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GERMANY | The Loreley Valley, Germany Travel Guide
Saturday, May 11, 2024
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St. Goarhausen
Burg Katz sits on a hill above St. Goarhausen, Germany (cc)
Photo: Claus-Joachim Dickow
St. Goarhausen (and the Loreley Rock)
St. Goarhausen, with a population of roughly 1,500, is a thoroughly touristy town, situated on the right bank (eastern shore) of the Rhine. But just before reaching St. Goarhausen, where the Rhine turns sharply to the left and narrows to 113 m (370 feet), a third of its normal width, there looms a mighty rock, the Loreley Rock, rising some 132 m (430 feet) from the river and blocking the flow of the river, creating dangerous rapids that have been the bane of shippers and boaters. There's a winter harbor and small parking lot just past the rock, which one can drive to. A steep set of of stairs leads to the top of the rock, from where the views of the surroundings are splendid, and where there is also a pleasant little café-cum-hotel.
St. Goarhausen originally consisted of just a couple of houses for the fishermen who caught salmon for the market in St. Goar. But at the end of the 13th century ownership of the area passed into the hands of the mighty Katzenelnbogen family through marriage; and in 1371, they constructed Burg Neu-Katzenelnbogen, better known as Burg Katz (Cat Castle) – the twin towers actually resemble the ears of a cat. The primary purpose of this castle was to counter the newly constructed Burg Peterseck, built downriver by the archbishop of Trier. The mighty Burg Katz demonstrated the power of the strong and rich Katzenelnbogens in relation to the rather weak archbishop, whose castle became known as Burg Maus (Mouse Castle). Burg Katz was destroyed by Napoleon in 1806, but rebuilt in the late 19th century. It is now an exclusive hotel, privately owned.
As for Burg Maus, which appears to be a ruin on the outside and is also privately owned, the interior has been fully restored and furnished, and is well worth a visit. There is also a falconry at the castle, with demonstrations during the summer months.
Finally, there is a view from the Drei Bürgenblick (Three Castles View) on the hill above St Goarhausen, which takes in Burg Maus, Burg Katz, and Burg Rheinfels, as well as the Rhine Valley. The viewpoint is accessible by road.
Last updated June 2, 2011
Posted in Germany | The Loreley Valley
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