Castles of the Rhine
A passing Viking River Cruises’ longship during our cruise past castles of the Rhine
While palaces and their treasures were magnificent status symbols, castles were built to protect against medieval invaders. Castles along the Rhine also generated income by means of chains across the river that stopped passing boats and ships until tolls were paid. Some of these castles are now museums or hotels. This is how we spent just a part of one day aboard our Viking River Cruise.
Ludwig the Bavarian built Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, “the Pfalz,” on Falkenau Island in 1327. It served as a toll station until 1866 and is now a museum. Gutenfels Castle is in the background in the fortified town of Kaub.
A tour of Marksburg Castle, unique in the Rhine hills for never being attacked, was included.
Marksburg Castle, Germany from our Viking River longship
The Middle or Romantic Rhine is a region of forests, vineyards, and castles that is so beautiful that it inspired an art form kown as Rhine Romantic.
Vineyards and castle in Rüdesheim along the Rhine
castles of the Rhine
Castle of the Rhine from our Viking River Cruises longship
castles of the Rhine
castles of the Rhine
castles of the Rhine
castles of the Rhine
view of castles of the Rhine from the dining room
castles of the Rhine
castles of the Rhine
