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.
A museum solely dedicated to mechanical instruments, the Siegfried's Mechanisches Musikkabinett is delightfully refreshing and unique. The museum offers guided tours for large groups where the guides demonstrate the intricacies of these antique instruments whilst also playing them.
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.
Juz Live Club is a concert hall where the young and young at heart come to enjoy melodious tunes. This modern concert venue hosts live musicals, gigs, concerts and music festivals where well known as well as upcoming musicians perform their freshly composed songs. The phenomenal acoustics and pleasing lighting technology of the venue enhances every performance that takes place here.
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.
Monrepos archaeological museum and research center traces the evolution of human behavior over the years. It remains one of the pioneer institutions focused on human history research. At Monrepos, scientists study the development and evolution of present-day human behavior in Mesolithic and Palaeolithic. Consequently, these findings from research studies are exhibited at the museum. A permanent exhibition at the fascinating museum demonstrates the outcome of archaeological research on evolution and origins of human behavioral patterns.
The towering Burg Olbrück lies in the verdant landscape of Rhineland-Palatinate-Ahrweiler's Niederdürenbach-Hain and traces its origins back to the 12th Century. Found in a state of ruins, it has served as the official residence for over 15 noble families ever since it was built. The hilltop mansion is famous as one of the oldest and the biggest in the Eifel mountain range. A major historical landmark of the Brohl valley, it is frequented by thousands of tourists every year.
Burg Pfalzgrafenstein or Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, or simply the Pfalz, is a historic toll collecting station. In administration since the 14th Century, tolls ceased in 1867, but the castle retained its unique architecture. Built on the Falkenau island over the Rhine, its dimensions match that of the island. A pentagonal tower, baroque tower top, turrets and gun bastions were added over the centuries. A short ferry ride from the Kaub shore takes visitors to this present day museum.