Rising from the greenery on a heavily forested mountainside overlooking the Rhine, the ancient Rheinstein Castle looks like something from a fairy tale. Pay it a visit to discover not only its incredible architecture but its fascinating history, which goes back over a thousand years.
Originally intended as a customs outpost, the castle was built in the 11th century. Between 1282 and 1286, it housed Holy Roman Emperor Rudolph van Habsburg. Around this time, the nearby Reichenstein, Sooneck and Ehrenfels castles, which still stand today, were home to a group of robber knights. It was in Rheinstein Castle that the Emperor passed judgement upon these criminals. Later, the castle was taken over by the Archbishops of Mainz, but it eventually fell into disuse. Visit today and much of what you will see of the building is the result of an early 19th-century renovation ordered by Friedrich Wilhelm Ludwig, the Royal Prince of Prussia.
Nowadays, the castle is owned by the family of Hermann Hecher, an opera singer who bought the castle in 1975 and carried out major restoration works of his own. Despite being privately owned, however, it is open to the public.
Enjoy sweeping views of the Rhine and beyond from the castle’s picturesque courtyard, where a 500-year-old grape vine grows. Descend to the chapel to admire its Gothic features, and head down a further flight of steps to enter the atmospheric crypt, the final resting place for the members of Friedrich Wilhelm Ludwig’s family.
In the interior of the main body of the church, look for some of the most outstanding features, such as the impressive stained-glass windows in the Knight’s Hall. Afterward, stop for refreshments at the castle’s café or browse for souvenirs in the gift store.
Note that Rheinstein Castle is closed throughout the winter months, but in the spring, summer and fall, it is open daily during normal office hours. There is an admission fee, but discounts are available for children and groups.
