Burg Runkel

About the museum

Burg Runkel sits on a rock above the Lahn and originally served to secure the river crossing. The place is first documented in 1159, though the complex is probably older. After family disputes around 1250, an expelled branch had the stronghold of Schadeck built opposite; in 1288 Runkel and Westerburg finally split. In the 14th century the complex was extended, and palace buildings were added next to the castle.

In the Thirty Years' War, in 1634, imperial troops destroyed the core castle. It was not rebuilt and remains a ruin to this day, while the buildings of the lower castle around two inner courtyards were converted for residential use. In 1791 the count was raised to the rank of prince; after the death of the last Count of Runkel in 1824, the inheritance passed to the Wied-Neuwied line. The castle still belongs to the Wied family today, and part of it is still inhabited.

From 2006 to 2016 the listed complex was refurbished in ten construction phases, including the masonry, roofs and facades. Visitors explore the site on their own: 18 numbered coats of arms lead from the wine press room with its castle model and an exhibition on Lahn marble, past the armory and wall walk, to the torture chamber, the ruin of the core castle and up the keep, where the flag flies.

Highlights

• Castle ruin with keep, shield wall and Schadeck tower
• Armory with weapons and hunting equipment
• Wine press room with castle and town model and an exhibition on Lahn marble
• Torture chamber
• 22-meter-deep castle well
• Observation platform with views over the Lahn valley

Permanent exhibitions

• Kelterraum mit Burgmodell und Lahnmarmor – In the new wine press room, a model of the castle and town in the Middle Ages, wine-growing and farming tools, and drawings show the history of the complex. An exhibition covers the geology and processing of Lahn marble.
• Waffenkammer – Weapons and equipment recall the duty of castle lords to protect the population, and hunting as part of that duty.

Operated by

Privatbesitz (Eigentümer: Fürst zu Wied, Neuwied am Rhein)

Admission & discounts

Cash only.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• 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

The castle is step-free only as far as the second inner courtyard. A written tour guide is available in several languages.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops: not available
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Children aged 4 to 14 pay €3; the family ticket for 2 adults and up to 3 children costs €17. A castle rally for children is available at the castle ticket desk; workshops and guided tours are not offered.

Getting there & parking

Navigation address: Schloßplatz 2, 65594 Runkel. From the A3, take the Limburg-Süd exit onto the B 8 toward Limburg, then via Eschhofen and Ennerich to Runkel, and follow the signs to the castle.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available

No catering at the castle.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Weddings / ceremonies

Civil wedding ceremonies at the castle are possible on request.

Plan your visit