Oberwesel is an attractive town on the River Rhine, framed by the natural beauty of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. First inhabited by Celtic tribes and later by Romans, Oberwesel expertly preserves its medieval townscape. Discover age-old monuments and museums sheltered by the intact Old Town fortification. Explore the pristine countryside of the Rhine Gorge by bike and boat and on foot.
Discover the town’s historic center via the medieval wall, redeveloped to allow visitors to walk along it. Spot bullet holes, scorch marks and 16 defensive towers. Visit Haags Tower, home to a modern art gallery. Admire wall frescoes and stained-glass windows at the 14th-century Church of Our Lady. The Gothic-style Church of St. Martin and Werner Chapel are also worth visiting.
Retrace local history and learn about life on the Rhine River at the Kulturhaus Oberwesel. Tour the ruins of the 800-year-old Minorite Monastery. Browse examples of meteorites, including one found in Argentina in 1576, at the Meteorite Museum. Marvel at the panoramic views from Günderode House, a half-timbered house used as a filming location for the German series Heimat 3.
Walk uphill from the town center to the imposing Schönburg Castle. Built in the 12th century, the castle was destroyed in 1689 and the ruins were redeveloped as a luxury hotel in the 1950s. Within the grounds is the Tower Museum, which chronicles the castle’s 700-year existence. Climb to the tower’s observation deck for uninterrupted views of the Rhine Valley.
Explore deep into the region’s glorious countryside by walking to nearby Damscheid via the Schwede Bure Trail. Hike in the footsteps of medieval winemakers on the Oelsberg Via Ferrata. Rent a bike and travel along sections of the Rhine Cycle Route.
Oberwesel is easy to reach by train from Cologne and Frankfurt. Other destinations in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, including Bacharach and Sankt Goar, are very short train rides away. Visit in September for the Oberwesel Wine Festival, a revered celebration of Rhine Valley food and wine.
