Perched high above the Rhine at Sankt Goarshausen, Katz Castle—Burg Katz—commands the river’s great bend with feline poise. This compact medieval stronghold once watched for passing barges and salmon fisheries near the Loreley rock, its bergfried towering over the gorge. Today, even from afar, the “Cat” remains a dramatic landmark, its story woven into the Rhine’s tapestry of rivalry, tolls, and timeless trade routes.
Quick Facts
📍 Location: Sankt Goarshausen, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
🏗️ Construction Period: c. 1371 (14th century)
🏰 Architectural Style: Romanesque–Gothic fortified castle
🎭 Famous For: Rhine toll control; the ‘Cat’ versus Burg Maus rivalry; 1626 siege during the Thirty Years’ War; destruction by Napoleon in 1806; commanding Rhine views
👑 Notable Figures: Count Wilhelm II of Katzenelnbogen; the Counts of Katzenelnbogen; the Archbishop of Trier; Napoleon Bonaparte
🏆 UNESCO Status: Yes — 2002, Upper Middle Rhine Valley
🌐 Official Website: http://burg-katz.de/
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Historical Context
Built around 1371 by Count Wilhelm II of Katzenelnbogen, Katz Castle was engineered to dominate river traffic and levy tolls along a crucial stretch of the Rhine. Its nickname, the “Cat,” reflects a pointed rivalry with the Archbishop of Trier’s nearby Burg Maus (“Mouse”). The fortress combined a great hall with a powerful bergfried—once about 40 meters tall—and a stout shield wall. In 1626, Katz endured heavy bombardment during the Thirty Years’ War, holding out against Spanish forces. Napoleon’s troops later blew up the castle in 1806, leaving lasting scars. Though privately owned and closed today, surviving medieval elements—especially the shield wall and bergfried—still crown the slope above the river, reminding visitors of centuries of power struggles, tolls, and trade.
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Visiting Information
🗓️ Best Time to Visit: April, May, late September, and October
🗺️ Location Perks: Set within the dramatic Upper Middle Rhine Valley, it faces the legendary Loreley rock and the riverside town of Sankt Goar. Don’t miss panoramic views toward Burg Rheinfels across the water.
⏳ Estimated Visit Duration: Plan to spend 45–90 minutes exploring the viewpoints and riverfront near the castle.
💡 Visiting tips: There’s no interior access—bring binoculars for details and aim for golden hour light. The best perspectives are from a Rhine cruise or the opposite bank in Sankt Goar; parking is limited on hill roads.
