Day trip from Cologne: Drachenburg Castle
Germany is known for its breathtaking castles and while staying in Cologne I couldn’t pass up the chance to visit at least one of them.
The closest one being Schloss Drachenburg in Konigswinter didn’t stop me from embarking on a 3-hours journey, hopping on four different train lines and and getting lost in a tiny village all just to live out my Disney dream.
If Beauty and the Beast was also your favourite movie growing up, here’s a full guide on How to get to Drachenburg castle from Koln. Buckle up because this is gonna be a challenging but so worth-it day trip!
Step by step from Koln to Drachenburg Castle
From Koeln Hbf (Cologne Central Station) you will take your first train ride to Bonn Hbf (Bonn Central Station) which is gonna take around 30 minutes.
Arrived in Bonn Hbf search for the U-Bahn Line which is still INSIDE the train station but downstairs.
Look for the Gleis U4a LINE 66 the direction is Konigwinter Fahre.
This is the moment where I messed up a bit and hopped on a vintage looking kind of train that will get you to destination anyway just be aware of the fact that this ride will require a different ticket!
Now that you’re in Königswinter, you’ll need to walk to Drachenfels Railway (enter it as your destination in Google/Apple Maps). Along the way, you’ll pass by small shops and eventually encounter a rail crossing.
The little train only rides up and down the hill and it will take you directly in front of Schloss Drachenburg in less than 10 minutes. However if you don’t feel like paying 18 euros for a round ticket or you want to enjoy the nature surrounding the area, you can walk up to the castle by yourself and get to your final destination in about 30 minutes.
An enchanted location that will leave you mesmerized
Drachenburg Castle easily made it to my top 3 sightseeing of 2024!
You will be transported back in time to a magical and extraordinary era of German architecture,to a place that speaks to us through its wooden floors and panoramic balconies.
The interiors of the palace are a true gem, and room by room, you’ll step into an old world filled with secrets and legends about its past.
At the end of your visit don’t forget to wander all around the big garden that surrounds the castle, where you can lay down on the grass and take in the full majesty of this place.
On your way back to Königswinter, don’t miss its charming, picturesque streets, and stop by one of the cafes overlooking the river!
