Part of Germany’s appeal is exploring the smaller towns and villages along its side of the Rhine River and in the countryside. These places are idyllic as if they came from a storybook. You can also find impressive European castles here.

One such town is Königswinter, and I like it because it is easily walkable, the people are friendly, it’s quiet, and you can technically see two castles in the same area in a single day.

Where is Königswinter

The town is located along the right bank of the Rhine River. Coming here for a day trip south of Cologne and Bonn is the quickest and best way to go. It’s a quiet town with little activity, making it more relaxing as you walk the streets and explore on your way to the castle.

Part of its popular history is that the town is also located near the Drachenfels, a hill in the nearby mountain range where the legendary German folk hero Siegfried was said to have slain a dragon. This is why there is a reptile zoo in Königswinter, and the entrance to Drachenburg Castle features dragon and knight displays in reference.

How to Get to Königswinter

The easiest way to get here is by regional train. You can purchase tickets at the station ticket machine, a Deutschland ticket if you plan on staying only in Germany longer, or a Rail Europe/Eurail pass if this is part of a multiple-country itinerary.

There is only one station at Königswinter, so don’t worry, you won’t get lost. From Cologne’s central station to the Königswinter station, it will only take you 40-45 minutes. If you are leaving Bonn, Pick a good seat to enjoy the scenery as you travel along the Rhine River.

Some river cruises will stop here for a short port break, but check with the ship schedule before purchasing tickets. Other cruises will only slowly pass by so that you can get scenic photos of the castle and the mountains in the background.

Drachenfels Railway

Purchase a combination ticket at the kiosk inside the entrance. This includes taking the railway line up and down the mountain summit and a self-guided tour of Drachenburg Castle. The first stop will take you to Drachenburg Castle as the mid-way point, while the second takes you to Drachenfels Castle ruins and the observation deck/restaurant. It has excellent views on either side. The ride does not take that long, but it will save the physical toll of walking the steep but short trail from the bottom to the top. You are going to want to save that energy for later.

Observation Deck

Below the castle ruins is a restaurant and observation deck. The open space offers panoramic views of the Rhine valley and river, with the town landscape in the distance. It’s also a great place to take a break, rest your feet from walking, and grab lunch. Afterward, follow the trail to the castle ruins and Drachenburg Castle.

Drachenfels Castle Ruins

At the peak of the Drachenfels are the ruins of a 12th-century castle. It was never restored after destruction in the 16th century due to war and continued erosion. The walking path at the entrance will take you to the castle, where you can walk through it for impressive views. There are no exhibit displays, plaques, or audio guides for this. It’s all on your own.

Drachenburg Castle

Here, you have the top attraction in Königswinter. Though styled like a medieval castle (why it was nicknamed Drachenburg Castle), it was constructed in the late 1800s. The exhibits inside will take you through the extensive history of the castle and its ownership for almost 150 years. Its primary use was to be a private residence for an ennobled (giving a regular person a noble rank or title) banker and stockbroker. He planned to develop the property as a mix of castle, villa, and mansion with historical architecture.

The castle’s purpose changed when a relative bought it upon the original owner’s death. It then went from residence to summer resort and tourist attraction, nursing home for the Red Cross, to a Christian boarding school, its destruction and partial occupation by both Nazis and the Allies during WWII, and then a post-war training center for German railroad workers and staff. Finally, it has been restored and is recognized as a monument site in the region.

The castle offers several private tours, or you can take a self-guided tour at your own pace. Each of the rooms you visit has been restored beautifully. See the separation of classes and the differences between servants and residents. The top floors will show you the living quarters of the residents, the dining room, the game room, and the parlor room. The lower levels have the kitchen and servant rooms. Pay particular attention to the chapel’s stained glass windows, which is a particular favorite of mine.

Outside, you can walk around the carefully maintained gardens on the grounds. Or you can take the winding staircases into the towers for additional panoramic views. If you don’t have anything to eat at the restaurant next to the castle ruins, there is also a cafe and an indoor souvenir shop for any goodies you want.

Conclusion

Königswinter and its castle offer an escape into the German countryside, and we all appreciate the quiet, small-town living. Its river and valley have a lot of natural beauty you don’t want to miss out on. The castle, of course, also brings a cultural heritage and history.

Unlike in other locations, you also don’t need to go out of your way to see a castle. The allure of the Rhine is always calling, and Königswinter should be a part of your itinerary, as there is plenty to do to make a memorable day trip here.