Burg Rheinstein

Situated on a rocky ridge, Burg Rheinstein rises approximately 270 feet above the Rhine River in the Loreley Valley. Originally built around 900 A.D. to serve as a customs post for the German Empire, it was referred to as either the Vogtsburg or Feitsburg.

The castle was home to the Holy Roman Emperor Rudolph von Habsburg from 1282 through 1286. Within this castle, he passed judgment on the unruly robber knights of Burg Reichenstein, Burg Sooneck and Burg Ehrenfels. In addition, Rudolph von Habsburg founded the Noble Knighthood and renamed the castle to Konigstein. From the 14th to 17th century, the castle was leased to the Archbishops of Mainz. However, it began to fall into disrepair after 1572 when it became unprofitable for Anton von Wiltberg, Chamberlain in Mainz, to maintain its upkeep.

In 1823, the castle ruin and its foundation stone were purchased by Friedrich Wilhelm Ludwig, Royal Prince of Prussia and nephew of King Friedrich Wilhelm III. Thereafter, the castle was rebuilt under the direction of the famous castle architect, Claudius von Lassaulx. The castle was renamed Burg Rheinstein due to its imposing rocky location above the Rhine River. Since 1975, Burg Rheinstein has been privately owned by the Hecher family who repaired and restored the castle over a period of 19 years to regain its glory from days long ago. - https://great-castles.com/rheinstein.html

As you can see from the photos above, we spent some time exploring inside the castle and the castle grounds. This is the first "furnished" castle we have been to since we moved to Germany and it was pretty neat to see some of the old weapons and armor from years gone by. Ellie is always on the move, so it was time to hit the trail again out the back of the castle.

We hiked down one trail and ended up in the village below and stumbled upon another castle...

Reichenstein Castle looms over you from the trail. I think it was closed and besides, the trail was what we had come to see today, so back up the hill we went.

If you are interested in this trail you can see it here: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/germany/rhineland-palatinate/rundweg-morgenbachtal-ab-burg-rheinstein?u=i

There is a large creek, waterfalls, bridges and soon we cam upon a fairytale forest, complete with tree carvings at every turn.

The kids really enjoyed it and the carving artwork was admirable. I have been unable to find out who carved these and why, although it is my understanding that they were carved with kinder hikers in mind.

Along the way we also came across a suspension bridge and a game with small wooden balls that you can roll down an obstacle course.

Eventually the trail comes full circle to an outpost where you can get a great view of the castle.