Trip to Rheinstein Castle in the Rhein River Valley

We went on a fantastic day trip to the Rheinstein Castle in the Rhein River Valley. The earliest mention of the castle is in 1323. It was erected in the early 14th Century by under Archbishop Peter von Aspelt. He ruled from 1306-1320. The castle is on a high mountain side about half way up. A person has to hike up the trail to get to the castle--it is quite a hike, but beautiful. It overlooks the Rhein River.

There are lots of stairs, narrow and steep throughout the castle. When I was looking at the armor that the men wore, I wondered how they were able to get around the castle wearing all that metal.

This is looking down into the castle courtyard from the middle turret of the castle.

Looking out through the opening in the turret down to the Rhein River.

Yes, we actually climbed all the way to the top of the middle turret. I am standing at the bottom of the last flight of stairs to the turret.

The stairs leading to the turret, and yes we climbed those stairs!

In a middle courtyard.

Music Room

Inside the Chapel

Gateway to the Castle

On the path going back down to the car

After leaving the castle we drove onto a Ferry Boat and crossed the river to have lunch at a fantastic restruarant. We had Schnitzel. Yummy!!! It was the best dinner we have had since we arrived in Germany. Across the table from us are our friends Ron and Carol Frost.

This picture of the Castle was taken from across the River while we were at the Restaurant. We stood on the top of the middle turret, but were inside of the far right turret.

After we left lunch we drove to a little tourist town and went through the shops. This is where this picture was taken. It only cost 16,000 Euro which is probably more than $20,000--but hey, they would ship it to the states for another $600.00 or so.

All in all it was a fantastic day. We are so grateful to the Frosts for being willing to share
their time and knowledge of Germany with us. Ron has been here many times and knows much about Germany--his wife Carol has been here with him for a Mission in Darmstat 3 years ago, and are now serving a mission in the temple.