Königstein im Taunus

Castle ruins, hiking trails and a spa with pools at different temperatures give Königstein im Taunus a varied character. You can discover the town through its history, exercise in the therapeutic climate park and relaxation by the water. When choosing a holiday apartment, it is worth first considering how you plan to spend your holiday: Would you mainly like to explore castles and local history, hike the trails, or make time for the spa and outdoor swimming pool? The attractions have distinctly different characters and offer various ways to shape your trip.

Castles and local history

Falkenstein Castle Ruins, also known as Neu-Falkenstein Castle, was built in the 14th century by the Lords of Bolanden-Falkenstein next to the older Nürings Castle. It was first mentioned in 1364. From the ruins, the view stretches far across the Rhine-Main Plain. Another striking castle complex is Königstein Castle Ruins, whose medieval keep is around 34 metres high. The two castles offer different points of reference for the town’s history, and their historical names should not be confused.

An approximately 90-minute guided tour of Königstein’s town and castles brings together the townscape and its history on a walk. It passes through the spa gardens and town centre before climbing to the castle ruins, and covers their eventful history, other sights and Königstein’s development into a therapeutic climate health resort. The spa gardens adjoin the town centre, with its pedestrian zone, town hall and central area. A guided walk offers a different way to experience the town than an independent hike.

The Königstein Knights’ Tournament is also part of the events calendar: it takes place every year on the weekend after Ascension Day on the grounds of Königstein Castle. Its set date makes it a special occasion to consider when planning your trip; the castle ruins and hiking trails offer other themes for a stay as well.

Hiking trails and views

The Hochtaunus Therapeutic Climate Park covers around 20 km² between Königstein and the Großer Feldberg and includes around 180 km of surveyed therapeutic climate hiking trails. Twelve of the 34 circular therapeutic climate hiking trails start from five trailheads in Königstein. This gives you a choice of routes for an active holiday, rather than limiting yourself to a single hike.

The Königstein 1 (KS1) therapeutic climate hiking trail starts at the Königstein Spa trailhead, follows the Falkensteiner Hain nature reserve within the town and connects the central town with the district of Falkenstein. Another option is the Three Castles Trail: it starts at Königstein Castle, passes the spa on its way to the Falkensteiner Burghain nature reserve, and is a 11.70 km, moderately difficult circular trail. Its stated length and difficulty help you decide whether it suits your plans for the day.

The Hardtberg Tower offers another way to enjoy far-reaching views across the region. The 32-metre-high tower stands at 409 m above sea level between the spa town of Königstein and its district of Mammolshain. From there, views stretch across the Taunus slopes and the Rhine-Main Plain, including Frankfurt’s skyline, as far as the castles of Königstein, Falkenstein and Kronberg. This panorama is different from the view across the Rhine-Main Plain at Falkenstein Castle Ruins.

Spa and outdoor swimming pool

Königstein Spa has a 29 °C indoor pool and a 32 °C panoramic outdoor pool with views of Königstein Castle. The water temperatures and the pools’ different settings give you specific points to consider if you would like to include a day of swimming in your holiday. Königstein’s outdoor swimming pool is at the end of Forellenweg. It has retained the style of 1920s lidos, is equipped with modern technology and features a large sunbathing lawn and extensive leisure facilities. For days out together, you can choose between a castle visit, exercise and time by the water.

Getting there and choosing accommodation

The Three Castles Trail can be reached via Königstein station on the RB12, as well as via the Königstein, Stadtmitte and Königstein, Friedhof bus stops, served by several bus routes. Paid parking is available at the town hall and at Luxembourg Palace; from there, Königstein Castle Ruins is about a five- to ten-minute walk. This information applies to the hiking trail and the castle. It can help you decide whether castles and a town tour, hiking or the pools should shape your holiday.

Discover more places

More destinations: Bad Homburg vor der Höhe, Oberursel, Grävenwiesbach, Glashütten, Friedrichsdorf, Usingen, Kronberg and Weilrod.

Back to the main travel overview: Hochtaunus.