Rheinstein Castle, Trechtingshausen, Germany

Rheinstein castle was constructed around 1316-1317. It was important for its strategic location. By 1344, the castle was in decline. By the time of the Palatine War of Succession, the castle was very dilapidated. During the romantic period in the 19th century, Prince Frederick of Prussia (1794–1863) bought the castle and it was rebuilt.

In 1975 the opera singer Hermann Hecher bought the castle. It's due to him that Rheinstein Castle became again one of the centres of attraction in the Rhine Valley. Around the apartment tower from the 14th Century you find neo-Gothic sets, turrets, terraces and iron stairs. Inside are stained glass windows and mural painting as well as a Renaissance fire-place and stylish furniture.

References:

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User Reviews

Thomas Kusch (7 months ago)
Impressive castle nestled into a very steep rock. There is free 2 hr-parking for maybe 40-50 cars alongside the freeway. The walk to the castle is rather steep. There is a restaurant on the premises, which serves small dishes as well as a few more elaborate entrees, nut nothing can be considered 'fine dining'. It is advisable to check the opening hours and their vacation times, which change seasonally. They can be found on their homepage.

Andy Dincher (10 months ago)
Well, decorated Romantic reconstruction. The self-guided tour is easy to follow. Climb as high as you can for sweeping views.

O Adams (12 months ago)
If you want to have a good idea of live in a castle this is a good place to come. Well preserve, spectacular views of the river and mountains and well preserved items of the old ages. Don't forget that good hill walk is also good for the health.

Oleg Shevtsoff (12 months ago)
Nice castle. Not very big, well maintained, offers good self-guided tour. Nice views, a lot of open rooms. In good hands, definitely. PS: Toilets have deafening hand dryer, kids got scared.

Kent West (16 months ago)
Enjoyed the tour of the castle. It was especially good see a castle that wasn't in ruins. The cafe at the top had a great view of the Rhine river valley. They allow you to bring your own food and drinks so you can make it economical if you need to. Only €5 entrance charge. Definitely worth a stop or as part of the ring tour.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright rick ligthelm

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Het Steen

Het Steen is a medieval fortress in the old city centre of Antwerp. Built after the Viking incursions in the early Middle Ages as the first stone fortress of Antwerp, Het Steen is Antwerp's oldest building and used to be its oldest urban centre.

Previously known as Antwerpen Burcht (fortress), Het Steen gained its current name in around 1520, after significant rebuilding under Charles V. The fortress made it possible to control the access to the Scheldt, the river on whose bank it stands. It was used as a prison between 1303 and 1827. The largest part of the fortress, including dozens of historic houses and the oldest church of the city, was demolished in the 19th century when the quays were straightened to stop the silting up of the Scheldt. The remaining building, heavily changed, contains a shipping museum, with some old canal barges displayed on the quay outside.

In 1890 Het Steen became the museum of archeology and in 1952 an annex was added to house the museum of Antwerp maritime history, which in 2011 moved to the nearby Museum Aan de Stroom. Here you’ll also find a war memorial to the Canadian soldiers in WWII.

There are some beautiful plaques on the back side of the Steen Castle at Antwerp. Canadian visitors will especially want to see the plaques thanking the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry for their part in the liberation of Antwerp, in 1944.

At the entrance to Het Steen is a bas-relief of Semini, above the archway, around 2nd century. Semini is the Scandinavian God of youth and fertility (with symbolic phallus). A historical plaque near Het Steen explains that women of the town appealed to Semini when they desired children; the god was reviled by later religious clergy. Inhabitants of Antwerp previously referred to themselves as 'children of Semini'.

At the entrance bridge to the castle is a statue of a giant and two humans. It depicts the giant Lange Wapper who used to terrorise the inhabitants of the city in medieval times.

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