Location: Rhineland
Standing on the eastern shore of the Rhine river this castle overlooks the town of Saint Goarhausen. Burg Katz was build in 1371 by Count Wilhelm II of Katzenelnbogen. The full name of the castle is Neukatzenelnbogen (German for New Katzenelnbogen), however its nickname Katz that stands for “cat” in German is preferred. The castle is also known for Riesling wine that was first introduced here in 1435 by the owners, the Katzenelnbogen counts. It was bombed in 1806 by the French (again) and was rebuild in the late nineteenth century. Today the Katz castle houses a Natural Science Grammar and Boarding School. However it is a private and closed to the public.
Origins and Construction (14th Century)
The castle was built
around 1360–1371 by Count Wilhelm II of Katzenelnbogen (also spelled
Katzenelnbogen). The Counts of Katzenelnbogen were a powerful noble
family that controlled significant territories along the Rhine,
including the major toll castle of Burg Rheinfels across the river in
St. Goar.
Strategic Purpose: It primarily served as a toll castle
to control and tax river traffic on the Rhine, a vital trade route. It
also acted as a military stronghold to protect the family's possessions
and counter threats from rival powers.
The "Cat and Mouse" Rivalry:
Construction responded to the nearby Burg Maus (Mouse Castle, originally
Deuernburg), built in 1356 by the Archbishop of Trier (Kurtrier). This
created a classic "cat and mouse" dynamic—Burg Katz (Cat) was positioned
to challenge the rival fortress and safeguard the lucrative customs
operations in St. Goar. The nicknames "Katz" (short for Katzenelnbogen)
and "Maus" became enduring popular folklore.
The original name
"Neukatzenelnbogen" distinguished it from the older family seat. The
family name itself ("Katzenelnbogen" roughly meaning "cat's elbow")
likely inspired the animal-themed nicknames rather than any literal cat
association.
Medieval and Early Modern Period
After the
extinction of the Katzenelnbogen male line with the death of the last
count, Philipp I, in 1479, the castle passed to the Landgraves of Hesse.
It became entangled in inheritance disputes between the branches of
Hesse-Kassel and Hesse-Darmstadt.
Key events include:
Thirty
Years' War (1618–1648): In 1626, a major 33-day siege (July 21 to August
24) targeted Burg Katz and Rheinfels amid the Hesse family conflict.
Spanish forces under Verdugo assaulted it repeatedly but were repelled.
The castle suffered heavy damage, including the burning of the main
tower's roof and commander's quarters from incendiary projectiles. The
defenders eventually withdrew honorably after a peace pact.
Further
damage occurred in 1647 during the same war.
In 1692, during the Nine
Years' War, French forces under Louis XIV attacked Rheinfels; Burg Katz
was also shelled and damaged.
Seven Years' War (1756–1763): In 1758,
French troops captured the weakened castle after a brief defense. It was
later returned.
Destruction and 19th-Century Fate
In 1806,
during the Napoleonic Wars, French forces under Napoleon deliberately
blew up the castle (along with others like Gutenfels) as they retreated
or to deny strategic assets. This left it in ruins, with only parts of
the massive bergfried (keep, originally around 40 meters tall) and
defensive walls surviving.
The ruins passed to the Duchy of
Nassau in 1816.
It changed hands among private owners in the 19th
century.
In 1896, Ferdinand Berg, the district administrator
(Landrat) of Sankt Goarshausen, purchased the ruins and initiated a
significant reconstruction (1896–1898) as a private residence, designed
by the architectural firm Schreiterer und Below. The rebuild
incorporated surviving medieval elements (like the concentric layout,
bergfried base, shield wall, and zwinger) but adapted it for modern
living, resulting in a romanticized, neo-medieval appearance rather than
a strict historical restoration.
20th Century to Present
Sold
again in 1928.
In 1936, it served as a training camp for government
employment services.
After World War II, it was owned by the Federal
Republic of Germany and used from 1953–1966 as a temporary school and
boarding facility (Institute Hofmann).
Since the 1990s (or around the
late 20th/early 21st century), it has been privately owned by a Japanese
executive/businessman and remains a private residence. It is not open to
the public.
Historical Context and Construction Phases
Original medieval
construction: Built around 1360–1371 by Count William II of
Katzenelnbogen (Counts of Katzenelnbogen) as a toll castle and military
stronghold to control Rhine shipping and counter the nearby electoral
Trier castle (Burg Maus).
It was part of a network of fortifications
including Burg Rheinfels on the opposite bank.
The castle suffered
repeated damage: sieges in the 17th century, damage in 1689/1692, and
near-total destruction in 1806 when Napoleon's forces blew it up.
Reconstruction: In 1896–1898 (or 1898–1899), landowner Ferdinand Berg
(district chief of St. Goarshausen) commissioned the Cologne
architectural firm Schreiterer und Below to rebuild it as a private
residence in a historicist/neu-Gothic style, drawing on medieval plans
(e.g., drawings by Dilich). Only core medieval elements survived.
The
current structure blends authentic 14th-century defensive architecture
with late 19th-century romantic residential additions.
Overall
Layout and Site
The castle occupies a compact, strategic site on a
protruding hilltop between the Rhine Valley and Forstbach Valley. It
features a concentric design with an outer ward (Vorburg/Zwinger) and
inner core, optimized for defense on a rocky outcrop.
Key surviving
medieval elements include:
Parts of the shield wall (a thick
defensive wall facing the most vulnerable approach).
The outer ward
(Zwinger — the space between defensive walls).
The layout is
dominated by two main structures: a massive bergfried (keep) on the
uphill side and a great hall (residential/palatial building).
Floor
plan legend (from historical sources):
Keep (Bergfried)
Great Hall
Entrance Gate (with associated defensive features).
Key
Architectural Features
1. The Bergfried (Keep)
The most prominent
medieval feature: a massive, originally ~40 meters (131 feet) tall round
tower on the uphill (landward) side, serving as the final refuge.
It
was heavily damaged in 1806 but partially preserved (now appearing
truncated/ruined on top, often with vegetation).
Thick stone walls,
multiple floors (historically up to six or more) connected by an
internal staircase, with a watchroom at the top.
Typical of Rhine
castles: robust, cylindrical form for maximum strength against artillery
and sieges.
2. The Great Hall and Residential Buildings
The
main living quarters, expanded significantly during the 1890s
reconstruction into a more palatial, residential complex.
Features
steep, dark slate roofs, multiple stories, numerous windows (many with
Gothic-inspired tracery or rectangular forms), chimneys, and decorative
elements.
Ornate balconies, oriel windows (projecting bay windows),
and red-framed window details in parts of the reconstruction.
Combines Romanesque solidity (thick walls, rounded arches in older
sections) with Gothic elements (pointed roofs, towers) and 19th-century
historicist flair.
3. Towers and Defensive Elements
Several
conical-roofed towers and turrets (especially visible on the
Rhine-facing side) — some original, many reconstructed with pointed
slate roofs.
Thick ring walls with battlements, shooting slits, and
corner towers.
A round bulwark or bastion at vulnerable points.
Entrance gate with defensive foreworks.
4. Materials and
Aesthetics
Built primarily from local dark/grey stone (typical Rhine
slate and rubble masonry).
The reconstruction harmonizes new sections
with old by using similar stonework while adding more refined, habitable
features (larger windows, comfortable interiors for a residence).
The
overall silhouette is highly romantic: a cluster of towers, steep roofs,
and battlements rising from the rock, creating a fairy-tale yet
formidable appearance.
Defensive Strategy
As a toll and border
fortress, Burg Katz emphasized:
Commanding elevated position for
surveillance and artillery.
Concentric walls and Zwinger to trap
attackers.
The uphill bergfried as the strongest point.
Integration with the natural rock ledge for protection on multiple
sides.
Current Status
Privately owned (Japanese ownership at
times) and not open to the public. Best viewed from across the Rhine in
Sankt Goar, from hiking paths, or viewpoints like Dreiburgenblick. The
exterior beautifully illustrates the blend of medieval military
architecture and 19th-century romantic revival.
Key Facts and History
Construction: Built around 1371 by Count
William II of Katzenelnbogen (originally called Burg Neukatzenelnbogen,
or "New Cat's Elbow"). It served as a toll castle to control Rhine
shipping revenue and counter the rival Burg Maus ("Mouse Castle")
downstream.
Name Origin: Locals shortened "Katzenelnbogen" to "Katz"
(cat), creating the playful "Cat and Mouse" rivalry with Burg Maus.
Later History: Damaged multiple times (e.g., during wars in the 17th
century and blown up by Napoleon's forces in 1806). Rebuilt in the late
19th century (1896–98) as a private residence. Since 1989, it has been
privately owned (by a Japanese owner) and is not open to the public.
Important: You cannot enter the castle or its grounds. All "visiting"
involves external views, photography, and enjoying the surrounding
landscape.
Best Ways to See Burg Katz
The castle looks
stunning from multiple angles, especially with the Rhine River,
vineyards, and Loreley Rock nearby.
From the River (Classic Cruise
View):
The most iconic perspectives come from Rhine river cruises or
ferries. As you sail downstream (northward), Burg Katz appears on the
right after passing the Loreley. Many cruises highlight the "Cat and
Mouse" story.
From St. Goar (Opposite Bank):
Excellent
unobstructed views across the Rhine, especially from the riverside
promenade or higher up near Burg Rheinfels (the large ruined castle you
can visit). Take the frequent passenger/car ferry between St. Goar and
St. Goarshausen (runs every 20 minutes, short trip).
From St.
Goarshausen Town:
Good lower-angle views from the town center or
riverside paths. It's a quick walk uphill for closer (but still
external) perspectives.
Dreiburgenblick / Patersberg Viewpoint (Best
Elevated View):
This is widely regarded as the top vantage point.
From high above, you look down on Burg Katz, the Rhine, St. Goarshausen,
and Burg Maus.
Access: Drive or walk to Patersberg village. Turn onto
Forstbachstrasse below the castle, then take the footpath (left side
behind houses). It's about 1.5–1.6 km (steady uphill, partly steps).
Reach a car park area, then follow Rheinblick road toward the river.
Effort: Moderate hike; rewarding with panoramic views. Combine with
Dreiburgenblick itself.
Other Vantage Points:
Loreley area
(top of the rock or nearby paths like Loreleyring behind the school).
Hiking trails such as the Rheinsteig or RheinBurgenWeg — these offer
changing perspectives.
Practical Visiting Tips
Best Time to
Visit: Late afternoon/golden hour for beautiful lighting on the castle
walls. Spring (blooming) or autumn (foliage colors) are ideal; summer
can be crowded/hot. Early morning for fewer people.
Weather and
Preparation: The area is hilly with variable weather. Wear sturdy shoes
for trails. Bring binoculars for details, a camera/telephoto lens, rain
jacket, water, and snacks. Check forecasts—fog can obscure views.
Getting There:
Train: St. Goarshausen station on the RB10 line
(Koblenz–Rüdesheim). ~35 min from Koblenz, ~23 min from Rüdesheim.
Car: Easy access via B42. Limited parking in towns; more in Patersberg.
Ferry: Convenient link between St. Goar & St. Goarshausen.
Boat: Many
KD or other cruise lines stop nearby.
Accessibility: Trails to
viewpoints involve uphill walking; not fully wheelchair-friendly. River
views are easiest.
Crowds: Popular photo spot but less crowded than
some Rhine sites. Avoid peak cruise times if seeking solitude.
Nearby
Attractions to Combine:
Burg Rheinfels (in St. Goar): Largest Rhine
castle ruin, open to visitors.
Loreley Rock & Statue: Visitor center,
views, trails.
Burg Maus: Smaller rival castle (also private, good
from hikes).
Hiking the Rhine Gorge trails or visiting other towns
like Oberwesel or Braubach (Marksburg Castle).
Additional Advice
Respect private property — do not attempt to enter the castle grounds.
Photography is excellent; the castle silhouette against the river is
particularly striking at dusk.
Local tourism offices (e.g.,
Loreley-Touristik) can provide maps and current info.
Pair with wine
tasting — the region has excellent Riesling vineyards.