Dausenau: Town Wall, Town Hall and St. Castor’s Church

In the wider Rhein-Lahn travel region, Dausenau offers a rich medieval history. Its fortifications, town hall and St. Castor’s Church each have their own character. The octagonal Leaning Tower is considered Dausenau’s landmark and the best-known part of its medieval fortifications. It has been inaccessible since 1959. The town wall is about one kilometre long and encloses the historic town centre; along the banks of the Lahn, it rises behind the riverside path.

Town Wall and Historic Buildings

Documentary evidence places the construction of the ring wall in the first half or middle of the 14th century. Its date of origin is therefore only approximate. By contrast, the late Gothic half-timbered town hall was built between 1432 and 1434. These dates show the difference between a broad estimate for the fortifications and a specific construction period for the town hall. Those interested in the history of the buildings will find several chronological reference points, rather than a single date for the historic town centre.

St. Castor’s Church and More Details

The Romanesque tower of St. Castor’s Church dates from 1179 and is the oldest building in Dausenau. The main choir features a Passion frieze in which apostles alternate with scenes from the Passion of Christ. The church thus brings together an early construction date and a distinctive image in the choir. The church’s vestibule is open during the day in summer; from there, you can view most of the church. Check seasonal access before your visit.

The Old Oak also has striking features: its circumference at the roots is 15 metres, and it is hollow inside. You can explore the inside of the gate tower and the church attic virtually.

Walking and Practical Information

The walk along the town wall includes uphill and downhill sections. The local heritage association recommends wearing sturdy footwear. The Lahn-Westerwald Loop also runs along the town wall in Dausenau and continues towards the Herrenlai viewpoint. From the heights on the Taunus side, you can look out over the Lahn Valley. The wall, the continuation of the route and the view offer different points of interest if you would like to combine your stay with a walk through town or a hike.

For the start of the Dausenau hike, parking is available at the Leaning Tower or on the opposite side of the Lahn, just beyond the bridge. As parking arrangements may change, check them before setting out. The same conditions apply to seasonal visits to the church and choosing suitable footwear: the vestibule is open during the day in summer, and sturdy footwear is recommended for the walk along the town wall.

Discover more destinations: Fachbach, Arzbach.

See the wider travel guide: Bad Ems.