Limburg's medieval old town looks like it jumped straight out of a fairy tale. It's perched on a limestone rock above the Lahn River.
This small city of 35,000 people, located between Frankfurt and Cologne, has one of Germany's most complete collections of half-timbered buildings from the 13th to 18th centuries.
View of Limburg cathedral and the Lahn river
The heart of the city is the amazing St George's Cathedral, which is a rare example of late Romanesque architecture and has been there since 1235. While tourists often miss Limburg in favour of bigger destinations, those who stop here find themselves in a living museum of German history – without the crowds of more famous heritage towns.
The narrow cobbled streets are lined with authentic German restaurants, local wine shops and views that medieval traders would still recognise today.
Limburg an der Lahn is located in the western part of Hesse, a state in central Germany. It occupies a strategic position on the River Lahn.
The area is a typical example of the low mountain range landscape common to this region of the country.
The city lies roughly halfway between Germany's iconic Rhine-Main metropolis, Frankfurt, and the historic city of Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle rivers converge.
To the east, Limburg is well connected to Wiesbaden and Mainz - both centres of wine culture and German history - while to the west, the Lahn Valley opens up into unspoilt countryside ideal for walking, cycling and canoeing.
Its central location makes it a convenient stop for travellers exploring the cultural and natural highlights of Hesse, the Rhineland or the nearby forested highlands of the Westerwald.
The two most practical international airports for reaching Limburg an der Lahn are the two Frankfurt airports (although one of them is in a completely different direction than the city of Frankfurt!):
Distance to Frankfurt Airport: 62km
Distance to Frankfurt Hahn Airport: 90km
Distance to Cologne Bonn Airport: 101km
Distance to Düsseldorf Airport: 155km
Frankfurt Airport (FRA) is the closest major international airport to Limburg and is the best option for most travellers. It offers a wide range of flights from around the world and has excellent transport connections.
Limburg is situated on one of Germany’s most important rail corridors. It boasts two train stations, each serving different needs. Note that there is no rail link between the two stations.
The Limburg (Lahn) station, located near the old town, caters to regional trains. It connects Limburg to nearby towns like Wetzlar and Koblenz, as well as smaller destinations along the Lahn River valley.
The Limburg Süd station is part of Germany’s high-speed ICE network. It is located around three kilometres from the town centre and can be reached by bus.
From here, high-speed trains connect Limburg directly to Frankfurt and Cologne. Both cities have major international airports, making Limburg an easy add-on to a larger German itinerary. If arriving from abroad, flying into Frankfurt Airport and continuing to Limburg by ICE is the fastest and most efficient choice.
Limburg sits near the A3 motorway, one of Germany’s busiest and most important highways.
The A3 links the densely populated regions of Frankfurt and Cologne. For drivers, this proximity means that Limburg is about an hour from Frankfurt and slightly over an hour from Cologne, depending on traffic.
Regional roads branching from the A3 provide direct access to Limburg’s old town as well as its nearby natural attractions in the Lahn and Westerwald regions. Parking is available in and around the town, but note that the medieval core has pedestrian-only areas, so plan to park outside the old town.
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Limburg an der Lahn has a history that goes back more than a thousand years, and its location along the Lahn River and ancient trade routes have had a big impact on the town.
The town's early development is closely tied to its place as a crossroads for commerce, religion and cultural exchange, and all of these elements are still evident today.
Limburg was first documented in 910 AD under the name "Lintpurc," meaning "dragon castle" in Old High German. This suggests that the area was already important in the early Middle Ages.
By the 12th century, Limburg had become a major trade hub and the "Alte Lahnbrücke" (Old Lahn Bridge) became a vital link for merchants and travellers crossing the river.
The building of the Limburger Dom, St George's Cathedral, in the 13th century was a turning point in the town's history. The cathedral's impressive Romanesque and early Gothic architecture showed just how important it was as a centre of ecclesiastical power.
Limburg castle, with the cathedral behind
The nearby castle, built by the Lords of Limburg, added to its prominence during the High Middle Ages. During this time, Limburg became a key player in many regional trade alliances.
During the Thirty Years' War in the 17th century, the town was occupied and declined as battles raged across Germany. But it was still important enough to survive the chaos of the post-medieval era.
By the time the 19th century rolled around, Limburg was a key part of the new railway network, which gave its economy a much-needed boost thanks to better trade and transport links.
Limburg was largely spared the destruction of the Second World War in the 20th century, and its historic architecture remained intact. This contributed to its status today as a well-preserved example of a medieval German town.
In the post-war period, Limburg's development has focused on balancing its historic heritage with modern growth. The addition of the Limburg South high speed train station in 2002 adapted the city to modern transport needs without disrupting its traditional core.
Limburg's most iconic landmark is undoubtedly St George's Cathedral, which towers dramatically over the River Lahn. Built in the 13th century, this Romanesque and early Gothic masterpiece is renowned for its distinctive seven spires, red and white exterior and intricate stonework.
Inside, visitors can admire frescoes, sculptures and stunning stained glass windows that reflect centuries of craftsmanship and religious devotion. The cathedral also offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, making it a must-see for history and architecture buffs.>
St George's Cathedral in Limburg
Limburg Castle, a structure dating from the early Middle Ages, stands next to the cathedral. Although not all parts of the castle are open to visitors, its commanding presence speaks to Limburg's historic role as a fortified medieval settlement. The castle grounds provide a wonderful vantage point from which to admire the town's setting on the River Lahn.
The old town is a living museum of half-timbered houses, some of which date back to the 13th century. Visitors can stroll through narrow, cobblestoned streets lined with cafés, bakeries, and local shops housed in historic buildings. Notable among these is the Römer 2-4-6 house, one of Germany’s oldest timber-frame structures, standing since 1289.
The Alte Lahnbrücke spanning the Lahn river
This centuries-old stone bridge connects the historic centre with the modern parts of Limburg. The bridge provided vital access for trade in earlier eras but now offers scenic views of the Lahn River and the cathedral towering above its banks. The surrounding riverbank is perfect for a peaceful walk and is popular for photographs.
The Lahn is both a natural feature and a recreational centre in Limburg. Canoeing is a popular activity, allowing visitors to see the historic city from the water and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. For those who prefer to stay on dry land, riverside walks offer a leisurely way to explore the city's picturesque landscape.
The Limburg an der Lahn tourist information office is located in the pedestrian area near the parish church of St Sebastian. It is open all week with slightly restricted hours in the summer months, while in the winter it is open six days a week from Monday-Saturday.
Website: www.touristinfo-limburg.de