Basilika St. Kastor is a quaint church that was built by the bishop of Trier. The church has a picturesque architecture and with intriguing interiors. The place is best known for being the site where the famed treaty was signed which divided the Carolingian Empire. Inside you can find old relics, epitaphs of bishops, inscriptions and so on.
The Ehrenbreitstein Fortress sits atop a mountain with the same name. The fortress was built on the mountain top between the years of 1817 and 1828 by Prussian forces, though another fortress had stood on this same spot until 1801 when it was destroyed by the French. Of course, early people had also seen the benefits of building on top of the impressive Ehrenbreitstein mountain; some archaeologists believe that structures may have been built on this same site as early as the 9th-Century BC. The fortress that visitors can see today was never attacked while the Prussian military owned it. It was, however, occupied by U.S. troops during the Occupation of the Rhineland. Having escaped destruction in World War II, the fortress served as a variety of establishments before being made into a museum in 1956. Visitors can take a cable car up to the fortress where they can wander around the grounds and explore the many rooms on docent-led tours.
Germany is a land known for its magnificent castles and almost every city has at least one of its own. Overlooking the river, Schloss Stolzenfels is situated on the outskirts of the ancient city of Koblenz. This medieval castle was built by Arnold von Isenburg, the Archbishop of Trier and used as a toll station. Later it was the office of the Electorate of Trier. During the Nine Years War, it was damaged by the French and was in ruin for 150 years. It was gifted to Frederick William IV of Prussia in 1815. He delegated Karl Friedrich Schinkel to rebuild the building. The neoclassic architect turned it into a beautiful neo-Gothic building. It was the Prussian King's favorite summertime residence. Take a stroll through the gardens, halls and royal rooms of this romantic castle to get a glimpse into the past.
Traced back to the medieval era, Burg Thurant is surrounded by vineyards and overlooks nearby towns. Archbishop battles, medieval torture devices and finally a peace treaty are some of its true stories that bring people to explore its once glorious past.
A former monastery which dates back to the 12th Century, Kloster Eberbach is now a thriving and flourishing winery. The former Cistercian monastery is considered to be one of the most significant architectural sites due to its exemplary Romanesque and early Gothic façade. Wine tasting sessions and tours of the premises are a window into the monastery's past and its viticulture tradition.
Rising 100 meters (330 foot) above the scenic Moselle River, Reichsburg Cochem is a towering medieval period castle perched atop a hill. Originally, its purpose was to collect a toll from each passing shop, now it's serves as a popular tourist destination in the area. Its unique combination of neo-gothic architecture with remnants of Romanesque design stands testament to the many hands it changed over the centuries. Reichsburg Cochem also provides interesting tours for the whole family. Check out the tour timings on the website.
The WeinMuseum Schlagkamp is believed to be one of the biggest museums of its kind. The museum has over 10,000 interesting exhibits spanning across three levels. In the wine cellar, you will learn about the wine-making procedures and get to see a variety of barrels. The old Kelterhaus has a variety of interesting items related to wines, of course. In the old ballroom, you can enjoy a glass of premium wine. Children are welcomed to the museum as well and are served grape juice instead of the wines.
Dating from the 18th century, this winery has accumulated a large number of loyal customers owing to its quality wines. Weingut Scheidgen is located amid the idyllic environs of Hammerstein, and boasts acres and acres of sprawling vineyards which produce some of the best variants of Chardonnay, Burgundy wine, Pinot Noir and Riesling among others. Take a tour through the estate's cellar and indulge in some tasteful wine to round off your experience.
Runkel Castle is a stupendous fortress situated in the very heart of the renowned city of Runkel in Germany. This fortress is one of the most popular haunts for tourists and locals alike. Overlooking the glistening blue waters of the Lahn river, this age-old beauty is a solitary structure dominating the viridescent Lahn river valley. The castle was constructed in the 12th-Century and has been owned by numerous aristocrats and families of power since its inception. At present, a chapel, museum, and offices are housed within its premises. The site still serves as a residence for Metfried, Prince of Wied, and his family. This site is definitely a must-visit for anyone who loves history or who wants to feel like they've stepped into a fairytale.
To sample some of the best Riesling variants in the region, a visit to the Weingut Georg Breuer is a must. The winery offers tasting sessions with cheese pairings, a tour of the cellar where the brew is stored and fermented in wooden caskets, and also tours of their beautiful vineyards around town. So take in the views and prepare to amazed by some great wines.
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and seek refuge at the tranquil Benediktinerinnenabtei St. Hildegard which is nestled amidst the picturesque surrounds of Rüdesheim am Rhein. Also known as Eibingen Abbey, the monastery was established in the mid 12th century and has been home to Benedictine sisters. Today it is regarded as a Rhine Gorge World Heritage Site. Guests can participate in art and wine-making workshops conducted by the nuns and can even join them during prayer sessions.
Set against a backdrop dominated by verdant vineyards, Weingut Schamari-Mühle regales guests with exquisite wines amid the warm confines of both its vinotheque and bar. Drop by for a wine tasting session or embark on a tour of the vineyard in order to gain a deeper insight into the viticulture tradition of the area. Owing to its extensive selection of wines and their flavorsome essence, the winery has been the recipient of several prestigious awards which have recognized its excellence in the field of winegrowing.