Looking for a charming stopover in Germany, away from the hustle and bustle of cities like Frankfurt? Then Limburg an der Lahn is the perfect choice. This small town – located between Cologne and Frankfurt – was spared during World War II, so you’ll find a surprisingly well-preserved medieval centre full of half-timbered houses, narrow streets and an impressive cathedral on a hill. Ideal for a day trip, or as the first stop on a road trip or motorbike tour through Germany.
In this blog post, I share my best tips for visiting Limburg an der Lahn, an altstad in Germany: from sights and historical facts to delicious places to eat and a great place to stay.
Back in time: a town steeped in history
Limburg was first mentioned around the year 900, but only really grew thanks to its strategic location on an important trade route. At the narrowest point of the town, the streets were so narrow that trade carts had to be unloaded and reloaded further down the road. An inconvenient fact, but one that the people of Limburg cleverly exploited – it created extra work, trade and ultimately… prosperity.
In 1827, Limburg an der Lahn was given its own bishopric, greatly increasing the religious importance of the town. Today, you can still see traces of this in the cathedral, the old monasteries and the atmosphere in the town.
Sights you shouldn’t miss
Half-timbered houses with character
Limburg is known for its beautiful half-timbered houses – and there are many of them. Some date back to the 13th century and are all unique. Be sure to pay attention to the facades during your walk:
- Monster heads or faces served to ward off evil.
- Crosses under the windows protected against fire.
- Twisted wooden beams were believed to divert lightning strikes.
- Trees of life symbolised the continuation of the family.
Also nice: some houses have optical illusions incorporated into their facades.
Limburg Cathedral
The iconic cathedral is the city’s landmark and can be seen from afar. Narrow, tall and situated on a hill, it is an impressive three-storey building, which is quite unique in Germany. Inside, you will find an original baptismal font from the 13th century, and in one of the aisles is the tomb of the founder. It used to stand in the middle of the cathedral, looking up at the statue of Jesus. Nowadays, it has to make do with a spot in one of the side aisles.
Guided tours take place every day. Be sure to ask when these take place during your visit! Not only will you learn all about the history during such a tour, but you will also be able to take a look at the other floors.
The Old Rhine Bridge
This 12th-century bridge connects the city centre with the other side of the Lahn River and offers one of the most beautiful views of the cathedral. It is ideal for taking photos and enjoying a moment of wonder. This is definitely the place to be at sunset!
The fish market
On this old square, you will recognise houses with painted fish on the facade – a nod to the fish trade of yesteryear. Limburg an der Lahn has many squares, each with its own function. For example, there is also the corn market – guess what they used to sell there?
The entire city centre has been made car-free, so be sure to take a leisurely stroll through all the streets and across every square!
Old town hall with angels
Angel statues hang on the façade of the former town hall, which, according to symbolism, would accompany the owners to heaven. This building is no longer a town hall, but you can still take a look inside. Definitely interesting if you want to see what a traditional half-timbered house must have looked like inside!
Folk hero on fountain
On a central fountain in the city, you will find the statue of a local folk hero: Ritter Hattstein, a former robber who later became responsible for protecting the city. He is sitting on a dog and drinking from a wooden barrel above his head. Although the statue is interesting to look at, the terraces behind it are just as interesting to stop at.
Another interesting Café Rossini is a delicious Italian restaurant, and at Hermann’s Café you can enjoy the most delicious cakes with your coffee. Both places have a nice outdoor terrace on the square where you can relax for a while.is that some houses incorporate optical illusions into their facades.
The oldest house in Limburg
The impressive half-timbered house at Römer 2–4–6 is probably the oldest stand-alone half-timbered house in Germany. The oldest wooden structure dates from 1289, built on the cellar foundations of an older building from around 1200–1250, which was destroyed by a city fire.
The house was inhabited by Jews for a while, and they installed a mikveh in the cellar, a ritual bath where you bathed in groundwater. The cellar therefore contained a metre-deep well to enable this ritual bath to be taken. During a guided tour, you can visit this traditional cellar, among other things.
Viewpoint at the Diocesan Museum
A lesser-known but very pleasant place to stop is the courtyard of the Diocesan Museum. You don’t have to visit the museum itself – just walk inside and you’ll find yourself at a higher point with a beautiful view of the city.
Would you like to go inside? Then you will discover a surprisingly beautiful collection of religious art and centuries-old objects from the cathedral’s treasury – from Byzantine relics to medieval vestments. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, in the morning and afternoon.
The Bishop’s Garden (only on special occasions)
Right next to the cathedral is the Bishop’s Garden, a peaceful courtyard garden that unfortunately isn’t always open to the public, as the buildings still belong to the diocese. The gates are only opened on special occasions (e.g. Open Monument Days or public holidays). But if you’re lucky enough to be in Limburg at such a time, it’s definitely worth a visit!
Stairs to the Lahn & old cemetery
Behind the cathedral, there are discreet stairs that take you down to the Lahn River. It is a short but beautiful walking path where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre and see the city from a different perspective. Along the way, you will also pass a beautiful old cemetery where people used to be allowed to remain buried for only ten years. After that, their bones were moved to make room for new graves – a somewhat macabre but fascinating piece of history.
Where to eat and drink in Limburg an der Lahn?
Don’t miss these places to eat and drink during your visit to Limburg an der Lahn:
Gasthaus Burgkeller
A cosy place in a beautiful half-timbered house dating from 1650. Here I enjoyed a delicious Wiener Schnitzel made according to a local recipe – highly recommended! They also have a cosy terrace on the fish market, so a great atmosphere is guaranteed!
Restaurant Margaux
For those looking for something more refined. Here you can dine in a renovated 14th-century building with modern, stylish décor. They serve French and German dishes in menu form – ideal for a special evening.
Fare Tredici (Limburger Kaffeerösterei)
A delightful spot for coffee enthusiasts. Home-roasted coffee, delicious cakes and a stylish, modern setting. You will find it close to the Dom. Are you a coffee enthusiast? Then this may be your first stop of the day!
Overnight tip: Hotel Nassauer Hof
During my visit, I stayed at Hotel Nassauer Hof, a classic German hotel within walking distance of the old town. Don’t expect trendy décor or sleek design here, but you can expect a solid and well-maintained stay with everything you need.
My room was simple but comfortable, and the highlight? A small balcony with a view of the Lahn River. The hotel is also ideally located if you are travelling by car – just on the border with the old town, which is a pedestrian zone – and is a good base for those visiting Limburg an der Lahn as a stopover. The breakfast was also excellent: a classic buffet with fresh bread rolls, eggs, yoghurt and fruit.
Would you rather stay somewhere else? Here you will find all the options:
Limburg an der Lahn: really worth it?
I had heard of Limburg an der Lahn before. My grandparents had mentioned it, because Germany was their favourite holiday destination. But although I had formed an idea of what to expect, the reality turned out to be even more picturesque. So is Limburg an der Lahn worth a visit? Definitely! Feel free to spend a day or a little longer there!
Have you been to Limburg an der Lahn yourself and do you have any tips? Be sure to leave them in the comments below!
