Sept–Oct): Mild weather, fewer crowds, beautiful
vineyard colors, comfortable hiking.
Summer: Busier, but great for
festivals (e.g., wine festival) and longer days.
Winter: Quieter,
shorter hours, possible Christmas market atmosphere but colder and fewer
English tours.
Where to Eat & Drink
Traditional German fare,
Rhine wines, and cozy taverns.
Recommendations: Zum Goldenen
Schlüssel, Zum Weissen Schwanen, Marktstubben, Braubacher Weingarten,
Café Maass.
Castle tavern for a meal with a view.
Where to
Stay
Braubach makes a peaceful base (better than crowded Koblenz for
immersion):
Zum Weissen Schwanen: Historic and charming.
Other
small hotels/guesthouses like Felsenkeller or options via
Booking/Expedia.
Many have Rhine or castle views.
Additional
Tips
Combine with Nearby Spots: Koblenz (Deutsches Eck,
Ehrenbreitstein Fortress), Boppard, or a short Rhine cruise segment.
Hike the Rheinsteig or visit other castles.
Weather & Packing:
Layers, rain jacket (Rhine Valley can be damp), good walking shoes.
Binoculars for river views.
Crowds & Timing: Less crowded than bigger
Rhine towns. Plan around tour schedules.
Accessibility: Town is
mostly flat but cobbled; castle is not accessible.
Money: Small
town—bring cash for some spots; cards widely accepted.
More Info:
Official Marksburg site (marksburg.de), Braubach tourism, or local TI
office.