Braubach: Marksburg, Renaissance Garden and Wine Festival

In Braubach, there’s plenty to explore during a stay, from the Marksburg and Philippsburg Palace to churches, an educational trail and the traditional wine festival. If you’re looking for a hotel in Braubach, you can first decide whether architectural history, a walk through the historic old town or a festival date should be the focus. The sights also span different periods: the history of the Marksburg dates back to the 13th century, the Renaissance Garden was laid out based on older plans, and the wine festival has been celebrated since 1925.

Marksburg and Philippsburg Palace

Construction of the Marksburg began around 1231. The site, then called Braubach Castle, was built to protect nearby silver mines. The Marksburg is the only hilltop castle on the Middle Rhine that has never been destroyed. Guided visits begin with a climb up the rocky Reitertreppe (Riders’ Staircase). The tour also includes a medieval herb and medicinal plant garden; visits are subject to the site’s access rules. Check these conditions when planning your visit.

Philippsburg Palace was built from 1568 to 1571 as a future widow’s residence for Anna Elisabeth. The Renaissance Garden was reconstructed in the freely accessible courtyard based on plans from 1607. Its design includes six square flower beds and two fountains. The garden is also part of the World Heritage Gardens route in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. The castle and palace therefore represent different periods and functions: the Marksburg was built to protect silver mines, while Philippsburg was intended as a widow’s residence.

Churches and the Castle Educational Trail

St Martin’s Chapel is Braubach’s oldest church. It was first mentioned around the year 1000 and dedicated to Saint Martin in 1242. The north wall of St Barbara’s Church was incorporated into the town wall in 1384/85. The two buildings offer different historical points of interest on a walk through Braubach’s history.

With 14 themed panels, the Castle Educational Trail links Philippsburg Palace, Braubach’s historic old town and the Marksburg. Allow about 45 minutes to walk the route along the panels. This time estimate is a guide for the educational trail; a guided tour of the Marksburg follows a separate schedule. If you’re planning to do both, allow extra time for the tour.

Wine Festival and Regional Wines

Braubach’s traditional wine festival has been celebrated since 1925. The festival features wine fountains in the Rhine gardens and wine from the Upper Middle Rhine Valley World Heritage region. The tradition spans many years, while individual dates and the detailed programme vary. If the festival is the reason for your trip, check the specific dates for your travel period in advance.

More Information for Your Stay

RHEINsteig ERLEBEN Station 17 in Braubach has two hammocks. It’s a designated rest stop to consider when planning your day. The station displays information about upcoming train departures and arrivals. For a specific train connection, check the latest information before you travel.

The wider Rhein-Lahn travel region extends beyond Braubach. Rhein-Lahn District includes the area on the right bank of the Rhine at the mouth of the Lahn, the Lahn Valley up to just before Limburg near Diez, the southern foothills of the Westerwald towards the Lahn Valley, and the northern uplands of the Taunus between the Rhine and the Aar. The Roman Limes also crosses the district; visible remains form part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Upper Germanic-Rhaetian Limes.

Discover more destinations: Sankt Goarshausen, Kamp-Bornhofen, Prath, Kaub, Kestert, Filsen, Sauerthal, Dörscheid

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