Discover Trechtingshausen: Castles, trails and stories

Trechtingshausen combines striking Rhine castles with trails in the Morgenbach Valley. If you are looking for accommodation here, you can focus on visiting castles, taking a walk outdoors, or doing both: Rheinstein Castle and Reichenstein Castle offer different ways to explore history, while the Clemens Chapel and the Schweizerhaus viewpoint are additional stops on the local circular hike. This lets you shape your stay around your interests in culture and outdoor activities.

Castles with different ways to explore

Rheinstein Castle originated as a customs castle in the 14th century. A self-guided tour takes you through the castle; an information system and floor plan help you find your way around. Access is also something to plan for: from the car park, a 380-metre footpath climbs steadily uphill to the castle; the walk takes about six to ten minutes. Rheinstein Castle is not wheelchair accessible.

Reichenstein Castle focuses on architectural history and its museum. The castle stands on a rocky outcrop almost directly above the Rhine. It was rebuilt as a neo-Gothic residential castle between 1899 and 1902, and opened to the public in 1936. Its grounds bring together history, nature and views. The museum explores knights and Rhine Romanticism, and an audio guide complements the visit. Exhibits include armour, weapons and hunting trophies from around the world, as well as decorative stove tiles from the Rheinböllerhütte. In the Knights’ Room, children can dress up and ride a wooden horse. Restaurant Puricelli focuses on seasonal cuisine and locally sourced ingredients. Museum and restaurant offerings may change; check the latest information before your visit.

Clemens Chapel and trails in the Morgenbach Valley

Below Reichenstein, the Clemens Chapel stands on the banks of the Rhine. Two local origin stories are associated with it, including one connected to the history of robber knights at Reichenstein. These traditions give the chapel a distinctive story alongside its setting and add another way to explore local history beyond the castles.

A local circular hiking trail links the two castles and the Clemens Chapel with the Morgenbach Valley, the surrounding valleys and the Schweizerhaus viewpoint. Trechtingshausen is also considered a starting point for hikes and climbing trips near the forests and rocks of the Morgenbach Valley. The circular route brings several destinations together in one loop; the RheinBurgenWeg offers another hiking option, with a stage from Bingen to Trechtingshausen. You can choose between a local loop and this stage, depending on which type of hike you would like to include in your plans.

Choose how to get there and where to stay based on your plans

How you travel can also influence your choice of day’s activities. The Mittelrheinbahn train from Bingen Central Station to Trechtingshausen takes about four minutes; Trechtingshausen is the first stop after Bingen Hbf. From Trechtingshausen station, it takes about five to seven minutes to walk to Reichenstein Castle. Journey times and stopping patterns may change, so check the latest timetable before you travel.

The routes to the two castles also differ: access to Rheinstein climbs steadily uphill, while Reichenstein can be reached from the station in about a five-to-seven-minute walk. These specific differences can help you match your plans for outings with your choice of where to stay.

Discover more destinations: Schwabenheim an der Selz, Oberdiebach, Sankt Johann, Bingen am Rhein, Dienheim, Münster-Sarmsheim, Mommenheim, Stadecken-Elsheim.

For the regional travel overview: Mainz-Bingen.