Kaub’s history is evident in the narrow lanes and half-timbered houses of the old town, traces of its fortifications, winegrowing and museums about work on the Rhine. You can tailor your stay to the topics that interest you most.
Old Town and BlĂĽcher history
Kaub’s historic old town is defined by narrow lanes, half-timbered houses and a medieval atmosphere. The Blücher Museum offers a special way to explore the town’s history. It displays contemporary memorabilia, pictures, information panels and a tin-figure diorama about Blücher’s crossing of the Rhine near Kaub in 1813. An interactive walk connected with the museum begins at the Blücher Monument and follows the historical events through Kaub. The exhibition and walk convey the same historical context in different ways: through exhibits in the museum and along a route through the town.
Castles, fortifications and churches
The core of Gutenfels Castle dates to around 1220; the building is an example of a late Romanesque hilltop castle. Kaub’s fortifications can also be seen in surviving structures. The Weseler Tower and Philippsburg remain as parts of the fortifications. The southern extension ended at the Thick Tower, a round tower with a twelve-sided wooden defensive walkway. Sections of the old town wall are accessible to visitors.
At Kaub’s Simultaneous Church of St. Trinity and St. Nicholas, the Protestant and Catholic churches are housed under one roof. Its 27-metre-high tower was once part of the town’s fortifications. A copy of the Madonna of Kaub can be viewed in a church in Kaub. As access conditions may vary, it is best to check them before your visit.
Winegrowing history and terraces
A deed of donation from 983 documents winegrowing in Kaub. The construction of the vineyard terraces is also part of the local landscape: their dry-stone walls are made of natural stone and built without mortar. The vineyard of Gutenfels Castle is considered one of the best wine-growing sites on the Middle Rhine. Taken together, the early record of winegrowing and the dry-stone walls offer two different insights into the long-standing connection between winegrowing and the landscape.
Circular trails, the Rhine Camino and the ferry
The Kaub Cultural Trail is an approximately two-hour circular walk through the historic town. The Gutenfels Trail forms part of this route and climbs through newly planted vineyards to Gutenfels Castle. Check local route conditions before setting out. The Rhine Camino, a route on the German Way of St. James, runs from Oberlahnstein to Kaub; check the current route markers before setting off.
A small passenger ferry runs from Kaub’s Rhine riverbank to the island fortress of Pfalzgrafenstein. Check current operating arrangements before travelling. Middle Rhine Rafting is also a rafting activity associated with Kaub. Contact the provider to find out whether it is available on your dates.
Museums about mining and piloting
The Slate Mining Museum displays miners’ belongings, tools and scenes of slate production. The Pilotage Museum explains the work of Kaub’s former Rhine pilots. Together with the Blücher Museum, these museums broaden the picture beyond castles and the town wall: they focus on slate mining, pilotage and the history of the Rhine.
More destinations
Discover more destinations: Kamp-Bornhofen, Braubach, Kestert, Sauerthal, Osterspai, Bornich, Filsen, Dörscheid.
Return to the main travel overview: Loreley.
