Burg Liebenstein is a hilltop castle above the Rhine in Kamp-Bornhofen, known for its medieval towers and its close connection with Burg Sterrenberg. The castle courtyard has road access, or you can take a longer approach on foot via the Rheinsteig.
- Location: Zu den Burgen 1, 56341 Kamp-Bornhofen
- Access: free access at any time; guided-tour hours vary by season
- Nearby: Burg Sterrenberg stands directly beside Liebenstein
Where Burg Liebenstein is
Burg Liebenstein sits above Kamp-Bornhofen in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley.
The castle and its history
Burg Liebenstein dates to the 13th century and became a shared castle, or Ganerbenburg, by 1340. In this arrangement, noble families shared a castle when inheritance divided ownership; the complex at Liebenstein brought together around ten families.
Notable features include a Gothic residential tower and a large keep, which now houses a restaurant. Extensive restoration began in 1977, after which a hotel and restaurant were installed. The castle courtyard also has road access, and a restaurant is located there.
Planning a journey from Boppard
A recommended public-transport and walking approach starts at Boppard-Bad Salzig station, continues by ferry to Kamp-Bornhofen, then follows the Rheinsteig to the castle. Check the Boppard stations and local travel guide for orientation, and confirm the ferry and train arrangements before setting out, as the route depends on both.
The castle courtyard has road access.
Current access and visitor information
The castle is freely accessible at any time, with disabled parking directly at the site; people with walking difficulties can visit. Access to the grounds and joining a guided tour are different things, so check the official site before you go for opening hours. Burg Liebenstein is about a 53-minute drive from Residence Bellevue.
A Boppard tourism brochure describes daily guided tours, with schedules changing by season: from 2 November to 22 March, tours are at each full hour from 11:00 to 16:00; from 23 March to 3 November, they run several times per hour from 10:00 to 17:00. The castle is closed on 24 and 25 December.
How it relates to Burg Sterrenberg
Burg Liebenstein and Burg Sterrenberg stand directly beside one another, facing each other in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. Together, they are known as “Die Feindlichen Brüder”, or “the Hostile Brothers”, a name linked to a regional legend about conflict between two brothers.
Burg Osterspai is another castle in the area; its visitor guide to Burg Osterspai covers what to know before visiting.
FAQs
Is Burg Liebenstein free to visit?
The cultural listing describes the castle as freely accessible at any time. Guided tours have seasonal schedules, so check the official site for current hours before you go.
How long is the walk from Bornhofen?
A regional tourism page estimates the walk to the castle from Bornhofen at about half an hour.
Can you drive to Burg Liebenstein?
Yes. A drivable road reaches the castle courtyard, where the castle restaurant is located.
Why are Liebenstein and Sterrenberg called the Hostile Brothers?
The name “Die Feindlichen Brüder” refers to a regional legend about conflict between two brothers. The castles stand directly next to each other.