Exploring Cologne, Germany: Castles And More

Cologne, Germany, is home to many castles, palaces, and castle ruins. The city is located in the western region of the country, in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, and its location makes it a great starting point for exploring the beautiful Rhine Valley. There are several castles near Cologne that you can visit, and some of them are easily accessible by train.

Cologne's location makes it a great base for exploring the Rhine Valley and its castles

The Middle Rhine Valley between Cologne and Mainz is world-famous for its Rhine Romanticism, an 18th-century artistic movement that focused on the Rhine Valley and is visible in the area's architecture. The castles in this region are like something out of a fairy tale, with their Gothic and Medieval elements. Many of these historic buildings are on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Cologne is also a great starting point for day trips to the castles in the area. The best way to get to these castles is by car, and many of them are located in towns with exits connected to the main motorways. However, some can also be reached by public transportation, such as train or bus.

Some of the castles near Cologne that can be visited include:

• Schloss Drachenburg: A large private villa built in the palace style, located on the Drachenfels hill in Königswinter.
• Schloss Dyck: A moated castle in the Rhineland region, located about an hour away from Cologne by car.
• Burg Eltz: A medieval castle located in the middle of the Eltz Forest, about an hour and a half away from Cologne. It is one of the few castles in the Rhine that remains untouched by war.
• Schloss Augustusburg: A historical complex located in Brühl, part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.
• Schloss Bensberg: A former hunting lodge built in the 18th century, now a luxury five-star hotel.
• Eigelstein Torburg: A wonderful evocative gateway and tower with parts dating from the 12th century.

There are castles, palaces, and castle ruins near Cologne that you can visit

Schloss Drachenburg

Schloss Drachenburg is a large and impressive private villa built in the palace style, located on the beautiful Drachenfels hill in Konigswinter, a traditional town on the Rhine River near Bonn. It was originally constructed in the late 19th century for Baron Stephan von Sarter, a prominent figure in the banking sector. While the Baron never ended up living there, the castle is now open to the public, offering guided tours in multiple languages and special tours for children. The castle is known for its grand and otherworldly presence, with Gothic and Medieval elements in its architecture.

Burg Eltz

Perched in the hills above the Moselle River, Eltz Castle has a beautiful facade and a fairy-tale-like appearance and atmosphere. It is one of the few castles in the Rhine region that remains untouched by war, preserving its original furnishings and artefacts. The castle is still owned by the Eltz family, who have occupied it since the 12th century. Burg Eltz is located in the Eltz Forest, a nature reserve with hiking trails and outdoor recreational areas. The castle is open daily from April 1 to November 1, offering guided tours in German, French, and English.

Schloss Dyck

Schloss Dyck, also known as Castle Dyck, is a gorgeous moated castle located in the Rhineland region, just a short distance from Cologne. With a rich history dating back to 1094, the castle has been modified and fortified over the centuries to meet military needs. Today, it serves as the Centre for Garden Art and Landscape Design, featuring themed gardens, wooded paths, and a variety of flora. The castle is usually open Tuesday through Sunday and offers guided tours.

Schloss Augustusburg

Schloss Augustusburg is part of a historical complex that includes the Augustusburg and Falkenlust Palaces in Bruhl, North Rhine-Westphalia. These palaces were built in the 18th century by the Archbishop-Elector of Cologne and feature Baroque gardens considered some of the most authentic 18th-century garden designs in Europe. The castle is open Friday through Sunday, and admission is by guided tour only, with audio guides available in multiple languages.

Schloss Bensberg

Schloss Bensberg is a former hunting lodge built in the 17th century for Elector Palatine Johann Wilhelm II. It is now a luxury five-star hotel, offering spacious rooms and suites with modern Baroque touches. The castle also offers award-winning culinary delights and seasonal cultural events. While it is not open to the general public, the beautiful Baroque white stone castle and its grounds are accessible to hotel guests.

Burg Satzvey

Located in the Rhineland region, Burg Satzvey is a gorgeous water castle with a fairy-tale-like charm. With a history dating back to at least the 14th century, it has been a family-owned castle for the last 300 years. Visitors can admire its beautiful architecture, explore its grounds, and attend various events, including medieval markets and concerts. The castle restaurant and courtyard are open daily, and guided tours are available on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.

Other Notable Mentions:

• Eigelstein Torburg in Cologne
• Ehrenbreitstein Fortress in Koblenz
• Schloss Burg in Solingen
• Schloss Auel in Lohmar
• Schloss Marksburg in Braubach
• Schloss Homburg near Nümbrecht
• Schloss Ehreshoven in Engelskirchen
• Burg Reifferscheid in Eifel
• Burg Altena

Some castles near Cologne are: Burg Eltz, Schloss Dyck, and Schloss Drachenburg

Germany is known for its castles, and Cologne is no exception. Here are three castles near Cologne, each with its own unique charm and history:

Burg Eltz

Considered one of the most beautiful castles in Germany and Europe, Burg Eltz is a medieval castle nestled in the Eltz Forest, about an hour and a half away from Cologne. Soaring above the forest with its eight towers, the castle has been the ancestral home of the Eltz family for over 900 years. Burg Eltz is one of the few castles in the Rhine region that remains untouched by world wars, preserving its original furnishings, artworks, crafts, weapons, and everyday items from the past eight centuries. The castle's magical setting amidst nature, along with its rich history, makes it a popular destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the charm of the Middle Ages.

Schloss Dyck

Located about an hour away from Cologne by car, Schloss Dyck is a Baroque-style moated castle in the Lower Rhine region. Built on four islands in the 17th century, the castle is surrounded by a stunning English-style landscape garden. Schloss Dyck serves as an international centre for garden art and landscape design, showcasing themed and model gardens, wooded paths, and a diverse array of flora. The castle also hosts various events throughout the year, including exhibitions, concerts, and seasonal markets. The highlight of these events is the illumina, a festival of lights that transforms the castle park into a magical setting at dusk.

Schloss Drachenburg

Schloss Drachenburg, built between 1882 and 1884, is a stunning example of 19th-century castle architecture in Germany. Perched atop the Drachenfels mountains overlooking the Rhine, this castle embodies the romanticism of the Rhine region. The castle's architecture, combined with its natural surroundings, attracts thousands of visitors each year. Inside, visitors are greeted with a grand staircase, ornate dining halls, and luxurious rooms adorned with large-scale paintings. The lush castle gardens and breathtaking panoramic views of the Rhine and the Siebengebirge area provide a serene escape from everyday life.

The best way to get to the castles is by car, but some are also accessible by train

There are many castles near Cologne, Germany, and the best way to get to them is by car. However, some are also accessible by train.

Car

Castles near Cologne are best accessed by car. There are highways (Autobahn) and two main roads following the Rhine on each riverside, leading to some of the most beautiful castles in the region. Many of the castles are located in towns with exits connected to the main motorways.

Train

Some castles are also accessible by train. For example, Schloss Drachenburg has its own train stop at the nearby Königswinter station. Burg Satzvey is also easily reachable by train from Cologne with the RB24 or RE22 lines.

Some castles near Cologne have been turned into luxury hotels

Cologne, Germany, is home to a plethora of castles, palaces, and castle ruins. Some of these castles have been turned into luxury hotels, offering guests a unique and regal experience. Here are some examples:

Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg

This former 18th-century royal hunting lodge is now a luxury hotel boasting spacious rooms with modern Baroque touches and award-winning culinary delights. The castle has a rich history, having been built by Elector Palatine Johann Wilhelm II as a symbol of love for Anna Maria Luisa de Medici. The famous poet Goethe once stayed here and compared the castle to the grandeur of Versailles. Schloss Bensberg offers guests a chance to immerse themselves in history while enjoying modern amenities and breathtaking views of Cologne Cathedral.

Schloss Auel

Schloss Auel is a 14th-century moated castle located in the small town of Lohmar, just 30 minutes away from Cologne. This exclusive hotel features a 27-hole golf course, tastefully furnished rooms with antiques, and recently built lodges. Guests can enjoy a meal on the castle terrace, taking in the historic backdrop while savouring gourmet dishes from the bistro.

Bacharach Youth Hostel

Located in the historic Castle Stahleck in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, the Bacharach Youth Hostel offers a unique accommodation experience. The castle, which was once a fort, has been reconstructed and now welcomes guests from all walks of life. It offers a dining room, bistro, cafe/bar, multiple common rooms, and a Knights' Hall for special events. The highlight is the captivating view of the Rhine Valley, which can be enjoyed by both guests and visitors alike.

Hotel Schloss Montabaur

Hotel Schloss Montabaur is a 4-star historic hotel located within the grounds of Montabaur Castle. This upscale hotel offers scenic views of the Westerwald Mountains, which can be enjoyed from the terrace while dining on regional dishes. Hotel Schloss Montabaur provides a range of amenities, including an indoor pool, spa area, saunas, a fitness centre, and private parking. Its convenient location, with easy connections to Frankfurt and Cologne, makes it an ideal destination for those exploring the area.

These are just a few examples of the castles near Cologne that have been transformed into luxury hotels, blending history, opulence, and modern comforts to create memorable experiences for their guests.

Frequently asked questions