Perched on the right bank of the Rhine River, Königswinter is an attractive summer resort south-east of Cologne that’s framed by the Sieben Mountains. It’s home to a fairytale-like villa and a mountain railway, as well as a family-friendly SEA LIFE aquarium.
Things to do in Königswinter
Ride the Drachenfels Railway to the summit of Drachenfels (“Dragon’s Rock”), a mountain that’s topped by the ruins of a castle built by Archbishop Arnold I of Cologne in the 12th century. The mountain is intertwined with German folklore as a refuge for the dragon slain by Siegfried. From the top, there’s a spectacular view across the region that was celebrated by Lord Byron in the poem “Childe Harold's Pilgrimage”.
Also on Drachenfels is Schloss Drachenburg, an eclectic villa constructed in the late 19th century for Baron Stephan von Sarter. Join a guided tour to explore its opulent rooms and learn about its restoration in the 1990s or attend one of the concerts and lectures regularly held here.
Travelling with kids? Don’t miss a visit to SEA LIFE Königswinter, a pirate-themed oceanarium home to marine species from around the globe. You can come face-to-face with lionfish, spotted eagle rays and catsharks in the aquarium’s exhibits, several of which feature children’s play areas. SEA LIFE Königswinter is a short stroll from the Siebengebirgsmuseum where Rhineland artwork is showcased in a beautifully restored Baroque building.
Getting around Königswinter
Königswinter is a 15-minute drive from Bonn and 35 minutes from Cologne while Cologne Bonn Airport is 20 minutes away. Trains connect both north and south from the Königswinter and Niederdollendorf railway stations while buses travel throughout the town. The centre of Königswinter is compact enough to explore on foot.