Photo by Gabriele Delhey · license: CC BY-SA 3.0
Rhineland-Palatinate · Germany
Oberwesel.
Castles
Oberwesel is one of the best-preserved medieval towns on the Middle Rhine, sitting within the UNESCO World Heritage Rhine Gorge between Bacharach and St. Goar. The town retains nearly all of its original circuit of 14th-century walls with 16 towers, making it one of the most complete examples of medieval urban fortification in Germany. Rising high above the town on a wooded hillside, Schönburg Castle dates to the 11th century and now operates as a hotel and restaurant, offering remarkable views over the Rhine. The town is also known for its wine production, particularly red wines from the Blauer Spätburgunder grape, unusual for this part of the Rhine. The Liebfrauenkirche, a red-painted Gothic church, is one of the finest in the region. The area is excellent for hiking on the Rheinsteig and Rheinburgenweg trails.
Medieval town wallsSchönburg CastleRhine wine
What you'll do here
Things to do.
- 01Walk the complete circuit of Oberwesel's 14th-century town walls, passing all 16 original towers
- 02Stay at or dine at Burghotel Auf Schönburg, the hilltop castle hotel with views over the Rhine gorge
- 03Explore the Liebfrauenkirche, the remarkable red-painted Gothic church at the heart of the old town
- 04Hike the Rheinsteig long-distance trail south toward the Lorelei rock and St. Goar
- 05Take a river cruise along the Middle Rhine to view the concentration of castles from the water
- 06Visit the Stadtmuseum in the Günderodehaus to learn about the town's medieval history and wine heritage
Within a short drive
Nearby attractions.
Lorelei Rockthe legendary Rhine cliff and slate promontory at St. Goarshausen, famous across Germany, 8 km south
Bacharachone of the most picturesque wine towns on the Rhine with castle ruins and half-timbered streets, 10 km north
Burg Katz and Burg Maustwo rival medieval castles facing each other across the Rhine near St. Goar
Bopparda well-preserved Roman and medieval town on the Rhine with a famous viewpoint over the river bends, 20 km south
Cochema picture-perfect Moselle wine town crowned by the Reichsburg castle, 50 km southwest
A year in Oberwesel
Monthly weather.
Best weatherLeast crowded
january4°/-1°
Least crowded55mm
Quiet and atmospheric. Good for a winter Rhine walk.
february6°/0°
Least crowded50mm
Still cold. The first blossom appears on sheltered slopes.
march10°/2°
Least crowded55mm
Early spring. The gorge is beautiful when the almond trees bloom.
april15°/5°
60mm
One of the best months. Green, fresh and uncrowded.
may19°/9°
Best weather65mm
Excellent. Warm and lively with the Rhine season beginning.
june22°/12°
Best weather70mm
Warm and beautiful. Castle hotel and hiking are at their best.
july25°/15°
65mm
Peak summer. Hot and popular.
august24°/14°
65mm
Busy but lovely. Good for the river and castle.
september20°/11°
Best weather60mm
Ideal. Harvest season, mild weather and fewer crowds.
october14°/6°
60mm
Autumn colour in the gorge. Peaceful and beautiful.
november8°/2°
65mm
Atmospheric. Misty Rhine views from the town walls.
december4°/-1°
55mm
Quiet winter. The town is peaceful.
Averages from the last decade · source: local weather records
More of Rhineland-Palatinate
Nearby destinations.
Common questions
Asked & answered.
- In Oberwesel, visitors can enjoy Walk the complete circuit of Oberwesel's 14th-century town walls, passing all 16 original towers, Stay at or dine at Burghotel Auf Schönburg, the hilltop castle hotel with views over the Rhine gorge, Explore the Liebfrauenkirche, the remarkable red-painted Gothic church at the heart of the old town and Hike the Rheinsteig long-distance trail south toward the Lorelei rock and St. Goar. Located in Rhineland-Palatinate, this destination is ideal for slow travellers seeking authentic, unhurried experiences.
- The best months to visit Oberwesel include: May — Excellent. Warm and lively with the Rhine season beginning.. July — Peak summer. Hot and popular.. June — Warm and beautiful. Castle hotel and hiking are at their best.. Overall, spring is considered the best season.
- Oberwesel offers castle stays and historic accommodations. Located in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, it's ideal for travellers who prefer authentic, unhurried experiences over typical tourist itineraries.
- Near Oberwesel, you can explore Lorelei Rock — the legendary Rhine cliff and slate promontory at St. Goarshausen, famous across Germany, 8 km south, Bacharach — one of the most picturesque wine towns on the Rhine with castle ruins and half-timbered streets, 10 km north, Burg Katz and Burg Maus — two rival medieval castles facing each other across the Rhine near St. Goar and Boppard — a well-preserved Roman and medieval town on the Rhine with a famous viewpoint over the river bends, 20 km south. These nearby destinations complement a slow travel itinerary through Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany.