Drachenfels Railway — Attraction in Königswinter

The Drachenfels Railway is a charming and historic cogwheel railway in Königswinter, Germany, offering a delightful journey to the summit of Drachenfels mountain. Opened in 1883, it is one of the oldest rack railways in Germany, adding a sense of nostalgia to the experience. The ride, lasting about 10 minutes, provides stunning views of the Rhine Valley, vineyards, and the surrounding Siebengebirge hills. The vintage carriages, with their wooden interiors and large windows, create a cozy and scenic atmosphere.

Upon reaching the summit, visitors are rewarded with panoramic views stretching from Cologne to Bonn. The Drachenfels ruins, steeped in legend and history, are a short walk from the station, offering a glimpse into the region’s medieval past. The modern Drachenfels Plateau also has a café, providing the perfect spot to relax and take in the breathtaking scenery.

The railway is a convenient and accessible way to explore one of the Rhineland's most picturesque spots. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a unique excursion, the Drachenfels Railway offers a memorable experience that beautifully combines history, nature, and...

The Drachenfels is a nice place to go if you visit NRW. It's a steep walk up the hill which takes an hour up and half of the time to walk down. On your way there is a snall reptile museum. (you have to buy an extra ticket) There are places you can buy snacks or stop for a meal but the prices are high. So take some snacks and water with you and make the stop when you have reached at the restaurant terrasse. Here the prices are much more reasonable. The best time to visit is Spring or Autumn. You can also take the Drachenfels bahn only to go up or both ways. This would an option for elderly tourists. The special place on your way is the Schloß Drachenfels (you have to buy an extra ticket) it has beautiful garden where you can rest and tank some energy before going to the top. There's a restaurant and a souvenir shop here as well. Clean toilets are available in the basement of the castle. I consider giving 1 star less because of the rates which are charged for the Drachenfels Bahn and the Schloss Drachenfels The legend of this is worth a visit for kids, youngsters...

Lovely staff and there's a little museum inside the "station" which is nice to walk around while waiting for the next tram.

The tram leaves every 30 minutes. Even though the museum is cute, I don't recommend taking the tram if you are not bad on your feet, especially considering the price (€12 or €17 if you get a combo ticket with the castle). The ride is literally 5 minutes and you don't see anything on the way, just the forest. You do not get a view of the Drachenburg castle nor the ruins. The tram makes a stop at the castle before it takes you up to the Drachenfels ruins. The surroundings are beautiful, so I recommend hiking instead. It's an easy hike.

If you have kids, then it might be a fun ride though. Make sure to sit...