This is the guest post by my wife
We were going to one of the most famous tourist region of Germany. In segment from Worms to Koblenz the boatable Rhine necks down and kinks up, and there are dozens of medieval castles and towers, which rise on its high, often mountain coasts.
We preferred the road of castles to the road of wine 
and strongly did not lose anything. The banks of Rhine and Moselle are tightly planted with vinery and the Riesling was perfect every place we stopped at.
We chose three castles for viewing: Marksburg, Burg Eltz and Burg Stahleck – we did not have time to view more, unfortunately. The first castle on our way (and the nearest one to the airport) was Marksburg.
It seemed that it was a destiny!
We saw this castle in one guide-book – this big, picturesque tower, half-hidden in mist, looked mysterious and utterly attractive.
But, beware!
The picture, taken from a chopper, was a little bit varnished and was in a marked contrast to the one we managed to make ourselves.
We left the car at the foot of the hill and preferred to climb in a direction of ancient Marksburg through the woods. It was still, we were walking along hardly remaining moss-covered walls…
The climbing was not very long – approximately 15 minutes.
Here is the gate, but it looks like a moulage, unfortunately.
Fake castle – it is a blunder!
Marksburg is dated from 12th century. The castle-tower is situated on the high hill, and it was considered to be impenetrable for centuries.
We are here on behalf of these stones – they are the only thing, that survive from the stairs and they are original.
The clash of heavy armor and knightly warhorses is felt here everywhere… The walls are covered with coats of arms of former owners.
Unfortunately, the fortress was destroyed by American artillery almost completely in March 1945. After recovery from the war Germany began to restore what could and need to be restored. In the middle of 50th rebuilt Marksburg became the privacy of the state and it is a museum today.
The museum collection is modest, but its small arms hall is quite a pretty.
At the same time the view to the curve of the Rhine is very attractive. Tomorrow Burg Eltz is waiting for us.
After overnight in Koblenz our Mercedes headed deliberately and presentable from Rhine bank towards Moselle. It was only 30 km to the destination.
It is remarkably that within such a short interval the landscape has changed several times – boundless wheat fields alternated with crabby turns, followed by forest and lastly by the hills, which sheltered Burg Eltz castle from people and wars.
On the tiny patch of the rock over here, almost a thousand years ago Eltz family built their castle, surrounded with river neck on three sides.
Despite the great amount of wars, swept over this region for millennium, the castle survived undamaged. Graphs Eltz turned out to be thrifty managers.
It’s time to come in. Oh, it is a genuine dreamboat!
33 generations of Eltz owned and continue to own this miracle!
As long as the castle Burg Eltz is private property, only a part of courtyard, treasury and 8 rooms of the castle are available for viewing. It is not allowed to take photos in rooms – it is the wish of Graph Eltz, – but it is permitted to take photos in treasury.
- Come on, stop fool around! Are you really in short of these treasures?!!
We would be kicked out definitely!
Now we should hurry up to the Graph’s apartments. Well, what should we say (as we have nothing to show) – the place has the feel of romantic atmosphere, which gained popularity in the middle ages. There are the originals of arms, paintings and tapestries since 13th century on the walls. The fireplaces are the masterpiece of art! Almost all survived furniture is the original of 15th century.
Time and fashion changed a lot since then – you will feel all these changes as long as you appear in genuine interior and exterior of castle Burg Eltz.
Two hours passed immediately. There it is, so fast!
We’d rather not go, but we had to. The last passing glance from the walls.
And one coffee for the road (several cafes, restaurant, toilet rooms – all these facilities, in German manner, are kept scrupulously at tourists service).
The feeling of being inside a time machine!
Looking ahead, I’d like to say, that Burg Eltz appeared to be the best our castles!
www.burg-eltz.de
We left together with tinny Teutonic knight, as a memento
There were approximately 80 kilometers to the destination of our following overnight – it was a town-toy Bacharach. The road was picturesque, the town met our expectations as well – bright, like Christmas ball.
We chose the castle Burg Stahleck because it was quite a logical.
After overnight in Bacharach and presumed viewing of local castle – as we say “all good things come in threes” – the team in Mercedes planned to move to ancient Trier to see Porta Nigra with our own eyes.
We liked Bacharach greatly, as well as other tiny towns on Rhine – the excellent variant for one night.
And wine… what’s a wonderful white wine is here ) We have replenished our supplies!
We wished the night raced by quickly… the castle was waiting for us the next day.
We climbed to Burg Stahleck early in the morning. Three-ring circus, teenagers which hurtled the pillows to each other, the fuss in the eatery, the smell of coffee from coffee vending machine… Golly! – there was a hostel in the castle. Though, nobody interrupted our sightseeing, we left Burg Stahleck in a quarter of hour.
The historical atmosphere of this place was lost permanently, and the legend, which brought us here, is so meltingly sad… The real dark Middle Ages…
A long time ago there were two castles in close vicinity (the second one is almost completely ruined today). Terribly green-eyed owner of the castle Stahleck decided to capture his more strong, brave and glorious neighbor. Indeed – the First Shooter! Well, let’s see, how you will grovel at my feet and beg for mercy. The command was given to servants, the neighbor was spied out, captured and taken to black hole.
The prisoner was completely distressed, but he did not beg for mercy and did not ransom. This First Shooter is stubborn beggar. As a punishment – “to put out his eyes!”
I don’t know, what was the baron-captor guided by, but one day during the bowl he decided to boast of his victory to his friends. It seemed, that he did not be afraid of disfavor. It was gloomy time. The prisoner was brought in, nobody took him for brilliant knight.
The captor had already become obsessed:
- Well, the First Shooter, I will extend the generosity and release you if you hit the cup I throw up.
The crossbow was carried out. Silver cup was thrown up: “Shoot!” – And the arrow ripped right into the throat of the cried man. In several minutes everything was over.
This story reached the King, the castle of criminal Baron was confiscated. Hundred years of silence and desertion were waiting for Burg Stahleck, and later the castle was seriously ruined during Napoleonic wars. And only now it seems that the History has left this place forever.
We left romantic Rhine. Three castles for two days. We wished to see more!
Choose thoroughly. In this land of legends there are many places to see, every rock is crowned here.
The “North Rome” was waiting for us – Trier – the most ancient town in Germany.
More about Germany:
History of One Picture: Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle – Decoration for Life
February 18, 2012 at 9:36 am
I lived in Germany for over ten years in my early life…traveled to much of what you show here…fell in love with Burg Eltz as a child. I think this land is in my heart. Beautiful photos…thank you for awakening the memories.
February 18, 2012 at 10:44 pm
Sometimes it seems me that I was knight in my last life. In addition my grandmother was German.
February 18, 2012 at 10:46 pm
Half of my family is German, so it was rich living there for so long…and I absolutely love the ancient buildings and culture. And I understand about maybe being a knight in your last life.
February 18, 2012 at 10:59 am
Beautiful photos and I enjoyed the legends.
February 18, 2012 at 10:47 pm
This legend is the best part of this post, of course.
February 18, 2012 at 11:23 am
Great photo essay.
February 18, 2012 at 11:32 am
So much history in those rocks. Thanks for sharing your trip.
February 18, 2012 at 12:51 pm
I have travelled along the Rhine and have seen many of those castles from the river. It was great to see them up close. Germany… the place were almost every hill has a castle!
February 18, 2012 at 10:54 pm
We like to touch these old stones.
February 18, 2012 at 12:52 pm
ps… I loved those keys!….. I think I have a drawer full of keys too… hahha but maybe not so fancy.. V
February 18, 2012 at 10:58 pm
May be on key is equal on Porshe
February 18, 2012 at 1:03 pm
Very nice pictures in this blog! Ann
February 18, 2012 at 1:04 pm
So beautiful! I especially love the first shot. My eyes were drawn to the road and then to the castle
so subtle, but a great way to give all the elements of the picture the attention they deserve 
February 18, 2012 at 11:11 pm
I was driving, and my wife shot, shot and shot in hope to a nice view.
February 18, 2012 at 8:08 pm
I spent a few nights in Bacharach Castle in ’69. The views were quite wonderful. Thanks for the memory.
February 18, 2012 at 8:43 pm
I really enjoyed reading your blog Victor! The photos took me on a virtual tour to where you’ve been! Thanks for sharing and keep it up! Cheers mate!
February 18, 2012 at 10:32 pm
It is my ultimate goal.
February 18, 2012 at 9:13 pm
Oh, my gosh, gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!! How does one return to normal life from there?!!!!!!!!
February 18, 2012 at 10:35 pm
I think, gradually, like we.
February 18, 2012 at 9:44 pm
Someone did his homework. Wait though, what about Neuschwainstein?
February 18, 2012 at 10:30 pm
May be in a future. I have not all the time in the world
February 19, 2012 at 8:03 am
Lovey work!
February 19, 2012 at 11:38 am
Great post Victor!
Even tho I am German, I have never been there. Maybe in the future. My country has a lot to offer & you captured the castles & impressions you got very well. Thanks for this post! 
February 19, 2012 at 12:51 pm
I recomend Burg Eltz if so.
February 21, 2012 at 12:13 am
Your photos and text brought back nice memories for me. I visited Marksburg Castle and some other stops along the Rhine a few years ago, and you took me back there! Getting photos of the armor and artifacts in glass cases is not easy, because the light sources can be tricky and cause unwanted reflections. It is obvious that you know what you are doing with a camera — good job!
February 21, 2012 at 3:51 am
Thanks, Tom. It’s very elegant compliment.
February 21, 2012 at 10:41 pm
I would love to visit. Your photos are spectacular, especially of the village architecture and the castles.
February 22, 2012 at 4:01 am
A pleasant journey to you!
February 23, 2012 at 9:00 pm
What stunning places the two of you visit! Thanks for sharing your experiences — your travels are inspirational.
February 24, 2012 at 3:00 pm
You can visit it too
February 23, 2012 at 11:37 pm
Great post Victor!
I really enjoyed your commentary and the pictures were stunning.
Thank you for sharing this!
February 24, 2012 at 3:02 pm
Thank You for reading this!
February 24, 2012 at 10:33 pm
Very beautiful and I loved your comments. The path with the moss covered walls made me feel like I was walking along with you. Your tinny knight is cute too.
March 1, 2012 at 1:02 pm
I always enjoy reading your travelogue. Your photos are dreamy.
March 3, 2012 at 6:17 pm
you truley make these castles come alive. I am jealous but will be visiting many of them again very soon. Just to be there is truly a historical experiance to your soul
March 11, 2012 at 11:38 am
Beautiful area and beautiful pictures of it! Makes me want to go back home (Germany) and go exploring
April 26, 2012 at 3:03 pm
Beautiful photos of an awesome place!!! Thank you for checking out my blog !
April 26, 2012 at 8:52 pm
Awesome. I sure wish I could have been a passenger in your car. I would even have hid in the trunk!
April 26, 2012 at 10:15 pm
Gorgeous! Was there in ’98. Can’t wait to return one day. Loved your pics!
May 4, 2012 at 11:10 pm
Beautiful photos! (And, thanks for the “like!”
May 9, 2012 at 4:47 am
Another wonderful post! Thanks.
May 9, 2012 at 2:36 pm
What fascinating pictures. I want so badly to go there and take my own. My ancestors are long time ago from that area.
May 9, 2012 at 10:39 pm
My ancestors too, but I don’t know exactly the region of Germany.
May 17, 2012 at 4:08 am
Beautiful pictures … thank you for sharing!
June 27, 2012 at 4:46 pm
Charles J. Fickey June 27, 2011
I attended the Frankfurt Book Fair in October 2011, with my son Fred, since I had an award winning novel on display there, entitled “Sworn to Secrecy-for Life, a Young American Spy’s Odyssey through War-torn Germany and Russia. Afterward, we drove from Frankfurt to Paris, stopping at Trier and BURG ELTZ. We were most impressed with the castle. I spent two years in occupied Germany after the war, but my duties kept me from traveling much so I never saw or even heard of BURG ELTZ. It was a very impressive experience for both my son and me to see what is known as one of the most authentic and well preserved castles in Germany. I only wish that my German wife of 50 years, who passed away 10 years ago had been there I hope I can return, but age is catching up with me. It has a way of doing that..
June 27, 2012 at 10:55 pm
And how do You like Trier?
September 10, 2012 at 1:49 pm
Lovely photographs and comments that accompany them, well done! Thank you for liking my new unfinished blog. Your photos in France depict medieval places similar to Ficulle, where I am staying in Italy/Umbria and where you may consider taking a future photography spree one day!! Your German shots make me want to travel again! Thank you! If you are interested in seeing and reading more about what I am doing feel free to contact me by email as I do also have a website that’s complete now, thank you. All the best! Marina C
September 10, 2012 at 10:25 pm
Thank you Marina. It seems you are staying in a wonderful place.
January 23, 2013 at 5:12 am
oh, this post is a feast for the eyes! And for history buffs. I can see that it is not enough to cruise down the Rhine, you need to go and explore these places on foot. Perhaps one day I will go to Eltz…. your pictures have me salivating and amazed that they can use a beautiful old castle for backpackers! What a waste. Thanks so much for posting.
January 23, 2013 at 7:46 am
Rhine has a lot such places. You will like them.
March 9, 2013 at 11:02 am
Great pictures – a lot of history happened there. You need weeks to see all castles in the middle rhine-region. My favorite is Burg Eltz, by the way…
March 9, 2013 at 11:31 am
You are optimist. I should say a month.
March 25, 2013 at 9:46 pm
Absolutely stunning photos (as usual), Victor.
April 12, 2013 at 9:00 am
Am I likely to find such wonderful scenery in and around Konstanz and Lake Constance? I wonder?
April 12, 2013 at 9:25 am
Excuse me, but I don’t know.