The Top Things to See and Do in Limburg an der Lahn, Germany

Limburg Cathedral, perched on a high rock, towers over the town of Limburg an der Lahn. The seven-spired cathedral from the 1200s is admired as one of the most accomplished Late Romanesque architectures in Germany. The cathedral can be visited as part of a guided tour. Visitors are invariably wowed by the massive circular window that revolves by eight small rosettes, striking buttresses, high central nave and many other intricate details and Gothic elements.

The Alte Lahnbrücke (old Lahn bridge) has been around since the 14th century, and, together with the Limburg Cathedral, makes up the most picturesque spot in Limburg. The Brückenturm (bridge tower) and a statue of Johannes Nepomuk (Bohemian priest and martyr) are situated on the bridge.

Adventure-Golf Limburg is a great destination for sporty families to blow off steam and have endless fun in the process. This popular sports center welcomes visitors of all ages and offers the opportunity to play golf, billiards, funball, football, basketball, shuffleboard, boule, corn-hole and more. They also organize fun birthday parties for children.

If it was your childhood dream to spend a night in a castle, here is your big chance. Grafenschloss Diez, just outside Limburg, houses a lovely youth hostel that promises a comfortable and affordable stay in a truly unique ambience. Even if you are in town for only a few hours, Grafenschloss Diez is a wonderful architecture to explore. It welcomes visitors to browse its history museum and enjoy panoramic views over town from its terrace.

Castle lovers would find a short drive to Schloss Hadamar worth their time and effort. This rather simple but elegant castle dates back several centuries. Today, it houses two popular museums: the Hadamar City Museum exhibiting an admirable collection of paper cutouts, drawings and watercolors by the artist Ernst Moritz Engert, and the Glass Museum boasting beautiful glass work. When in Hadamar, make it a point to take a short walk from the castle to the Nepomuk Bridge, the most photogenic spot in town.

When in Hadamar, you can’t afford to miss the Rosengarten (rose garden). In summer, thousands of roses paint a riot of colors across the garden and the air above the garden is heavy with their intoxicating aroma. However, even in other times of the year, the park is a wonderful oasis to explore, with towering evergreen trees, winding walkways and pretty fountains. Entry to the park is free.

Only around 10-11 Km (6.2-6.8 miles) from Limburg is another gorgeous castle that seems to have been pinched right out of a fairy tale. Schaumburg Castle, enjoying a dramatic location atop a forested hill, looks down at the town of Balduinstein. It is now privately owned by a Turkish investment group, so tours are not allowed. But you can be sure that the castle would be a majestic background for your holiday photos.