Burgmuseum Marksburg

About the museum

A charter from 1231 first points to a castle in Braubach. The lords of Eppstein built the Romanesque complex with its triangular floor plan in the Staufer period. In 1283 it passed by purchase to the counts of Katzenelnbogen, who at times resided here and built the Gothic structures that still shape its appearance today. After the Katzenelnbogen line died out in 1479, the castle fell to Hesse and was expanded into a mountain fortress with batteries and bastions.

It remained undamaged during the Thirty Years' War. In the 19th century it served only as a state prison and a home for invalids, and it fell into disrepair. In 1900 the Deutsche Burgenvereinigung bought the castle for 1,000 marks. The Berlin architect Bodo Ebhardt had it comprehensively restored in the following years and reconstructed its late medieval appearance. Since then the Marksburg has been the seat and office of the association.

The Marksburg is considered the only hilltop castle on the Middle Rhine that was never destroyed. On the guided tour, visitors see the castle kitchen, the Kemenate (heated living chamber), the Knights' Hall and the chapel, the armory with life-size figures, a collection of torture and punishment instruments in the former stable, and a botanical garden with medieval useful and ornamental plants, which the castle administration laid out in 1967.

Highlights

• Armory with the Gimbel collection of 14 life-size figures
• Castle kitchen, Kemenate and Knights' Hall in the Gothic hall building
• Late Gothic castle chapel in the chapel tower from 1372
• Torture and punishment instruments in the former stable
• Medieval herb garden with around 150 plant species
• View 90 meters over the Rhine valley

Permanent exhibitions

• Rüstkammer mit der Gimbelschen Sammlung – Fourteen life-size figures from 1880 show how the armored warrior developed from antiquity to the early modern period, some with original pieces.
• Folter- und Strafinstrumente im Pferdestall – In the cellar of the Romanesque Palas, the former stable with a beamed ceiling from 1239, torture and punishment instruments are displayed and the institution of torture is explained.
• Mittelalterlicher Kräutergarten – In the Zwinger around the castle, around 150 medieval useful and ornamental plants grow, labeled with old Latin names and modern names (during the growing season).

Operated by

Deutsche Burgenvereinigung e. V.

Admission & discounts

The admission price covers the castle tour. Citizens of the town of Braubach and members of the Deutsche Burgenvereinigung enter free. Tickets are sold on site at the cash desk in the souvenir shop; only special tours must be booked in advance through the booking portal.

Accessibility

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

The medieval castle grounds, with many steps and uneven surfaces, are not suitable for wheelchair users. Dogs are welcome.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Special children's tours for about ages 6 to 11 with the court jester Hannes (approx. 1.5 hours, from 6 participants, bookable in advance); family ticket; children under 6 enter free.

Getting there & parking

Braubach lies on the right bank of the Rhine on the B 42; follow the signs for the Braubach exit. The Burgenlehrpfad (castle teaching trail) runs in 14 stations from Schloss Philippsburg to the Marksburg.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Marksburg Schänke (run by a separate operator) and souvenir shop at the cash desk.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 40 guests.

Civil wedding ceremonies in the Wappensaal (up to 40 guests); champagne reception and celebration in the Marksburg Schänke. Inquiries to the castle administration at info@deutsche-burgen.org or +49 2627 536.

Plan your visit