Schloss Drachenburg

This truly unusual edifice, built 1882-1884 on behalf of Stephan von Sarter, the son of a Bonn innkeeper, ranks as one of the most important German castles of the late 19th century. As the owner-builder, Stephan von Sarter (1833-1902) had come into wealth and honours through speculations on the stock exchange – before he was raised to the barony in 1881 by a duke in Saxony. Shortly afterwards, Baron von Sarter laid the foundation stone for a dream castle which was to be completed in less than three years.
If you start in Königswinter and walk up the Drachenfels (“Dragon's Cliff”) or if you prefer to ascend the hillside by means of a leisurely ride on the historic rack railway, you will find Schloss Drachenburg on the right-hand side of the tracks, situated behind ancient trees and splendid rhododendrons. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the combination of nature, cultivation, landscape romanticism and a unique history has attracted many thousands of visitors a year from all over the world. They experience a wonderful day out; they form lasting impressions of exceptional castle architecture; they stroll through the historically significant landscape park; and they enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over the Rhine and the surrounding Siebengebirge, a range of hills on the east banks of the river.
In 1986, Schloss Drachenburg with its parks and gardens was listed as a historical monument. Following its subsequent sale to the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, the first steps were taken towards a complete renovation. The state authorities transferred the castle to the North Rhine-Westphalia Foundation of Nature, Heritage & Culture which – in close collaboration with the State of NRW and the City of Königswinter – has supervised the careful restoration of the castle complex since 1995. The renovation work was completed in 2010 – with the castle, the park and the Vorburg (“frontbuilding“) reflecting anew the brilliance of the original construction. All in all, a perfect example of high-class restoration work. Lovingly restored and refurbished down to the last detail, the showrooms invite you to discover and admire the wonderful pomp and circumstance of residential culture during the Gründerzeit, a time of rapid entrepreneurial expansion in the Germany of the late 19th century. Other unmissable highlights include the permanent displays featuring the castle‘s history and restoration process – as well as the exhibition (in the front building) given over to the history of nature conservation. So why not sign up to a guided tour and take a highly pleasurable and informative look at the varied history of this sightseeing attraction?