Castles of Augustusburg and Falkenlust at Brühl, Germany

The Castles of Augustusburg and Falkenlust at Brühl are outstanding examples of early Rococo architecture in Germany. They were built from 1725 for Clemens August, Prince-Elector and Archbishop of Cologne, and are celebrated for their elegant design, richly decorated interiors and formal Baroque gardens. The grand staircase of Augustusburg Palace, designed by Balthasar Neumann, is one of the masterpieces of the Rococo in Europe. In 1984, the complex was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Location

The castles are located in the town of Brühl, in the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Brühl lies between Cologne and Bonn, making the site easily accessible from both cities. Address: Schlossstraße 6, 50321 Brühl, Germany (Augustusburg Palace). The site is well connected by public transport:

• Train (S-Bahn/Regional): Brühl station lies right next to the palace park, a few minutes’ walk from Augustusburg
• Bus: Local bus routes stop near the palace grounds
• Car: Parking is available near the gardens
• Bicycle: Popular cycling routes connect Brühl with Cologne and Bonn

Travel time from Cologne or Bonn is around 20–30 minutes by train.

What You Can See

Visitors can explore two distinct palaces and extensive gardens:

Augustusburg Palace

• Grand Staircase – designed by Balthasar Neumann, considered a masterpiece of Rococo architecture
• State Apartments – lavishly decorated ceremonial rooms
• Mirror Cabinet and Ballroom – richly ornamented interiors
• Baroque Gardens – symmetrical French-style gardens with fountains and tree-lined avenues

Falkenlust Palace

• A smaller hunting lodge located about 2 km from Augustusburg
• Intimate Rococo interiors
• Decorative tilework and stucco
• Originally used for falconry and private retreats

The formal gardens connect both palaces and are ideal for walking and photography.

Opening Hours and Tickets

Both palaces are open from March to November, Tuesday to Friday from 9:00 to 16:00 and at weekends and on public holidays from 10:00 to 17:00; they are closed on Mondays and from December to February. The state rooms of Augustusburg are shown on guided tours. In 2026 a ticket with the guided tour, the grand staircase and the special exhibition costs €15 (reduced €13.50), while the staircase and exhibition alone cost €9.50. Falkenlust costs €8 (reduced €6.50), and a combined ticket for both palaces costs €21. Children, pupils, students and trainees up to 25 go free, and the palace park is free to enter all year.