Spend long enough along Germany’s portion of the Rhine River and you’re sure to see many a wonder: from idyllic villages and imposing castles to tourists like me taking photos at a truly breakneck pace best described as “horrifying”.

But it’s all for a good cause! Because this truly is one of the most beautiful slices of Germany.

And on a recent trip visiting Bonn for its famous cherry blossoms, I’ve discovered a new Rhine favourite – the charming village of Königswinter (King’s Winter in German).

Easily explored by foot, Königswinter is the definition of a storybook German village, with the special bonus of two scenic castles and simple transportation links from major cities. 

So, if you’re intrigued, here are some of the best things to do in Königswinter, Germany – from opulent castles to the cutest fairytale streets.

1. Ride the Drachenfels Railway

Drachenfels (AKA “Dragon’s Cliff”) may sound a lot like something out of an epic Game of Thrones land, but it’s even better because guess what? It’s REAL!

Hands down, one of the best things to do in Königswinter is go for a ride on the famous Drachenfels Railway, which is one of the oldest mountain railways in Germany, opened in 1883. The construction of the railway was a significant engineering feat at the time, using a cogwheel system to ascend the steep slopes of the hill.

The Drachenfels Railway starts at the base station in Königswinter and covers a distance of about 1.5 kilometres (0.9 miles) to reach the summit. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes, during which passengers can enjoy picturesque views of the Rhine River, the Siebengebirge mountain range, and the surrounding countryside.

PS: If you have some time to kill before the next departure, you can visit a model railway spread over 20 square metres on the upper floor, where you can see reproductions of Königswinter and the castles at a 1:100 scale.

2. Explore the Drachenfels Castle Ruins

At the top of the Drachenfels are the ruins of a medieval castle called Drachenfels Castle, which dates back to the 12th century.

This castle was originally built as a defence for the region but was partially destroyed during the Thirty Years War and never rebuilt. However, it became a popular tourist attraction after Lord Byron visited it and then included it in his famous poem Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage.

There are also a number of legends surrounding the Drachenfels hill, the most famous of which is that the hero Siegfried killed the dragon Fafnir (who lived in a cave) here, which is why the name Drachenfels means Dragon’s Rock. Keep an eye out for any mythical creatures while you explore the ruins and enjoy the panoramic views!

3. Roam the grounds of Schloss Drachenburg

Schloss Drachenburg is another castle (luckily not ruined) that’s located about halfway up Drachenfels and can be reached if you alight at the middle station on the Drachenfels railway.

The castle was built in the late 19th century, between 1882 and 1884, by Baron Stephan von Sarter. The design of Schloss Drachenburg was inspired by the romantic architecture of the medieval castles found along the Rhine River, and showcases a mix of architectural styles, including Neo-Gothic, Romanesque, and Renaissance elements.

The castle’s exterior is adorned with intricate stonework, ornate spires, and decorative details. Its appearance resembles a fairytale palace, complete with turrets, towers, and a grand entrance, making it a must-visit spot if you’re in Königswinter.

The castle is also surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and parkland filled with manicured lawns, flower beds, and meandering pathways. From the castle’s terraces, visitors can also enjoy breathtaking views of the Rhine River and the Siebengebirge mountains.

Hands down, a visit here is one of the top must-dos in Königswinter.

4. Tour the inside of Schloss Drachenburg

Of course, if you’re going to visit Schloss Drachenburg then you simply must also snoop around the inside. After all, the interior is just as lavish as the exterior, with plenty of beautiful home goals to peruse.

Today, Schloss Drachenburg serves as a museum, allowing visitors to learn about the history of the castle and its original owner, Baron Stephan von Sarter. The museum showcases historical artefacts, and period furniture, providing insights into the lifestyle of the late 19th-century aristocracy.

Here, visitors can explore various opulent rooms, including the grand hall, the music room, the smoking lounge, and the dining room.

Keep an eye out for some of the most exquisite furniture, intricate woodwork, stained glass windows, and artistic murals you’ve ever seen, while feeling like a fairytale princess as you swan from room to room!

5. Pop by the Nibelungenhalle

I briefly mentioned the dragon slayer Siegfried earlier, who is a character from the Nibelungenlied (the Song of the Nibelungs), a famous German epic poem. The Nibelungenhalle, also known as the Hall of the Nibelungs, is a unique cultural and historical monument located in Königswinter that was inspired by Richard Wagner’s opera cycle Der Ring des Nibelungen (The Ring of the Nibelung), which was in turn based partly on the Nibelungenlied poem.

The Nibelungenhalle is a stone temple that’s a weird mix of artistic and architectural museum, fantasy garden, and zoo! It’s decorated with bas-reliefs, sculptures, tiles, and paintings, many of which feature dragons, dwarves and other characters from Wagner’s opera. The highlight is definitely the Dragon’s Den, where a 13-metre stone dragon represents the legendary Fafnir.

Going along with the ‘dragon’ theme, in 1958 a reptile zoo was also added to the site, with lots of snakes, lizards, turtles and even alligators on display, along with some birds and insects.

6. Enjoy a scenic hike

While most of the main attractions in Königswinter can be reached by the Drachenfels Railway, this is also a fantastic area for doing some hiking, complete with stunning views over the Rhine.

There’s a ‘classic’ hiking trail that goes up (or down) Drachenfels all the way from the river to the top of the mountain, called the Eselsweg (donkeys’ way) trail. This is a fully paved/sealed walking road, so it’s not like you can get lost on the way! It’s called the donkey trail because donkeys were traditionally used to transport lords and ladies up the hill.

If you’re feeling energetic you can walk up to visit the Nibelungenhalle on your way up to the castle ruins. There are also some food spots along the way, so you can easily break your hiking up with refreshments as you look out over the mountains and river.

7. Enjoy a self-guided historical walking tour

Of course, there’s more to Königswinter than just the hills above. The town centre itself is a nice compact place to explore, particularly on foot.

The Königswinter Tourism Office has really lovely (free!) brochures that you can take that allow you to conduct a self-guided walking tour through the centre of town.

Following these is a great way to explore Königswinter and get to know a bit about the village’s history, with a handy guide/map. You can wander through the narrow alleys, browse local boutiques, and stop by cosy cafes for a break. The promenade is also a lovely pedestrian area along the Rhine River, offering beautiful views, riverside cafes, and restaurants.

Some of the places to look out for as you explore include the Siebengebirgsmuseum, a local museum focusing on the history, culture, and nature of the Siebengebirge mountain range housed in a beautiful restored Baroque building.

There’s also the main church in Königswinter, St. Remigius, a beautiful Neo-Gothic building located in the town centre. Its tall spire and intricate detailing make it another architectural highlight.

8. Admire the adorable half-timbered buildings 

One of the most charming features of Königswinter, for me, was the adorable half-timbered buildings scattered around the village. 

While you can see this type of architecture in many old German towns, Königswinter just really turns the cute fairytale factor up a notch.

These spots in particular were my favourites:

• Im Tubak: A half-timbered house dating back to 1693 with adorable white and red shutters, formerly a staging post but today a restaurant serving local delicacies. 
• Hauptstrasse 392: An adorable half-timbered house that dates back to 1695 – a highlight is of course the elaborate coat of arms of the Clear family hanging over the archway.

9. Visit Heisterbach Monastery 

If you don’t mind heading a bit further away from central Königswinter, another worthwhile thing to do in the area is to visit the Heisterbach Monastery.

Heisterbach Monastery, also known as Kloster Heisterbach in German, was a former Cistercian monastery located in the Siebengebirge mountain range near Königswinter. It was founded in 1189 by a group of Cistercian monks who came from the Eberbach Abbey.

Today, only the ruins of Heisterbach Monastery remain. The surviving structures include parts of the church, the cloister, and the chapter house. Despite being in ruins, the monastery’s remains still exude a sense of serenity and evoke the history and spirituality associated with Cistercian monastic life.

The ruins of Heisterbach Monastery are open to the public, allowing visitors to explore the site and witness its architectural and historical significance. The tranquil surroundings, including the nearby brook and forested area, make it a popular destination for nature walks and contemplation.

10. Hop on a boat cruise

Since Königswinter is located on the banks of the Rhine River, it stands to reason that one of the best things to do here is enjoy a cruise along the river!

Königswinter is only about 13 kilometres south of Bonn and around 50 kilometres from Cologne, so it’s easily visited from either city as a day trip. However, it’s much more relaxing and scenic if you choose to visit via boat, rather than car or train, so you can enjoy watching the riverbanks, mountains and buildings slip by.

This cruise from Cologne is probably the best if you only have a short time to visit, although there’s also a passenger and car ferry that travels from Bonn if you happen to be driving through Germany.

Did I Miss Any of Your Favourite Fun Things to Do in Königswinter?

Let me know in the comments so I can add more Königswinter activities to the list!