Located at the junction of the Lahn and Rhine rivers, Lahnstein is a picturesque spa town in Rhineland-Palatinate. It was created in 1969 with the merging of Oberlahnstein and Niederlahnstein. Due to its strategic importance, the area was heavily fortified, with centuries-old gates, towers and castles still dotting the landscape today.
Things to do in Lahnstein
Perched on a rocky outcrop high above the town is Burg Lahneck, a medieval fortress typical of the castles built during the Hohenstaufen dynasty. It was constructed in 1226 to protect the territory around the mouth of the Lahn River before being heavily damaged during the Thirty Years War. Join a guided tour to explore the chapel and knights’ hall, as well as the valuable paintings and furnishings that adorn the castle.
Overlooking the Rhine River is Schloss Martinsburg, which was originally built in 1298 by the archbishops of Mainz. It houses the costumes, accessories and artefacts of the Lahnstein Carnival Museum, including jester’s caps and sceptres. The museum celebrates the Carneval Comité Oberlahnstein, which can be traced back to the 16th century.
On the opposite bank of the Rhine River is Schloss Stolzenfels, a 13th-century toll castle rebuilt by Crown Prince Frederick William in 1823. Marvel at its Gothic Revival-style architecture and turreted towers before exploring the fresco-adorned knights’ halls decorated with original furnishings. From the roof terrace, there are magnificent views across the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Upper Middle Rhine Valley.
Getting around Lahnstein
Lahnstein is a 10-minute drive from the centre of Koblenz and one hour from Bonn. Frankfurt Airport is just over an hour away and has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular trains connect to the Oberlahnstein railway station and the town is compact enough to explore on foot.