Mouse Tower is a beautiful tower nestled in Bingen am Rhein. The histroy of this tower can be traced back to the reign of the Romans, however, the tower was officially used for collecting taxes only from 12th Century. It is said that Hatto II was a very cruel leader who refused distributing his huge collection of grains to local peasants during famine. The farmers decided to rebel and fearing their angst, he called them all in a barn promising food and burnt them alive, mouthing the phrase “hear the mice squeak.” Immediately after, his tower was attacked by thousands of mice killing him in the process, thus the name, Mouse Tower.
Located in the Rhine Valley, the Sterrenberg Castle is an impressive fortress that is perched high up in the mountains overlooking the River Rhine. It served as an estate for the Bolanden lords and is said to have been built in the 12th Century. Much of the original structure lies dilapidated. Today, a popular restaurant with a beautiful terrace operates within the castle. Regular exhibitions are also held that showcase the history of the area.
Standing tall in the Willi-Hört-Platz town hall, surrounded by Renaissance and Baroque buildings, the Schängelbrunnen is a landmark statue symbolic of the Rhenish way of life. Centuries ago when the city of Koblenz was a part of France, the Franco-German children born in that era were named Jean. Over the years, adapting to the local dialect, Jean became Schang, which eventually became Schängel. Soon, Schängel became an epithet for the residents of Koblenz. Schängelbrunnen, or the bronze statue of a mischievous boy, is the most famous Schängel of the city. Accompanied with bas reliefs of other mischievous young boys, this fountain is notorious for sporadically spitting a jet of water on unsuspecting locals. Apart from the notoriety of being the symbol of the city, this Schängel also features on manhole covers across the town.
The Mutter-Beethoven-Haus has served as the birth-home of Mary Magdalene Keverich. The house built in 1975 was primarily a museum that traced the family history of the veteran. The yellow painted mansion nestled in quiet locales has certainly managed to lure locals and tourists alike. Hours vary seasonally. Date of operation may vary, so call ahead.
A preferred mode of transport for many while traveling between Bismarckhöhe and Bad Ems, Kurwaldbahn spans almost 220 meters (722 feet) in length and 132 meters (433 feet) in height. Regarded as one of the steepest of its kind, the funicular railway is one of the most well-known attractions of the town, its quick and convenient service rendering it the first choice for several tourists making a trip to the Bismarckturm observation point. From here, visitors can enjoy an unparalleled view of the surrounding vistas and embark on hikes across the landscape.