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Tour of Drachenburg Castle
A visit to Drachenburg Castle is like stepping into a fairy tale – golden spires, magnificent halls and a view as far as Cologne. Just 25 minutes from Oberwinter, a cultural experience with Instagram potential, selfie spots and historical depth awaits you. Ideal for half a day between architecture, nature and panoramic views – easily accessible by train or e-bike.
History & architecture: fairytale castle meets technology
Drachenburg Castle was built in just two years and cost the equivalent of around 140 million euros – financed by stock market speculator Stephan von Sarter. It already had steam central heating and a hydraulic elevator in 1885. The combination of neo-Gothic romanticism and Art Nouveau elements makes it unique. Highlights: an 80 m² stained glass window with a Siegfried motif, restored in its original colors – now an Instagram star with over 1.2 million reel views (as of 2024).
Arrival, tickets & opening hours 2025
From Oberwinter take the RB 27 to Königswinter (12 min), continue by cog railroad (8 min) or walk along the child-friendly Eselsweg (1.4 km, 160 m elevation gain). Admission: €12 (adults), €6 (children). Combined ticket with Drachenfelsbahn and castle park: €18. Dogs allowed in the outdoor area. Lockers at the visitor center accept large rucksacks (>30 l).
Photo spots & social media hacks
– Golden Eagle Terrace (07:30, ND filter for sky)
– Angel Balcony (0.5 wide angle for “floating stairs”)
– Rhododendron Alley (end of May for flower frames)
– Glass window Hall of Heroes (symmetry photo with reflection)
Hashtags: #DrachenburgDream #CastleAesthetic – according to HopperHQ among the top 10 German Insta castles.
Interiors & special exhibitions 2025
Highlights include the library with its sky-blue ceiling, the “Financial Crisis 1884” exhibition and a self-playing Steinway piano in the music hall (daily at 2 pm). You can interactively explore the restoration phases of the murals using an augmented reality app.
Schlosspark, Drachenfels & Tourenkombi
Below is a small vineyard with Riesling “Drachenperle” (tasting in the café). The Drachenfels can be reached on foot in 15 minutes, including the ruins, glass elevator and views as far as Cologne. Can be ideally combined with our MTB route.
Events & tips for your visit
– Light show on Fridays at 9 pm (3D mapping on the façade)
– Ban on flying drones (500 m radius, fine €5,000)
– Accessibility: 80 % of the interior rooms accessible, wheelchairs available for hire
– Children’s quiz: free with sticker prize
– Christmas market (28.11.-22.12.): 40 stalls, Insta-Filter “SnowCastle”
Film, series & summer highlights 2025
Schloss Drachenburg was the filming location for the Netflix series “Shadow of Vienna” in 2024. Since then, visitor numbers have increased by 27%, especially from South Korea. In August: sunset yoga with drone show on the west terrace (500 seats, €35, incl. mat rental).
Castle café & Instagram cakes
Try the Empress Charlotte cake (marzipan & violet cream) or the dragon latte with gold dust. TripAdvisor calls the café the most tagged castle café in NRW (April 2025). Drinking water: free of charge at the new refill station next to the store.
Conclusion: Drachenburg Castle – fairytale & multimedia
The Drachenburg Castle tour offers architecture, views, social content and history all in one. Perfect for families, culture fans and Instagrammers. With Oberwinter as your base, you can start your castle adventure in a relaxed manner.
