If you’re anything like me, your holidays around the UK typically involve a castle visit or three. Admittedly, we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to medieval fortifications in the British Isles, but the issue of wherabouts I’d go when I ran out of castles to see on our own shores got me thinking and as it turns out, a European river cruise offers a great opportunity to castle-spot and, depending on the itinerary, visit.
The Rhine is certainly the go-to river when it comes to strategic stone dwellings, there’s no doubt about that. Whichever itinerary you choose, it’s possible to see large numbers of castles in various states of repair, from complete ruins to restored tourist attractions which you can visit. Just between the stretch of the Rhine between Koblenz and Rudesheim, you’ll be able to see almost 30 noteworthy castles from the comfort of your river cruise ship, but there are a number of them which you can get a closer look at while on a river cruise shore excursion.
Stolzenfels Castle, Koblenz
Located in the Middle Rhine region close to Koblenz, this is a great castle to explore if you find yourself stopping off there during your river cruise. Dating back to 1259, it was originally used to protect the river’s toll station, used extensively by the river’s transport ships. It fell into disrepair after being destroyed by the French during the Thirty Years War, but was rebuilt as a summer residence in the neo-gothic style in 1826. The result is a stylised, romantic structure, designed to evoke the spirit of knights of old.
Marksburg Castle, Braubach
This commanding fortress sits high above the river in the Middle Rhine region and is the only medieval castle in the area that has never been destroyed at some point in its history. Built to defend the town in 1117 it has been re-modelled time after time, used as a prison by Napoleon and damaged by American artillery during the Second World War. These days, it’s the headquarters of the German Castle Association. Expect fairy-tale turrets and ramparts, not to mention a fascinating tour.
Broemserburg Castle, Rudesheim
Castles and wine are two of the key ingredients of any Rhine river cruise, which makes this medieval castle such a popular place to visit as these days, it serves as a wine museum. Located in the Rhine Gorge in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley it’s over 1,000 years old and as well as admiring the beautiful architecture, you can find out all about the history of the local vintages.
Heidelberg Castle, Heidelberg
Located in the Upper Rhine region, this castle is a Renaissance delight and a must-see if you visit the city during your river cruise. It’s a real landmark, despite being demolished in the 17th and 18th centuries, as parts of it have been rebuilt over the years. The fact that large parts of it have been destroyed by lightening on more than one occasion throughout the centuries tells you how high up it is and indeed, you can reach it by taking a scenic ride on the Heidelberger Bergbahn funicular railway.
In my next blog, I’m going to look at some of the castles you can see along one of Europe’s other famous rivers, the Elbe.
By Simon Brotherton
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