High on the Drachenfels Railway

On the Drachenfels with Germany’s oldest rack-and-pinion railway—what an experience!

The Drachenfels is probably the most frequently climbed mountain in Germany—nestled in the heart of the beautiful Siebengebirge, one of the oldest nature reserves. And since 1883, the Drachenfels Railway has been the most appealing way to conquer the mountain. With its cogwheel drive, it climbs 1,520 meters at a gradient of up to 20%. The ride on the historic railway is a true family experience: imagine how Siegfried fought the dragon, see where Baron von Sarter built the “fairytale castle” for his beloved, and look out over the Grandhotel Petersberg, where the history of the Federal Republic of Germany began. It’s well worth a visit. Hop on board.