Koblenz is a city I have been in before and know the stretch of the Rhine from there south to Rudesheim. I only knew it from the road and railway line but this was a pleasure to sit on the ship and watch the castles as we moved along into the current of the oncoming Rhine and watched the ships come towards us. In Koblenz the river Mosel meets with the Rhine heading north towards the North Sea. Top right is Schloss Stolzenfels, a 13th. century castle and on the left top is Marksburg Castle which was sold in 1900 for a song around 1000 euro and due to its high location was never attacked over the years. Left above is the town of Bornhofen which is a lovely place to spend a few days as I did some years ago. Castle on the right above is Burg Maus built in 1356...just wondering will the houses that are built now last over 700 years...what a hope? Scroll down to see more Castles. There is a narrow and deep part of this river where the current is very strong, and a number of rocks are in the river, its extremely dangerous and many ships have foundered at this point. One of the legends refers to a lady by the name of Loreley who had an enchanting voice as well as other features so that the sailors would look up at her on the rocks to see here forgetting how dangerous the rapids were and bang there boat would sink and they all would drown. There is a fine view of the Rhine from the top of this rock and a look out point well worth visiting. .

Below on the left you see Burg Katz which is opposite St. Goer. This castle was one of the first toll booths so to speak...they used to collect a toll from the ships on the Rhine. Final photograph below is of Burg Rheinstein a former Imperial Custom Fortress which was rebuilt in the 19th. century. The journey along this part of the Rhine was the most enjoyable trip on a ship that I have ever made. A feast for one's eyes. Its when I began to really appreciate the skills of our Captain and his crew on the Inge.

Click here and add a comment on my guestbook. They will help to improve the content of the site.

<