Castle History

Rising above the Rhine River near Braubach, this formidable stronghold commands one of Germany's most legendary stretches of waterway. Marksburg Castle was constructed in the 12th century to control river traffic and collect tolls from passing ships. Unlike many Rhine castles, it was never destroyed, making it the only hilltop castle on the Middle Rhine to survive completely intact. Its layered defenses include thick curtain walls, multiple gates, and cleverly designed kill zones. The castle's position allowed its lords to dominate trade and travel along the Rhine. Over the centuries, it was expanded with bastions, towers, and living quarters to match evolving warfare. Interior spaces such as the great hall, armory, and chapel reveal everyday life inside a medieval fortress. A medieval kitchen and wine cellar highlight the importance of self-sufficiency during sieges. The castle passed through the hands of various noble families, each contributing to its development. In the 19th century, it became a symbol of German Romanticism and medieval heritage. Unlike many ruins, it avoided demolition thanks to early preservation efforts. Today, it is owned by the German Castle Association, which uses it as a headquarters and museum. Visitors can explore narrow staircases, battlements, and towers exactly as medieval occupants once did. Marksburg Castle's silhouette remains a defining feature of the Rhine Valley landscape. It stands as a rare, living textbook of medieval military architecture preserved through time rather than rebuilt from ruin.