Ockenfels: Castle, Rheinsteig and Rhine Valley Views

Ockenfels combines castle history, the Rheinsteig and views over the Rhine Valley. Ockenfels Castle, also known as Burg zur Leyen, is a cultural heritage site associated with Ockenfels. The present three-winged castle complex, built of quarry stone, incorporates the remains of a castle first mentioned in 1341. In 1924, it was rebuilt in the style of a romantic castle. This brings together the castle’s early mention and its later romantic design in a single building. Ockenfels offers impressive views over the Rhine Valley.

Ockenfels Castle and the Rheinsteig

The Rheinsteig leads to Ockenfels Castle and continues into the Kasbach Valley. A detour to the edge of the slope on the Rheinsteig takes you to the castle, where you can enjoy views of the Rhine and Linz. The route thus combines the hike with views of the river and town. Ockenfels Castle is privately owned and closed to the public. Before your trip, check the castle’s current access status and the conditions on the Rheinsteig.

St. Donatus Church and the Kirmes Festival

Another historical landmark in Ockenfels is the former Catholic branch church of St. Donatus. It is a small Baroque hall church dating from around 1700. Its design differs markedly from the three-winged castle complex: here, the focus is on a compact hall church, while the castle is a quarry-stone complex with a romantic design. The annual Kirmes festival also adds its own note to village life: it takes place in Donatusplatz. If you would like to plan your stay around an event, check the latest Kirmes dates.

Linz am Rhein: Old Town and Cultural Activities

Linz am Rhein has its own historical highlights. The town’s characteristic lanes include half-timbered houses dating from five centuries. The Neutor is one of Linz am Rhein’s two surviving former town gates; it was probably built after the great town fire of 1391. St. Martin’s Church contains monumental wall paintings dating from 1240/1250 on the walls of its nave. The dates differ: the wall paintings are from the 13th century, the Neutor’s construction is thought to have taken place later, though this remains uncertain, while the half-timbered houses span five centuries.

The old-town walking tour takes you through Linz am Rhein and introduces the town’s historical sights and distinctive features. The Rheinsteig also leads into the historic old town there; the Way of St. James runs from Remagen through Linz’s old town to St. Martin’s Church. The Rheinsteig’s destinations therefore differ depending on the location: in Ockenfels, it leads to the castle and on to the Kasbach Valley; in Linz am Rhein, it leads into the old town.

Linz am Rhein also offers guided cultural activities. One option includes a visit to St. Martin’s Church after a traditional town tour; its highlights include historic furnishings and elaborate 13th-century wall paintings. Another bookable option introduces visitors to lithography and the history of printing during a visit to a lithography workshop at the Neutor. Dates and availability may change, so check the latest details in advance.

The Linz Winzerfest takes place every year on the second weekend in September in Linz’s Market Square, in the heart of the historic old town. Details vary from year to year, so it is worth checking the latest festival dates. For a seasonal stay, Linz outdoor swimming pool offers a 25-metre sports pool and a 60-metre water slide. The season runs from May to August; check the latest operating details before visiting.

For the broader travel overview: Linz Am Rhein.