Maus CastleAbout Maus Castle
Burg Maus, commonly called Maus Castle, is a medieval castle on the right bank of the Rhine River near St. Goarshausen in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. It dates to the medieval period and is part of the cluster of castles along the Rhine Gorge.
The site offers views over the Rhine and the neighboring castles on the opposite bank, and its exterior and defensive works are a common focus for sightseeing and photography. The castle’s position gives clear sightlines to the river and to nearby historic fortifications.
Construction began in the 14th century as part of the regional fortifications and territorial contests along the Rhine; the castle’s popular name reflects local rivalries with neighboring strongholds. It has undergone periods of repair and conservation but retains its medieval character.
The castle occupies a riverside site on the Rhine in the Rhine Gorge near St. Goarshausen, within the Upper Middle Rhine Valley world heritage corridor in western Germany.
- UNESCO setting: Sits within the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape noted for its castles and river views.
- Name origin: Named Burg Maus or “Mouse Castle” in popular usage, the name contrasts with the nearby Burg Katz and Burg Rheinfels across the river.
Nearby Attractions to Maus Castle
Best Time to Visit Maus Castle
Late spring through early autumn is the most comfortable season for visiting and combining nearby Rhine castles.
Weather & Climate near Maus Castle
Maus Castle's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -1°C to 24°C. Moderate rainfall (649 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -1° - 4° | -2° | 46 mm | overcast | 94% | 3.1 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.4h |
| February | Poor | -1° - 5° | -1° | 40 mm | overcast | 91% | 2.9 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.9h |
| March | Acceptable | 2° - 10° | 3° | 46 mm | overcast | 86% | 3.1 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 4° - 14° | 7° | 48 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 2.9 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.6h |
| May | Good | 8° - 19° | 14° | 62 mm | overcast | 78% | 2.7 m/s | 1.1 high | 15.3h |
| June | Good | 11° - 22° | 17° | 67 mm | overcast | 72% | 2.6 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.2h |
| July | Very Good | 13° - 24° | 18° | 71 mm | overcast | 66% | 2.6 m/s | 1.3 high | 15.7h |
| August | Very Good | 13° - 24° | 18° | 54 mm | overcast | 68% | 2.3 m/s | 1.1 high | 14.3h |
| September | Good | 10° - 19° | 14° | 53 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 2.4 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Acceptable | 6° - 14° | 9° | 55 mm | overcast | 85% | 2.5 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.6h |
| November | Poor | 3° - 8° | 3° | 53 mm | overcast | 93% | 2.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
| December | Poor | 1° - 5° | 3° | 54 mm | overcast | 95% | 3.0 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.9h |
How to Get to Maus Castle
Burg Maus is reached from the village of Wellmich (near St. Goarshausen). regional roads from the B42/B9 Rhine routes lead to small parking areas; local bus services connect surrounding towns, and the castle is a short uphill walk from parking.
Tips for Visiting Maus Castle
- Settle on the river-facing battlements at midday when sunlight reveals the castle's twin towers and cliffside profile.
- Combine a visit with a Rhine valley drive - Maus (Burg Maus) pairs naturally with nearby Burg Katz and Burg Rheinfels.
- Check seasonal opening notices: many Rhineland castles run restricted hours outside high season.