Nassau Castle

Short facts

Nassau
viewpoints/viewing platforms,…

Nassau-Oranien Castle was built around 1120 by the Counts of Laurenburg. After the division of the Nassau land in 1255, it was the undivided property of both lines of the counts. Beginning decay at the end of the 15th century. Restoration: 1980/81 of the palace with knights' hall 1976/77 Restoration of the keep (castle tower) after an engraving by Merian from the 17th century

The silhouette of Nassau Castle rises prominently on a conical rock above the town of Nassau on the Lahn. Built by the Counts of Nassau before 1128, the descendants of the original builders are still represented in the Dutch royal family and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

History of the Castle
High above the Lahn Valley and the town of the same name, Nassau Castle stands proud. The primary purpose of the castle was to secure the road leading from Wiesbaden to Koblenz, known today as the Bäderstraße.
Before 1128, Count Ruprecht I of Laurenburg unlawfully built a fortification on this conical mountain, which was owned by the Prince-Bishopric of Worms.
In 1159, the Prince-Bishopric transferred its Nassau properties to Archbishop Hillin of Trier, who then granted Nassau Castle as a fief to the Laurenburg family. They referred to themselves as Counts of Nassau at the latest by 1160. The castle remained in their possession thereafter.
At the beginning of the 16th century, the structure began to fall into disrepair. In 1806, it became the property of the Duchy of Nassau and in 1866, it was transferred to the Prussian government. Even before 1873, this government established the first guest facility for visitors at the castle.
Today, the landscape-defining castle ruin belongs to the General Directorate for Cultural Heritage of Rhineland-Palatinate, Directorate for Castles, Palaces, and Antiquities.

Exhibition in the Tower
The newly established permanent exhibition in the keep tells the story of the former fortification and its builders. In the converted tower floor, special and previously unseen exhibits, such as a magnificent capital, are displayed, bearing witness to the once great significance and lavish furnishings of the castle.
After enjoying the breathtaking view from the observation platform, don’t forget to take a look at the dark, windowless dungeon in the basement on your way back, which is now open to visitors for the first time!
Entry to the tower and the exhibition is free (opening hours as for the castle tavern).

The castle can be visited without an entrance fee

In summer, the bistro at the castle is open every day from 12 to 8 PM.

Opening hours of the castle tavern: Saturday and Sunday from 12-8 PM.