Hohenklingen Castle
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Hohenklingen Castle

4.7
·1k reviews·Stein am Rhein, Switzerland

A remarkably preserved medieval castle offering stunning Rhine Valley views and a unique dining experience.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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Hohenklingen Castle

Hohenklingen Castle

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A remarkably preserved medieval castle offering stunning Rhine Valley views and a unique dining experience.

4.7
(1k reviews)

"Amazing view. Amazing food. Well worth the hike up the hill."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Restaurant in Advance

Secure your spot for a meal with a view; reservations are essential, especially for window tables.

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The hike up is scenic but can be steep. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the castle grounds.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Rhine Valley Views

Panoramic Rhine Valley Views

Castle ramparts and terraces

Soak in sweeping vistas of the Rhine River, Stein am Rhein's medieval old town, and lush green hills.

Medieval Castle Architecture

Medieval Castle Architecture

Castle grounds

Explore a remarkably preserved medieval fortress, largely untouched by destruction throughout history.

Castle Restaurant Experience

Castle Restaurant Experience

Castle interior

Savor high-quality Swiss cuisine and local wines in a unique historical setting.

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Planning Your Visit

Hike or Drive to the Top

Hohenklingen Castle offers breathtaking views, but reaching it requires effort. You can hike up from Stein am Rhein for a rewarding experience, or drive to a nearby parking area. Consider your fitness level and time constraints when planning your ascent.

Dine with a View

The castle houses a renowned restaurant, a highlight for many visitors. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to secure a table with panoramic views of the Rhine River and the charming town below.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Early September mornings
Why
Clear skies, pleasant weather
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A Travel Guide to Stein am Rhein, Switzerland Stein am Rhein is a real gem here in Switzerland with a picturesque old town located on the shore of the Rhine River in Canton Schaffhausen. Train duration from Zurich First, grab a free tourist map from the local tourist office and start exploring the old town along the cobbled stones, admiring the half timbered houses and magnificent painted facades...
@jas.decker
2.9K likes • 107K views

🎯 Book Restaurant in Advance

Secure your spot for a meal with a view; reservations are essential, especially for window tables. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The hike up is scenic but can be steep. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the castle grounds. Reddit

Since the year 1200, dating back to the Middle Ages, Hohenklingen Castle has towered over the town of Stein am Rhein, Switzerland. With stunning views from the six guest rooms that are over the Rittersaal Knights’ Hall, and the exclusive wine from Castle's vineyards, the experience is second to none.
nison_mig
63 likes • 1.8K views
Stein am Rhein and Hohenklingen Castle 🇨🇭. Stein am Rhein is a medieval town in Switzerland just right at the border of both Germany and Switzerland. It is also situated right in front of the river Rhein. This town still retains its original structures for it was never destroyed during the past wars. It is also known that this town already existed during the Roman times. On the other hand, the Cas...
allisonyaneza
6 likes • 327 views

📸 Capture the Views

Bring your camera for stunning photos of the Rhine River and the medieval town below. Instagram

🍷 Taste Castle Wines

The castle has its own vineyards; try their exclusive wines for a unique local experience. Instagram

Die Burg Hohenklingen in Stein am Rhein (Kanton Schaffhausen in der Schweiz) liegt auf 594m ü.M fast 200 Meter oberhalb des Städtchens Stein am Rhein. Die Burg wurde im Laufe ihrer Geschichte von kriegerischen Zerstörungen verschont und entspricht auch heute noch dem Erscheinungsbild von 1200 bis 1422. Die Burg bietet heute als Aussichtspunkt einen tollen Blick über Stein am Rhein, den man zudem a...
hegau_drohne
50 likes • 1.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Restaurant in Advance

Secure your spot for a meal with a view; reservations are essential, especially for window tables. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

The hike up is scenic but can be steep. Comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the castle grounds. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

Bring your camera for stunning photos of the Rhine River and the medieval town below. Instagram

🍷 Taste Castle Wines

The castle has its own vineyards; try their exclusive wines for a unique local experience. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Hohenklingen Castle, particularly its breathtaking panoramic views of the Rhine Valley and Stein am Rhein. The well-preserved medieval architecture and the high-quality dining experience at the castle restaurant are consistently praised, making it a highly recommended destination despite the effort required to reach it.

"The Burg Hohenklingen is an amazingly enticing sight above the little hamlet of Stein am Rhein, so we decided to hike up to try the restaurant. One of the owners Pia was so accommodating, found us a nice table and we settled in for a celestial culinary treat. Well worth the trip no matter how you arrive!"

Thomas Kunstman

"Amaaazing! Being at the top of stein am Rhine, the views of the charming town, Rhine river flowing through the super green hills with clear blue skies in early September, the feeling and views are fantastic. The food—high quality! The prosciutto sandwich was super delicious paired well with the fresh salad, fresh pickle and cherry tomato, and mini white sweet onion. Now the lentil bacon soup with delicious bread—best tender, soft bacon in my life. Not your typical American fried pieces of bacon served during breakfast. The bacon pieces tasted amazing. The ice lemonade was also super refreshing. Cafe ice cream and apricot cake with light fresh cream—delicious! All in all, one of top meals here in Swiss thus far! Well done!"

Hanh Nguyen

"Almost everything is top quality.
Excellent food, location, decoration.
Wine selection and how they designed the menu with lots of Swiss ingredients.

If you don’t have allergenic reactions to highly controlling, overpowering, slightly annoying female waitress (hope we came a cross with the wrong one) then you would really enjoy this restaurant."

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What People Like

Spectacular Rhine Valley views
Well-preserved medieval castle
Excellent food and wine

What People Dislike

Occasional service issues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can hike up to Hohenklingen Castle from Stein am Rhein, which offers beautiful scenery. Alternatively, you can drive to a parking area closer to the castle. The hike is well worth the effort for the views. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available closer to the castle, making it accessible for those who prefer not to hike the entire way. Instagram

While there isn't direct public transport to the castle itself, you can take public transport to Stein am Rhein and then proceed with a hike or a short drive. TikTok

Many visitors enjoy hiking up to the castle for the views and then dining at the restaurant. The combination of history, scenery, and food is highly recommended. Reddit

The hike up can be challenging. While parts of the castle may be accessible, it's advisable to check in advance regarding specific accessibility for those with mobility concerns. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the castle grounds for sightseeing is generally free, but there might be fees for specific events or tours. Dining at the restaurant requires a reservation. Instagram

The castle grounds are typically accessible during daylight hours. The restaurant has specific operating hours, which are best checked directly on their website. Instagram

Yes, Hohenklingen Castle offers unique overnight stays in six guest rooms located above the Knights' Hall, providing an immersive medieval experience. Instagram

Information on guided tours can vary. It's recommended to check the official castle website or inquire locally for availability and booking details. Instagram

Visiting on a weekday afternoon, especially outside of peak summer months, can help you avoid the largest crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The ramparts and terraces offer stunning panoramic views of the Rhine Valley. The castle's medieval architecture itself is also very photogenic. Instagram

Generally, personal photography for memories is allowed, but professional shoots might require permission. Capturing the ambiance of dining in a castle is a popular choice. Instagram

Early mornings or late afternoons, especially during the 'golden hour,' provide beautiful lighting for capturing the castle and the surrounding landscape. Instagram

Drone usage is often restricted in and around historical sites and protected areas. It's crucial to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details of the castle architecture. A tripod can help with low-light conditions. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The restaurant offers high-quality Swiss cuisine, often featuring local ingredients. Expect dishes like prosciutto sandwiches, lentil bacon soup, and delicious desserts. Reddit

While considered high-quality, the prices reflect the unique location and dining experience. Many visitors find it well worth the cost for the exceptional food and views. Reddit

The menu often highlights Swiss ingredients, and while specific vegetarian or vegan options aren't always detailed online, it's best to inquire directly with the restaurant when booking. Reddit

The castle has its own vineyards and offers an exclusive wine selection, often designed to complement the Swiss-inspired menu. InstagramReddit

Yes, you can visit the restaurant for a meal without necessarily touring the entire castle. However, the journey to the castle is part of the experience. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Hohenklingen Castle offers a fantastic adventure for families. The hike up from Stein am Rhein can be an exciting journey for children, turning the visit into a mini-expedition. Once at the castle, kids can explore the ramparts and imagine themselves as knights and princesses. The open spaces provide room to roam, and the historical setting sparks the imagination. TikTok

While the restaurant offers a more refined dining experience, many families find it a worthwhile splurge for the unique atmosphere. Packing some snacks and drinks for the hike can be helpful, and ensuring everyone has comfortable shoes is key. The sheer scale and history of the castle are often captivating for younger visitors, making it a memorable outing. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers

For those who love to hike, the ascent to Hohenklingen Castle is a must-do. The trails leading up from Stein am Rhein are well-maintained and offer increasingly spectacular views of the Rhine Valley as you climb. It's a moderately challenging hike that rewards you with stunning vistas and a sense of accomplishment. Reddit

Once at the castle, you can continue to explore the surrounding hills or simply relax and enjoy the panoramic scenery. The fresh air and natural beauty of the region, combined with the historical backdrop of the castle, make for a perfect day out for nature enthusiasts. Remember to bring water and wear appropriate hiking gear. Instagram

🏰 History Buffs and Architecture Enthusiasts

Hohenklingen Castle is a dream destination for anyone fascinated by medieval history and architecture. Its remarkable state of preservation, having been spared destruction over centuries, offers an authentic glimpse into the past. You can explore the robust fortifications, imagine defensive strategies, and appreciate the craftsmanship of its era. Instagram

The castle's strategic hilltop location is a key aspect of its historical significance, providing commanding views that were crucial for defense. Walking through its grounds feels like stepping back in time, with every stone and wall telling a story. The castle's evolution, from a defensive stronghold to a site with a restaurant and accommodations, also adds layers to its historical narrative. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Medieval History

Hohenklingen Castle, or Burg Hohenklingen, stands as a remarkably preserved testament to medieval architecture. Its origins trace back to the 11th century, and it has largely escaped the ravages of war, retaining its historical appearance from the 13th to 15th centuries. This continuity makes it a fascinating site for anyone interested in medieval fortifications and history. The castle's strategic location, perched nearly 200 meters above the charming town of Stein am Rhein, offered commanding views and defensive advantages throughout its existence. Instagram+1

Today, visitors can explore the castle grounds and imagine life centuries ago. The well-maintained structure allows for an immersive experience, where you can walk the ramparts and appreciate the robust construction. The castle's survival is a significant part of its allure, offering a tangible connection to Switzerland's past. It's a place where history feels alive, providing a unique educational and awe-inspiring visit for all ages. Instagram

Beyond its historical significance, Hohenklingen Castle has adapted to modern times by incorporating a restaurant and even offering overnight stays. This blend of historical preservation and contemporary use ensures the castle remains a vibrant attraction, drawing visitors not only for its past but also for its present-day offerings. The ability to dine or sleep within its ancient walls adds an unforgettable dimension to the visitor experience. Instagram+1

Culinary Delights with a View

The restaurant at Hohenklingen Castle is a major draw, offering a unique dining experience with breathtaking views over the Rhine River and Stein am Rhein. Since 1863, a restaurant has operated within the castle walls, evolving into a destination for high-quality Swiss cuisine. Visitors consistently praise the food, highlighting the freshness of ingredients and the skillful preparation. Reddit

Dishes like the prosciutto sandwich, lentil bacon soup, and apricot cake have received specific acclaim. The bacon in the soup, in particular, is noted for its tender, soft texture, a departure from typical breakfast preparations. The menu is thoughtfully designed, often featuring a strong emphasis on local Swiss ingredients, and is complemented by an exclusive wine selection, including wines from the castle's own vineyards. InstagramReddit

While the culinary experience is highly rated, it's important to note that reservations are strongly recommended, especially for tables with the best views. Some reviews mention that service can vary, but the overall consensus is that the combination of exceptional food, stunning scenery, and the unique medieval setting makes dining at Hohenklingen Castle a memorable highlight of any visit. Reddit

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