Rheinfels Castle in Germany
Visiting Rheinfels Castle in Germany is one of the best ways to step back in time. One of the best preserved medieval castles in Europe, Rheinfels stands as a stark reminder of a bygone era. Situated on the romantic Rhine Gorge, the castle offers travelers the chance to explore centuries of history and culture.
In this blog post, we will take you through the castle’s fascinating history, incredible architecture and unrivaled views of the Rhine and its surroundings.
If you want to take an unforgettable trip back in time, don’t forget to add Rheinfels Castle to your bucket list!
Rheinfels Castle history
Rheinfels Castle is a beautiful example of a medieval castle, located in the town of St. Goar in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. The castle sits atop a hill on the left bank of the River Rhine, overlooking the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers.
It was built between 1245 and 1250 by Count Heinrich II von Virneburg as a fortress to protect the town of St. Goar from attacks by the French or other enemies.
The castle changed hands several times over the centuries, until it was finally taken by French troops in 1794 during the French Revolution. The castle was then used as a prison for political prisoners until 1814, when it was finally abandoned and fell into ruin.
In 1902, the ruins were bought by Friedrich Wilhelm IV, King of Prussia, who had them partially restored. Today, Rheinfels Castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Germany, with over 200,000 visitors per year.
Why was the Rheinfels Castle built?
The Rheinfels Castle was built in 1245 by Count Hermann II of Virneburg. He was the husband of Elizabeth of Sponheim, the heiress to the castle. The castle was built as a wedding gift for Elizabeth and served as a fortified home for the couple.
What to see at Rheinfels Castle?
Despite its ruinous state, Rheinfels Castle is still an imposing structure and well worth a visit! The castle grounds are open to the public and there are several interesting things to see, including the Great Hall, the dungeons, and the chapel. There is also a great view from atop the castle walls of both St. Goar and the river below.
Burg Rheinfels Museum
The Burg Rheinfels Museum is a historical museum located in the town of St. Goar, Germany, on the banks of the Rhine River. The museum was founded in 1925 and is housed in what remains of one of Europe’s largest medieval castles, Burg Rheinfels.
Though much of it has been destroyed over time (it survived seven different sieges between 1462 – 1689), visitors today can still walk through many parts that remain standing as well as see replicas or models made to show how they looked in their heyday.
Visitors can explore several levels within the castle—including dungeons and bathrooms, and get an idea for its size from cannons placed along its walls which date back hundreds of years ago!
How to get to Rheinfels Castle?
You can easily reach the castle by car. If you want to take the 61 highway, Koblenz is 45 km from the center. If you want to drive by the river, a 35 km road awaits you.
You can also reach the castle by train. You can take the train to St Goar station at the southern end of the city and then walk 20 minutes to the castle. Or, instead of walking, you can take the Burg Rheinfels shuttle bus number 699, which runs every 30 minutes during the summer months.
Hotel Schloss Rheinfels
Hotel Schloss Rheinfels is a 4-star hotel situated in the romantic Rhine Valley of Germany. The hotel offers luxurious accommodations and a spectacular view of the Rhine River from its terrace.
Guests can enjoy delicious cuisine at one of their restaurants, or take part in various activities such as biking, hiking, canoeing or even wine tasting. With its stunning views, luxurious amenities and friendly staff, Hotel Schloss Rheinfels provides an unforgettable experience for guests looking to explore the beauty and history of this area.
If you are looking for a cheaper accommodation option around the castle, you can also check out the Hotel am Markt or the Hotel zur Loreley.
Conclusion
Visiting Rheinfels Castle in Germany is an unforgettable experience, one that will stay with you long after the trip has ended. With its unique architecture and stunning views of the Rhine Valley, it is a must-see for anyone planning to visit this part of Germany.
From the fascinating history behind its walls to the incredible beauty that awaits inside, Rheinfels Castle is worth every minute spent exploring it.
