Travel Tips

Just past Assmanhausen is the solid rock of a castle the Schloss Reichenstein.

Built in the first millenia, this little castle had fallen into ruin by 1689, only to be rebuilt in a pseudo-Gothic style in 1834.

This castle with its 82 foot tower was used as a toll-house by the Palantine Electorate, but had fallen into ruins by 1689.

A star attraction on this stretch of the Rhein, and one of the most famous of all the castles on the river, the Burg Stahleck has been around since at least 1165, and today serves as a youth hostel.

Die Pfalz is another of the big draws of the Rhein Gorge, and it looks stunning from the photographs I have seen. Unfortunately it was all being restored as I passed by, and so the effect was somewhat ruined.

Built in the first half of the 13th century this magnificently preserved castle sits above Kaub with its 95 foot Belfry. These days it serves as a hotel for tourists.

The fabulous Burg Schönburg is the pick of the castles on this stretch of the Rhein, with its striking blend of old and new, dull brown and shocking red. It is considered to be one of the most majestic of the Rhein.

Perched high above St Goarhausen, and with a great view of the Rhein over the famous Loreley rock, it makes for an amazing sight. It's called the Cat Castle, and it even looks a little like one with its two pointy towers, like the ears of a cat.