Photos courtesy of Romantikhotel Schloss Rheinfels
Count Dieter von Katzenelbogen built Burg Rheinfels in 1245 with his eye on collecting lucrative river tolls from Rhine traffic. It helped that his family also owned Burg Katz on the other side of the river, whereby a chain could be drawn across the river, linking the two. At one time Rheinfels was the most massive fortress on the entire river.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, landgraves (counts) from Hesse incorporated a Renaissance palace inside the castle.
Neither an army of 9000 men from the Rhenish League of Cities nor a French army of 28,000 men in 1692 succeeded in capturing the castle. Finally in 1794, a man claiming to be a French deserter convinced the castle defenders that an enormous army was to storm the castle in the morning. Within hours, everyone deserted. The French captured the castle and destroyed it three years later.
Pamela’s Perspective
If you plan on arriving to the hotel by public transportation, be aware that you’ll need a taxi to get up the steep hill with luggage. Another option during the day is the “tourist train” that takes visitors to the castle ruins.
Rheinfels is a great choice if you desire romantic, 4-star accommodations. The hotel is installed in a building that has been installed cleverly into the ancient castle.
Romantikhotel Schloss Rheinfels
A 13th-century castle
Contact
Schlossberg 47
D-56329 St. Goar
Tel: ++49 (0) 6741 8020
Fax: ++49 (0) 6741 802-802
Hotel website
Reserve with Booking.com
Fast facts
61 rooms, including 4 suites
Some rooms in “Villa” across
from the castle
Single rooms: 75–165 euros
Double rooms: 105–225 euros
Suites: 210–295 euros
Rates include breakfast, tax,
and service
Specials available
Open: all year
Getting there
St. Goar lies on the most picturesque stretch of the Rhine River. The town is a stop on the Koblenz-Bingen line and a stop for the many Rhine cruise boats. The hotel is on the north side of town. With luggage, you’ll need a taxi or the tram (charge) to get up the hill. A steep footpath reaches the hotel as well.
What to do
On site: castle tours (charge);
indoor swimming pool; spa;
tennis
Nearby: Rhine cruises
Weddings
Yes. Inquire hotel for details.
A famous Rhine legend relates the story of the Lorelei, a beautiful siren who was said to comb her golden hair and sing to the fishermen, luring them to crash their boats onto the rocks below.
Just across the river you can enjoy contemplating the significance of such history from the ramparts of your own castle.
Splendidly located in one of the most gorgeous spots on the entire Rhine, Romantikhotel Schloss Rheinfels offers plush comfort amid the ruins of a once mighty fortress.
Guestrooms are modern and many have views of the river. Smoke-free rooms are available.
The hotel also boasts being the first “electrical smog-free” hotel in Germany. (Can any readers explain this to me? Thanks!)
For an utterly romantic dining experience, book a table in one of the alcoves of the Auf Scharfeneck restaurant.
Something special
Great views of the Rhine and the Lorelei rock
Castle museum