15 enchanting romantic castles on this boat trip along the Rhine


The walls of the defensive Ehrenbreitstein Fortress tower impressively above the glittering Rhine. Down below on the river, the boat rocks gently on the water as you stand on the deck and gaze up at the defiant structure above, with the cable cars gradually wending their way up between the trees to the mountain station. The view of the former Prussian military building on the rocky plateau high above Koblenz is breathtaking. You can imagine this imposing sight has cast a mixture of awe and fascination into the hearts of the many people who have travelled this way before you. Especially given the Ehrenbreitstein complex forms just part of the fortifications in Koblenz, in some parts of the city you can almost hear the sabre-rattling and the officers shouting orders. Against this fascinating backdrop which could be taken from a painting, you feel almost a part of that time when up to 1,500 soldiers in Ehrenbreitstein protected the people of this city from attack!

Marksburg Castle in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley Romantic Rhine

The medieval Marksburg Castle in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley Romantic Rhine

 

A couple sits at the stern of the ship and enjoys a glass of wine and the view of a rustic village, Romantic Rhine

The trip through the river landscape leads past many castles, palaces and quaint villages, Romantic Rhine

 

You set off on the boat from St. Goar at around midday and have just arrived in Koblenz. Smiling, you remember the trip along the river, passing all the castles and palaces along the way. One moment you were admiring the Marksburg towering high above the river at Braubach, and just a few seconds later, the magnificent Stolzenfels Castle hove into view on the other bank. It was like that for the whole journey, with at least one spectacular new sight around every bend in the Rhine. Nowhere else is there such a density of castles as there is here in the Middle Rhine Valley.

A couple enjoying the view of the Rhine bank with a glass of Riesling, Romantic Rhine

Enjoying the view with a glass of chilled regional Riesling, Romantic Rhine

 

View of Koblenz, the Rhine and Stolzenfels Castle, Romantic Rhine

View of Koblenz, the Rhine and Stolzenfels Castle, Romantic Rhine

 

You have now headed back to the stern of the boat to order a last glass of wine before you disembark. You turn to your companion, who is gazing cheerfully towards the shore, then you look into each other’s eyes and clink your glasses with a smile. The well-chilled Riesling is a real gem grown in the excellent conditions prevalent along the banks of the Rhine. Young, highly-motivated winemakers are giving the wines of the Middle Rhine whole new qualities and a surprising variety of flavours.

Deutsches Eck (German Corner), Romantic Rhine

View of the Deutsches Eck (German Corner), Romantic Rhine

 

The boat has now made a complete turn in the middle of the river and is now rocking gently at its mooring. You look at the shore opposite the fortress and admire the Deutsches Eck, where the Rhine and Moselle meet around a monumental statue of a mounted figure. You chat for a while about your plans to wander around the old town of Koblenz before spending the night on the banks of the Rhine. You have deliberately booked a room on the Rhine so you can enjoy the gentle rumbling of the ships passing by. Glasses empty, you leave the boat and wander companionably towards the nearby old town.

More cultural travel highlights and activities in the Romantic Rhine region


Rhine in Flames

Enjoy the spectacle of the Romantic Rhine valley and its castles illuminated in the radiance of the "Rhine in Flames".

Burg Rheinfels

St. Goar One of the most exciting castle experiences in the Rhine Valley.

Burg Rheinstein

Trechtingshausen In 1823 the ruined Vautsberg Castle and its rock were acquired by Friedrich Ludwig Prince of Prussia who erected Burg Rheinstein, the first new…

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Niederheimbach The castle near Niederheimbach on the Rhine, which was first mentioned in the 13th century, only acquired its present form with the expansion in the…

Burg Stahleck

Bacharach The Stahleck castle accommodates one of the most attractive youth hostels in Germany.

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Koblenz Koblenz is the only city which lies on both Rhine and Moselle and it is the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Upper Middle Rhine Valley.

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