Located on the Lahn River, this historic German city has a Gothic cathedral from the 12th century and well-preserved medieval streets lined with traditional half-timbered houses.
Walk through Limburg an der Lahn's medieval streets to discover the House of Seven Deadly Sins with its intricate 16th-century carvings, or climb the rocky hill to the red-walled St. George's Cathedral with its seven distinctive spires. Cross the 14th-century Old Lahn Bridge for views of the town's 600 half-timbered buildings, including Germany's oldest free-standing house from 1289.
Walking Through Medieval Streets
Start your walk at Römer 2-4-6, where Germany's oldest free-standing house has maintained its original timber frame since 1289. Continue to Brückengasse 9 to see the House of Seven Deadly Sins, where carved figures from 1567 depict pride, greed, and other vices across its wooden facade. Stop at the Werner-Senger-House on Rütsche 5, a 13th-century building now serving traditional German meals in rooms with original medieval beams and stonework.
St. George's Cathedral
The late Romanesque cathedral's seven spires rise 66 meters above town, its red walls visible from miles away. Step inside between 9:00 and 18:00 to see the recently uncovered medieval frescoes. Join a guided tour to access the cathedral treasury, home to a 10th-century Byzantine chest reportedly containing a piece of Christ's cross. Time your visit to hear the Limburger Domsingknaben boys' choir, which performs weekly during Sunday mass and special concerts throughout the year.
Along the Lahn River
Cross the Old Lahn Bridge from 1315, marked by its defensive tower and statue of Saint John of Nepomuk. This stone bridge once carried merchants between Cologne and Frankfurt on the Via Publica trade route. Follow the riverside paths for a 2-kilometer walk to Diez or a 1.5-kilometer stroll to Eschhofen, both paths clearly marked and paved.
Museums and Culture
Visit the Town Art Collections on Rütsche to explore local artifacts dating from Roman times through the Middle Ages. The Diocesan Museum, housed in the former cathedral chapter house, displays medieval manuscripts and religious art from the region. Watch the "Thing" cabaret group perform their weekly shows at Hospitalstraße - performances typically run Thursday through Saturday at 20:00. The cathedral hosts classical concerts every second Sunday, while jazz performances take place monthly at various venues around town.
Getting to Limburg
Take the ICE high-speed train to Limburg Süd station - the journey takes 35 minutes from Frankfurt or 50 minutes from Cologne. If you're driving, follow the A3 motorway between Frankfurt and Bonn. Park in one of three underground garages near Woolworth on Bahnhofsplatz, all connecting directly to the car-free old town.
