Ok so maybe not literally in my backyard but 40 minutes away to a historical renovated castle isn’t bad! On the Rhine River right down the street from Bingen, Germany is a small castle originally built in the 13th century but given new love in the 19th.
Burg Rheinstein was originally built as a “customs” castle (excessive much?) but also helped defend the region against “robber knights” apparently. Robber + Knight seems a bit of an oxymoron but hey, I wasn’t alive back then.
What makes this castle a perfect spot isn’t just the castle itself but its prime location in the UNESCO World Heritage cultural area that it is located inside. The land around this stunning river-landscape has been preserved as a heritage of mankind. From the castle you can take in the vineyards and the wine growing culture that dates back to the Romans. In fact, Rheinstein is one of 21 castles along the Rhine!!
The castle is perfect for the first half of a day trip to the region. They do a lovely job of filling the rooms with period-pieces of furniture and decor to make you feel like you have taken a step back in history. The garden is absolutely stunning and filled with roses and vines full of grapes. (I may have sampled a grape or two.)
They have a small cafe where you can grab a light snack or lunch before heading down to Bingen or Rudesheim and taking the ferry along the river to see some more castles or just hanging out and sipping wine in the many wineries in Rudesheim.
Is this what you expect from German castles?
Xx
Kali
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