Explore Braubach through its history of castles and the town: the castle trail connects Philippsburg Palace, the historic Old Town and Marksburg Castle via 14 themed stops. The signs take about 45 minutes to walk. This lets you discover several historical landmarks in a manageable amount of time.
Castles as distinct chapters
Marksburg Castle was built from around 1231 to protect nearby silver mines. It is the only hilltop castle on the Middle Rhine that has never been destroyed. Guided visits begin with the ascent via the rocky Riders’ Stairway. The tour also includes a medieval garden of herbs and medicinal plants; access is subject to local regulations.
Philippsburg Palace was built from 1568 to 1571 as a widow’s residence for Anna Elisabeth. Its construction dates and functions provide a clear contrast: Philippsburg was intended as a widow’s residence, while Marksburg served to protect nearby silver mines. The Renaissance garden is in Philippsburg’s freely accessible courtyard. It was reconstructed according to plans from 1607 and comprises six square beds and two fountains. It is also part of the World Heritage Gardens route in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. The garden gives an impression of the grounds, while the early history of Marksburg’s construction recalls its protective function.
Churches and town history
The churches add further historical landmarks to the castles. St. Martin’s Chapel is Braubach’s oldest church and was first mentioned around the year 1000; it was dedicated to St. Martin in 1242. The first mention and the dedication refer to different events. At St. Barbara’s Church, the north wall was incorporated into the town wall in 1384/85. Here, the history of the church’s construction is directly linked to the development of the town’s fortifications.
Wine Festival and time outdoors
Braubach’s traditional Wine Festival has been celebrated since 1925. Festival highlights include wine fountains in the Rhine gardens and wines from the Upper Middle Rhine Valley World Heritage region. If you plan to time your trip around the festival, check the dates and program in advance, as these details may change. This makes it a specific seasonal occasion alongside the historic sights, which can be explored independently of the festival.
For a different kind of stop, head to RHEINsteig ERLEBEN, Station 17 in Braubach, where there are two hammocks. The castle trail, with its historical themes, and this designated place to relax offer different ways to spend time outdoors.
Getting there and the regional setting
Information on the next departures and arrivals is displayed at Braubach railway station. Check train connections for your travel date in advance.
In the wider Rhein-Lahn destination, the right-bank section of the Rhein-Lahn district, from Kaub to Lahnstein, lies in the Loreley Valley and the Upper Middle Rhine Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site. The World Heritage site covers a 65-kilometre stretch between Bingen, Rüdesheim and Koblenz, characterised by historic small towns, terraced vineyards and castle ruins. This regional setting extends beyond Braubach’s local history; here, the focus is above all on Braubach’s castles, churches, trail and Wine Festival.
Discover more destinations: Kaub, Kestert, Filsen, Prath, Sankt Goarshausen, Dörscheid, Bornich, Kamp-Bornhofen
Go to the main travel overview: Loreley.
