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German castles…legends and folk lore. All those stone turrets and towers, vine covered slopes, and villages nestled along the winding river make one think of fairy tales, damsels with flowing gowns, and knights in shining armor. Spend a day following the winding Rhine River, viewing one historical castle after another. Some castles were built as toll collection sites for river traffic, or as fortresses to defend vineyards or silver mines. Some were built as a show of power. Some have been restored. Some are still in ruins. All are impressive. Start at Rudesheim and head north to Koblenz. Many castles along the Rhine still have their turrets and towers. Others have only pieces and parts. Wars, opposing dynasties, and feuding land owners have taken their toll on the imposing fortresses lining both sides of the river. Picturesque villages still cling to the steep slopes. Burg (German for castle) Kloop, an ancient stronghold built by the bishops of Mainz, has been destroyed more than once. The view and proximity to the river were essential for its collection of river traffic tolls. Upstream, Burg Sooneck is almost completely restored as a multi-terraced fortress. Colorful gardens flow from one terrace maze to the next below the turrets. The steep path through the lush green forest to the castle from the parking area is worth your effort. And the view below is breathtaking. The Loreley, a legendary spur jutting out from the cliffs, has become the symbol of the Romantic Rhine and has a special place in German literature. An impressive rock, it obstructs and narrows the river. Sailors all knew about The Loreley and what she could do to unsuspecting ships. A little further, Burg Katz and Burg Maus were built by competing families. Supposedly Burg Katz, the larger castle, was built to neutralize Burg Maus. Legends abound and tales have been written about the Cat and the Mouse. Heading north, Burg Rheinfels at St. Goarshausen was the most powerful fortress in the whole Rhine valley, until falling to the French in 1797. Climb to the top of the clock tower to get an overall view of the turbulent Rhine, Burg Katz, Burg Maus, and the steep wooded river banks. Ruins of 2 fortresses perched on the wild hill slopes are home to yet another legend…that of Rival brothers Liebenstein and Sterrenberg. Burg Lahneck, built in the 13 th Century, later destroyed, then reconstructed in the 19 th Century, was originally built to protect its silver mines. This castle was indeed a fortress to be reckoned with. Today, castles, fortresses, and ruins all sit in splendor. Each one has a story to tell. Towns and villages bear witness to legends and history. Your castle-hopping day along the Romantic Rhine has taken you on a tour of some of the most idyllic countryside in Germany.
If you go: a driving trip or a river cruise will give great views of castles along the Rhine River in west central Germany.
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