Pfalzgrafenstein Castle

Burg Pfalzgrafenstein is a castle on the Falkenau island in the Rhine River near Kaub, Germany. Known as the "Pfalz" this former stronghold is famous for its picturesque and unique setting.

Its keep, a pentagonal tower with its point upstream, was erected 1326 to 1327 as by King Ludwig the Bavarian. Around the tower a defensive hexagonal wall was built between 1338 to 1340. Later additions were made in 1607 and 1755, consisting of corner turrets, the gun bastion pointing upstream, and the characteristic baroque tower cap.

The castle functioned as a toll collecting station that was not to be ignored, as it worked in consort with Burg Gutenfels and the fortified town of Kaub on the left side of the river. A chain across the river forced ships to submit, and uncooperative traders could be kept in the dungeon until a ransom was delivered. The dungeon was a wooden float in the well. Unlike the vast majority of Rhine castles, the “Pfalz” was never conquered. It not only withstood wars but also the natural threats of ice and floods by the river. Its spartan quarters were occupied by 20-30 men.

The island of castle was used for the Rhine crossing by 60,000 Prussian troops under Bluecher in the winter of 1814 in his pursuit of Napoleon.

After the castle became Prussian in 1866, toll activity ceased in 1867, yet it continued to be used as a signal station for the river boat traffic for about another century. In 1946 the castle became property of the State of Rheinland –Pfalz. The State eventually turned the Pfalz into museum and restored the color scheme of the baroque period. The museum reflects the conditions of the 14th century, and the visitor will not find modern amenities such as electricity or a lavatory. It is accessible to the public via a ferry service from near Kaub as long as river conditions permit.

The area is part of the Rhine Gorge, a World Heritage site.

Quote

"A ship of stone, eternally afloat upon the Rhine, and eternally lying at anchor before the town of Pfalzgrafen" - Victor Hugo

References

http://www.tal-der-loreley.de/impressionen/burg.10.en.php Information (English) http://www.loreley.de/vbglorel/pfalzgra.htm History (German)