Named after its riverside setting, Limburg an der Lahn is a historic town in the German state of Hesse. It is believed to have been established as a castle fortification in the 9th century to protect a ford over the River Lahn. During the Middle Ages, Limburg an der Lahn developed into an important transportation hub thanks to its famous bridge.
Things to do in Limburg an der Lahn
One of Limburg an der Lahn’s most famous buildings is the Haus der Sieben Laster, a 16th-century half-timbered residence with a small art museum. It is named after the carvings that decorate its exterior and reference the seven biblical vices. The depictions of pride, envy and anger are believed to have been carved in 1567 to ward off evil spirits.
Dominating the town centre are the distinctive spires of the Limburg Cathedral, which is perched atop a rock overlooking the Lahn River. It was originally established in the 10th century and was later reconstructed in an Early Gothic style with seven spires symbolising the sacraments. Step inside to marvel at the soaring ceilings and frescoes depicting biblical scenes, then get up close to religious treasures in the Diocesan Museum.
Spanning the Lahn River is the Alte Lahnbrücke, a 14th-century bridge that once connected the Via Publica between Frankfurt and Cologne. It features six arches and an impressive, whitewashed tower with a figure of the Madonna and Child inside. The icon is all that remains from a chapel that was added to the tower following a 15th-century plague.
Getting around Limburg an der Lahn
Limburg an der Lahn is around 35 minutes' drive from Koblenz and 40 minutes from Frankfurt Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular trains connect to the Limburg railway station and buses travel throughout the town, connecting most of its attractions.