Castle Pfalzgrafenstein

[Ken Rennie]

This castle was built in the 14thC as a toll station and was in use as such until 1866. The River Rhine was and remains a major transport conduit with barges transporting goods both up and down the river. The castle occupents stretched heavy chains across the river and didn't allow any barges past until they paid. This image was taken yesterday morning (Wednesday) as we made our way back to the ferry at Ijmuiden in the Netherlands, we have just arrived home. On the hill is Gutenfels Castle 13thC, now a hotel, you can stay for around $250 a night. We intended driving further down the Rhine Gorge but the river was very high and had flooded and closed the riverside road. Ken

 

[AlanLichty]

My first thought when I saw this image was that the river seemed like it was at least borderline to flood stage. Gorgeous scene with the terraced hillsides leading my eyes up to the castle. I love the green hills.

 

[JimFox]

That's so cool Ken! And what a strange history, though I guess it makes sense for that time period. I wonder how big the chain was?

Too bad the road got flooded. That looks to be such an interesting area.