Exploring Dragon Rock

The Drachenfels is one of the most accessible climbs in the series of peaks that make up the Siebengebirge mountains.

According to the Medieval Germanic Nibelung Saga, the Drachenfels is where Siegfried slayed the dragon living in a cave on the mountain, giving it its name. After taking a bath in its blood, Siegfried became invulnerable.

There have been no dragons spotted in recent years on the mountain, however there is plenty to see at this popular summer destination.

The journey starts in Königswinter at the foot of the Siebengebirge, just south of Bonn. From there it is either a steep climb to the top of the Drachenfels, or a quick ride up the mountain railway to the summit.

Getting to the top

The mountain railway was first built in 1883, although it was converted from steam to electrical power in 1958. The railway costs 9 euros ($12) for a round trip, and leaves every 30 minutes from the foot of the Drachenfels.

If you have the energy however, it's worth taking on the steep hike to the summit, as the scenery is striking and there are a number of attractions along the route.

Rows of grape vines cover the lower sides of the mountain, and for those who need a break along the way, there are plenty of snack kiosks and beer gardens to recharge your batteries. Walkers will also pass by traditional bee hives, giving offer the opportunity to see how honey is produced. Just don't get too close! In summer months there is also a hornet on display.

There is also a modern day dragon's cave, the Nibelungenhalle, halfway up the Drachenfels. Opened in 1913 to celebrate the 100th birthday of composer Richard Wagner, the Nibelung Hall contains murals and sculptures dedicated to the story of the Nibelungen story.

The hall also incorporates a private reptile zoo, housing crocodiles and alligators. Entry costs 4 euros ($5.50).

An architectural dream

Further up the mountain sits Castle Drachenburg, the product of a unique architectural dream of a wealthy Bonn financier Stephan Sarter, who envisioned a grand residence with commanding views of the Rhineland. Construction began in 1882, but Sarter died before getting to live in the completed castle, which was purchased by his nephew in 1903.

Since then the castle has had a checkered history, functioning variously as a private residence, tourist attraction, Catholic boy's school and nursing home. In 1942 the castle was taken over for use as an elite Nazi boys academy, and cannons were set up in the castle grounds. The sustained bomb damage at the end of the war, and was later used to house occupying American forces.

Castle Drachenburg is now undergoing a major renovation, but is still open to the public. The main hall has now been fully restored, and includes displays on the various periods in the castle's history. There is also an exhibit called "Open Due to Renovation," detailing the restoration project. Entry to the castle and the grounds costs 2.50 euros for adults ($3.50)

Reaching the summit

A further 10-minute climb will take you to the summit and the ruin of Drachenfels Castle. Spectacular views of the Rhine stretch from Cologne in the north and south toward Koblenz. There is also a café and restaurant and the mountain railway station for those who can't face the climb back down again.