Kaub: Discover the smallest town with two breathtaking castles!
Discover Kaub, the smallest town in Rhineland-Palatinate, with its historic castles and picturesque wine landscapes on the Rhine.

Kaub: Discover the smallest town with two breathtaking castles!
At the gates of the city's hustle and bustle, between steep vineyard slopes and the sparkling Rhine, you will find the enchanting Kaub. With around 800 inhabitants, it is not only the smallest city in Rhineland-Palatinate, but is also one of the smallest cities in all of Germany. Mercury reports that Kaub was granted city rights by Ludwig the Bavarian in 1324. This is just one of the many exciting chapters in the history of this picturesque place.
Kaub has a lot to offer, not least through its impressive historical buildings. Two castles shape the cityscape: Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, whose oldest parts date back to 1327, sits on a small Rhine island and can be reached by ferry. It is a popular destination for guided tours and cultural events. Right on the bank stands Gutenfels Castle, a masterpiece of Hohenstaufen architecture that was built between 1220 and 1230. Since 2022, visitors have even been able to stay overnight here. The beauty and charm of the two castles make Kaub a hotspot for those interested in history and culture.
Nature and leisure opportunities
Kaub’s location couldn’t be more idyllic. Surrounded by the enchanting Rhine navigation and spectacular viticulture, the city attracts guests who appreciate both history and nature. Discover the Middle Rhine emphasizes that the old town with its narrow streets and half-timbered houses is a real gem. Particularly worth mentioning is the Protestant Church of St. Peter and Paul, a Gothic masterpiece that delights visitors.
The Rhine promenade invites you to take relaxing walks, and the hiking trails - especially the popular Rheinsteig - offer spectacular views of the river and the beautiful surroundings. Kaub is also an important location for wine production, especially for the aromatic Riesling, which enables a variety of wine tastings in the local wineries.
Cultural heritage and UNESCO World Heritage
Another important aspect of Kaub is its membership in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site. This region has been remarkably well preserved compared to other stretches of the river, largely due to previous initiatives to protect the landscape and historical monuments. The authentic natural landscape is shaped by the geological features and human interventions of the last 2000 years UNESCO explained.
The terracing of the steep slopes and traditional land use are deeply anchored in history and make the Middle Rhine Valley a unique cultural heritage that has favored cultural exchange and economic traffic for centuries.
City Mayor Bernd Vogt and the committed community are constantly committed to presenting Kaub as a place worth living in and to promoting the special features of the small town. The combination of history, nature and culture is captivating more and more people and proves that even the smallest cities have big adventures to offer!