We cruise from Rudesheim to Koblenz, the stretch of the Rhine that possesses possibly some of the most photographed castles in Europe, or the world for that matter. Some were built and served as fortresses, while others were palaces for the rich and famous.
Here is a selection. Some rather blend with their background. Others really stand out. Each has its own beauty and character. Captions appear under each photo.
Castle ruins Ehrenfels
Rheinstein Castle
Reichenstein Castle
Sooneck Castle
Stahleck Castle
Gutenfels Castle above the village of Kaub &Pfalzgrafenstein Toll Station
Pfalzgrafenstein Toll Station overlooked by Gutenfels Castle
Rheinfels Fortress
Maus (Mouse) Castle
and finally, straight from a fairytale,
Marksburg Castle
We experienced a quite dramatic change in the sky/weather, in the time (seven minutes) it took for us to pass Marksburg Castle. Perhaps the Weather Gods were smiling on us.
For those interested in the details of these and other castles in this part of the Rhine Valley, the website Loreleyinfo has excellent descriptions, history and current status, including use and opening times, where appropriate.
In Romantic Rhine – Part 2, we will share some of the other sights on this glorious stretch of the river.