Sachsen-Anhalt. Castle hike with boat trip

Burgenland District, Saxony-Anhalt, boasts numerous historic castles that offer visitors an enriching experience. Our guided hiking tour delves into the captivating history and architecture of these ancient structures. One highlight of this itinerary includes a scenic boat journey along the Saale River, providing guests with a unique perspective on the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage.

We commence our tour in Bad Kösen, a recognized spa town situated amidst Germany’s northernmost wine-producing region. Following this, we embark upon an excursion boat journey along the Saale river, arriving at the starting point of our hike – a modest campsite beneath Rudelsburg Castle. Our ascent then proceeds towards an elevation of approximately 170 meters. Upon reaching the summit, we encounter the hilltop castle of Saaleck dating back to the 12th century. Presently, this historic structure serves as a popular tourist attraction, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding valley landscape. Should one be bold, they may venture up one of the castle’s two 23-meter-tall watchtowers, from which we can already glimpse our subsequent destination.

The medieval Rudelsburg Castle, renowned as the most visually stunning among all Saale castles, stands just 20 minutes away. Ascribed by Franz Kugler with his poetic composition “An der Saale hellem Strande,” this architectural gem has earned its place in folklore and literary history. Post-hike refreshment, we proceed homeward bound via a geological trail. At the culmination of this route lies the graduation tower, a testament to industrial ingenuity dating back to the 18th century. Utilized primarily for medical applications within the spa town, the extensive saltworks here remain structurally intact today. From this elevated vantage point, we traverse the cable ferry across the Saale river, ultimately concluding our tour at our designated destination.