Katz Castle

Katz Castle (Burg Katz) is a medieval hilltop castle above the town of St. Goarshausen on the Rhine in Rhineland-Palatinate. Its prominent position makes it one of the many fortified sites lining the Middle Rhine.

From the valley and river the castle presents a compact, heavily fortified silhouette on a steep rock above the river, commonly enjoyed from Rhine cruises and the St. Goarshausen riverfront. The immediate approach and town vantage points provide the best close views; the interior is usually private and not open to the public.

The original fortress was built in the late medieval period by the counts associated with the name Katzenelnbogen and was destroyed in the early 19th century during French military operations. It was rebuilt in the late 19th century in a historicist style and has since remained in private hands.

The castle perches above St. Goarshausen on the right bank of the Rhine in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, opposite the famous Lorelei rock and within the Rhineland-Palatinate region.

• Access: The site is private property and is not generally open for interior visits, so views from the Rhine river or the town of St. Goarshausen are the normal way to see it.
• Best viewpoints: Sits on a steep rocky outcrop above the right bank of the Rhine and is commonly photographed from passing river cruises and the Lorelei viewpoint across the river.