Burg Reichenstein

About the museum

High above the Rhine between Bingen and Bacharach, Burg Reichenstein sits in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. It was built in the 11th/12th century as the seat of the bailiffs of Kornelimünster Abbey and is mentioned in 1213 as “castrum Richenstein”, then owned by Philip III of Bolanden. In 1282, King Rudolf of Habsburg captured and destroyed the castle and prohibited its reconstruction.

From 1344, the Archbishopric of Mainz had a new main castle built with a double ring of walls, an inner courtyard, and a residential tower. After the War of the Palatine Succession, the castle fell into decay; from 1834 it was gradually restored as a residence.

It acquired its present appearance in 1899–1902, when the industrialist Baron Nikolaus Kirsch-Puricelli had it converted into a Neo-Gothic residential palace in the English style. The castle has been open to visitors since 1936. The castle museum displays living quarters furnished in late 19th-century style as well as collections of the Puricelli family, including armor, weapons, hunting trophies, and cast-iron stove plates. Today, Burg Reichenstein GmbH & Co. KG operates the museum, hotel, and restaurant in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Highlights

• Armor and weapons from around the world
• Hunting trophy collection
• Cast-iron stove plates from the Rheinböllerhütte ironworks
• Original dollhouse from 1904
• Living quarters with furnishings of the Kirsch-Puricelli family
• Audio guide in German and English

Permanent exhibitions

• Burgmuseum – Tour of the castle's historic rooms with armor, weapons, and hunting trophies, along with a collection of cast-iron stove plates and a dollhouse from 1904.

Founded

1936

Operated by

Burg Reichenstein GmbH & Co. KG

Director

Till und Katrin Gerwinat (Geschäftsführung)

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

According to the operator, the castle museum is not wheelchair-accessible. Dogs are not allowed in the museum or the historic outdoor area (welcome in the hotel and restaurant).

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

Child-friendly stations with "Drache Carl" (Carl the dragon), a dress-up room in the Knights' Room, a wooden horse to ride, a dollhouse from 1904 and a children's scavenger hunt for older children; seasonal activities such as sword-fighting workshops and Easter egg hunts. Audio guide recommended from about age 12.

Getting there & parking

By car via the B9 to Trechtingshausen, then via the Burgweg to the castle gate.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant
• Wi-Fi

Restaurant Puricelli with regional cuisine and wines; boutique hotel in the castle; historic bowling alley for groups of 10 or more.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 600 guests.

Weddings, corporate and private parties, conferences, and Christmas parties; indoor spaces for up to 220 people (seated), outdoor grounds (tournament ground, castle garden) for up to 600 people standing; meeting rooms Pferdestall (horse stable, 50), Jägerzimmer (hunters' room, 30), Remise & Lounge (180); overnight stays in the castle hotel.

Plan your visit