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.
Construction on the impressive Eltz Castle began some time in the 9th-Century. Continued up through the 11th-Century, when the main portion of the castle was built; this structure can still be seen today. Eltz Castle was the home of Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa in the 12th Century. Following a family feud in the 13th Century, the castle came to be known as 'Ganerbenburg' for housing several lineages in its many rooms, and not just the royal family alone. Encompassed by the Elzbach River, it is characterized by its eight towers. A tour of the Eltz Castle gives visitors a glimpse of the courtyard, treasury, armor room, kitchen and the picturesque grounds. The castle was featured on the 500 Deutsche Mark note of Germany.
A beautiful representation of German Romanesque architecture, the Maria Laach Abbey is a Benedictine abbey that was established in the year 1093. Located on the shores of the picturesque Laacher Lake, its serene lakeside setting coupled with the various towers and turrets of the Abbey, lend it a fairy-tale fortress appeal. Several embellishments have been added over the years such as 16th-century murals, mosaics dating back to 1910 and stained glass windows from the 1950s.
This former city palace from the 16th Century in Andernach now houses a beautiful museum. The unique building with its colorful facade is an architectural marvel in itself. Stadtmuseum Andernach offers informative insights into the town's fascinating history with various permanent and special exhibits. It also hosts special events for visitors to experience the town's culture. Learn about Andernach's development as a thriving port in the Middle Ages with various artifacts like pots, coins, household items, documents, and other antiquities. When in Andernach, this museum is an interesting place for history buffs to delve deeper into the past of one of the oldest cities in Germany.
At the confluence of Mosel and Rhine, Deutsches Eck is a headland that has been an integral part of German history during war times. Characterized by an equestrian statue that soars over the city, it is a monument honoring the first German Emperor William I. The original statue was inaugurated in 1897 and a refurbished statue was installed in 1993. A tribute to German unity, the headland is a popular tourist attraction today. Boat rides through the inland waterway of Mosel and Rhine are an ideal way to view the Deutsches Eck.