Location: Rhineland
Burg Maus Castle is a medieval citadel located on the right side
of the river. The construction began in 1356 by Archbishop-
Elector of Trier Bohemond II and lasted for 30 years. Its
strange name that comes from a German for “mouse” came from a
nickname that was given by the counts of Katzenelnbogen who
found the castle Katz (German for “cat”) and castle Rheinfels
across the river. The castle was intended to secure the lands of
Trier against this family. In fact it one of the best fortified
fortresses in the valley. Through its long and turbulent history
it was never captured despite numerous attacks and sieges.
Eventually it fell in disrepair in the 16th century due to lack
of necessity and ever changing military tactics. The castle was
repaired between 1900 and 1906 by architect Wilhelm Gartner with
great attention to restore its original appearance.
Today the castle is privately owned and it is not accessible to
the public. The castle walls and tower hosts aviary that is home
to falcons, eagles and owls. Birds are demonstrated between late
March and early October. It is one of the last places in Europe
that practices this old tradition.
Origins and Construction (Mid-14th Century)
Construction began
around 1353–1356 under Archbishop-Elector Bohemond II of Trier (also
spelled Boemund II) and continued for about 30 years until roughly
1386–1388 under his successors, notably Kuno von Falkenstein.
The
castle was originally known as St. Peterseck (or Burg Peterseck), later
Burg Deuernburg or Thurnberg/Thurmberg, before acquiring the popular
name Burg Maus.
Strategic purpose: It served dual roles in the power
struggles along the Rhine:
Enforcing Rhine River toll rights recently
acquired by the Electorate of Trier.
Securing Trier’s borders and
territorial claims against the powerful Counts of Katzenelnbogen, who
controlled nearby strongholds like Burg Rheinfels (directly across the
river at St. Goar) and were building Burg Katz (Cat Castle, or
Neu-Katzenelnbogen).
This placement created a classic medieval
“counter-castle” dynamic. The Counts of Katzenelnbogen, whose name
literally means “Cat’s Elbow,” mocked the slower-building Trier fortress
as a “mouse” that their “cat” (Burg Katz) would eventually devour. This
folklore cemented the enduring cat-and-mouse nicknames for the two
neighboring castles.
The site was chosen on a mountain spur for
excellent oversight of the Rhine, toll collection, and defense. It was
one of the most modern fortifications of its era in the region.
Architecture and Layout
The original design included:
A round
bergfried (defensive tower) protecting the vulnerable uphill side.
A
shield wall.
Residential buildings and a residential tower (later
extended with a fourth story under Kuno von Falkenstein).
The
ward contains two main residential structures. Its elevated position and
robust construction made it highly defensible.
Late Medieval and
Early Modern Period (14th–17th Centuries)
In the latter half of the
14th century, Burg Maus served as one of the official residences for the
Electors of Trier.
Unlike many Rhine castles (including its rivals
Burg Katz and Rheinfels, which were heavily damaged or destroyed in
conflicts like the Thirty Years’ War, Nine Years’ War, and later wars),
Burg Maus was never destroyed in battle. However, it gradually fell into
disrepair during the 16th and 17th centuries as its strategic importance
waned.
By 1719, records describe it as dilapidated and empty—the
first documented use of the name “Maus” in contrast to “Katz.”
19th–20th Century: Decline, Auction, and Restoration
In 1806, during
the Napoleonic era and secularization, the castle was auctioned off for
demolition and used as a stone quarry. Only partial demolition occurred,
sparing much of the structure.
Around 1900, architect Wilhelm Gärtner
purchased it and undertook a careful restoration (1900–1906),
reconstructing it with attention to historical accuracy and using
original materials where possible. This makes Burg Maus one of the
better-preserved examples of medieval castle architecture in the region.
It suffered additional damage from shelling during World War II but was
repaired afterward.
Modern Era and Current Use
Today, Burg
Maus is privately owned but open to visitors in limited ways. Since the
late 20th century, it has housed an aviary with falcons, owls, and
eagles. Falconry demonstrations are a popular attraction for tourists
from late March to early October.
It stands as a striking landmark in
the UNESCO-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley, near the famous Lorelei
Rock, surrounded by vineyards and offering panoramic views of the river
and Burg Katz downstream.
Historical Context and Construction
Construction began in 1356
under Archbishop-Elector Bohemond II of Trier and continued for about 30
years (completed around 1386–1388) by his successors, notably Kuno von
Falkenstein.
The castle was built to enforce Trier’s Rhine River toll
rights and secure the Electorate’s borders against the powerful Counts
of Katzenelnbogen, who controlled nearby Burg Katz and Burg Rheinfels.
Its original intended name was Burg Peterseck (or St. Peterseck), later
known as Deuernburg or Thurnberg/Thurmberg, before the popular "Maus"
name emerged from the "cat-and-mouse" rivalry.
Unlike many Rhine
castles destroyed in wars, Burg Maus was never fully razed. It fell into
disrepair in the 16th–17th centuries, was partially quarried after an
1806 auction, and underwent a historically sensitive major restoration
(1900–1906) by architect Wilhelm Gärtner, based on a detailed 1578
inventory by Archbishop Jacob von Eltz. It sustained some WWII shelling
but was repaired.
Today, it is privately owned, occasionally open for
events/tours, and famous for its falconry aviary with birds of prey
demonstrations.
Overall Layout and Defensive Architecture
Burg
Maus is a compact but sophisticated rock castle (Felsenburg) adapted to
its steep, rocky site on a mountain spur. It features a mix of late
Romanesque and early Gothic military architecture, with later additions.
Core Defensive Elements:
A prominent round bergfried (keep or
watchtower) guards the vulnerable uphill (eastern) side. This is one of
the castle’s most striking and prominent features, built in the middle
of the shield wall (a thick defensive wall facing the landward
approach).
The shield wall with the integrated round tower provided
strong protection against attacks from higher ground.
A moat carved
into the rock (mentioned in visitor accounts) enhanced defensibility.
Outer walls, battlements, and strategic positioning made it one of the
more modern and technically advanced fortifications of its era for
controlling river traffic and territory.
Residential and Interior
Layout:
The ward (inner courtyard area) contains two main residential
buildings.
A square residential tower (also called the palas or main
living tower) dominates the west façade (facing the Rhine). It features
corner turrets and was extended to four stories during construction.
This served as the primary residence for the Archbishops/Electors.
A
second residential building complemented the living quarters.
A
private chapel along the southern wall.
The castle’s relatively
small footprint (it appears modest in scale compared to larger Rhine
fortresses) is offset by its tall, imposing cylindrical tower and
efficient use of the terrain.
Key Architectural Features and
Style
Materials and Construction: Built primarily of local stone,
with thick walls typical of medieval military architecture. The round
tower and shield wall represent advanced defensive design for the
period.
Towers and Turrets: The standout round bergfried contrasts
with the square residential tower’s corner turrets, creating a
distinctive silhouette visible from the river.
Windows and Façades:
Restored windows with red shutters (common in reconstructions) and
Gothic/Renaissance influences in later phases.
Style Evolution:
Original core shows Romanesque solidity (thick walls, functional
design), with Gothic elements in arches/windows and some Renaissance
touches from later periods/restorations.
Interior Highlights (from
historical inventory and restorations): Detailed records from 1578
describe numerous rooms, their locations, and contents, making it
unusually well-documented for a medieval castle. The Knights’ Hall is
notable and rentable for events.
Current State and Setting
The
restoration aimed for historical accuracy, preserving the medieval
character while making it habitable. It retains most of its original
structure and design. Surrounded by vineyards and steep wooded slopes,
it offers dramatic views over the Rhine, especially from river cruises
or the opposite bank.
Its "mouse" nickname, born from rivalry,
ironically highlights its endurance compared to the larger "cat" castle
nearby.
Visiting Status (Important!)
Burg Maus is primarily viewable from
the outside. Interiors are not routinely open to the public like many
state-owned castles, though occasional guided tours or events may
occur—check the official site or local tourism offices for updates.
It hosts an aviary with falcons, owls, and eagles, and flight
demonstrations have historically been offered from late March to early
October. Availability can vary; confirm in advance as some reports note
limited or seasonal public access.
Contact: +49 6771 2303 or
verwaltung@burg-maus.de; website: www.burg-maus.de.
How to Get
There
By Car: Drive the scenic B42 along the Rhine. Park in Wellmich
village (there’s a dirt parking area near the trailhead). The steep hike
up takes 15–30 minutes depending on fitness.
Public Transport: Bus
line 545 from Sankt Goarshausen to Wellmich Bergstraße (short trip),
then walk/hike. Taxi from Sankt Goarshausen (~3 minutes, €10–13).
By
Boat: Many Rhine river cruises (e.g., from St. Goar or Koblenz) pass
right by for excellent views—often the best perspective. Opposite Burg
Rheinfels.
Hiking: Part of the RheinBurgenWeg or local trails.
Moderate to strenuous uphill paths through forest with rewarding
viewpoints. Wear sturdy shoes—trails can be muddy.
Best Time to
Visit & Practical Tips
Season: Late spring to early fall
(April–October) for falconry shows, milder weather, and open facilities.
Summer offers long days but can be hot/humid; shoulder seasons
(May/June, September) are ideal with fewer crowds.
Weather: Check
forecasts—hillside can be exposed or slippery when wet. Bring layers,
rain jacket, water, and sun protection.
Duration: 1–2 hours for the
hike and exterior visit; longer if attending a show or combining with
nearby sites.
Accessibility: Steep paths—not suitable for mobility
issues or strollers. No car access to the castle itself.
Costs: Free
for exterior views/hike. Falconry shows (if available) typically have a
modest fee—check locally.
What to Bring: Good hiking shoes,
binoculars for river views, camera. Cash for any small fees or nearby
cafes.
Nearby Attractions:
Burg Katz (visible but privately
owned/closed).
Burg Rheinfels (across river in St. Goar—much larger,
open for tours).
Lorelei Rock, St. Goarshausen, and wine villages.
Rhine cruises or the RheinBurgenWeg trail for multi-castle hiking.
Visitor Experiences
Many enjoy the hike for panoramic Rhine
views, the fairy-tale setting, and bird shows. It's less crowded than
bigger sites, offering a more intimate medieval atmosphere. Reviewers
note the dramatic approach and photo opportunities from the river or
opposite bank.
Pro Tip: Combine with a river cruise for the full
experience—sail past for the iconic "mouse on the hill" view, then
disembark to hike up. Pair with local Riesling wine tastings in the
vineyards surrounding the castle.