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| Rheinstein Castle |
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| Pfalzgrafenstein Castle |
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| Katz Castle |
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| Schonburg Castle |
One of
the first castles you see in this stretch of the river is Sterrenberg Castle,
which was founded in the 11th century as an Imperial castle. A little higher up
on the bank is Liebenstein castle, built in the late 13th century. Together the
two castles are called "the warring brothers" due to 14th century history, when two
brothers owned the neighboring castles and duped their sister out of her
inheritance, then became enemies, then reconciled and finally one killed the
other accidentally.
Around
the next bend sits impressive Maus Castle (Mouse Castle), which was completed
in the 14th century. After years of slow
decay, it was sold in 1806 for demolition, but restored in the early 1900s. The
castle is currently under private ownership.
One of my
favorites is Katz Castle (you got it...Cat Castle), presumably built by Count
Wilhelm II by 1371. The castle was damages by artillery fire from French
soldiers on 1692 and in 1806, Napoleon I ordered Katz castle to be blown up.
The ruins were redeveloped in the early 1900s and today is is in private
ownership.
Another
favorite and very unique is Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, which sits on a rock cliff
in the middle of the river and resembles a ship made of stone. The original
tower was built in 1327 to collect shipping tolls. I love how the castle rises
right out of the middle of the river!
Besides the ones I have mentioned here, there are so many other wonderful castles we passed, all in a stretch of a few hours. Definitely a highlight of cruising the Rhine. Also worth mentioning that during our "castle cruising"" we got to enjoy a fabulous feast prepared by the S.S. Antoinette culinary staff...Frühschoppen! A brunch of delicious sausage, mustard,
pretzels and German beer, complete with live German music.
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