The Ehrenbreitstein Fortress sits atop a mountain with the same name. The fortress was built on the mountain top between the years of 1817 and 1828 by Prussian forces, though another fortress had stood on this same spot until 1801 when it was destroyed by the French. Of course, early people had also seen the benefits of building on top of the impressive Ehrenbreitstein mountain; some archaeologists believe that structures may have been built on this same site as early as the 9th-Century BC. The fortress that visitors can see today was never attacked while the Prussian military owned it. It was, however, occupied by U.S. troops during the Occupation of the Rhineland. Having escaped destruction in World War II, the fortress served as a variety of establishments before being made into a museum in 1956. Visitors can take a cable car up to the fortress where they can wander around the grounds and explore the many rooms on docent-led tours.
Germany is a land known for its magnificent castles and almost every city has at least one of its own. Overlooking the river, Schloss Stolzenfels is situated on the outskirts of the ancient city of Koblenz. This medieval castle was built by Arnold von Isenburg, the Archbishop of Trier and used as a toll station. Later it was the office of the Electorate of Trier. During the Nine Years War, it was damaged by the French and was in ruin for 150 years. It was gifted to Frederick William IV of Prussia in 1815. He delegated Karl Friedrich Schinkel to rebuild the building. The neoclassic architect turned it into a beautiful neo-Gothic building. It was the Prussian King's favorite summertime residence. Take a stroll through the gardens, halls and royal rooms of this romantic castle to get a glimpse into the past.
Traced back to the medieval era, Burg Thurant is surrounded by vineyards and overlooks nearby towns. Archbishop battles, medieval torture devices and finally a peace treaty are some of its true stories that bring people to explore its once glorious past.
Rising 100 meters (330 foot) above the scenic Moselle River, Reichsburg Cochem is a towering medieval period castle perched atop a hill. Originally, its purpose was to collect a toll from each passing shop, now it's serves as a popular tourist destination in the area. Its unique combination of neo-gothic architecture with remnants of Romanesque design stands testament to the many hands it changed over the centuries. Reichsburg Cochem also provides interesting tours for the whole family. Check out the tour timings on the website.
Connecting the villages of Mörsdorf and Sosberg, Geierlay is a unique suspension bridge spanning 360 meters (1,180 feet) and is high above the ground at an elevation of 100 meters (330 feet). Offering breathtaking views of the surrounding region, the bridge is for pedestrians only and can be be accessed only by walking from the designated parking spot which is a few minutes away.
During the Cold War, Germany hoarded a lot of currency at a hidden location in Cochem. This secret bunker built by the Deutsche Bundesbank could also shelter 80 civilians in the event of a crisis and included a radio room, sleeping rooms, and several working rooms. Today, it functions as a major tourist attraction and a museum, offering tours by the hour. A tour of this fabled bunker with a knowledgeable guide is like a trip back in time. However, the timings vary according to season.
Juz Live Club is a concert hall where the young and young at heart come to enjoy melodious tunes. This modern concert venue hosts live musicals, gigs, concerts and music festivals where well known as well as upcoming musicians perform their freshly composed songs. The phenomenal acoustics and pleasing lighting technology of the venue enhances every performance that takes place here.
Monrepos archaeological museum and research center traces the evolution of human behavior over the years. It remains one of the pioneer institutions focused on human history research. At Monrepos, scientists study the development and evolution of present-day human behavior in Mesolithic and Palaeolithic. Consequently, these findings from research studies are exhibited at the museum. A permanent exhibition at the fascinating museum demonstrates the outcome of archaeological research on evolution and origins of human behavioral patterns.
The towering Burg Olbrück lies in the verdant landscape of Rhineland-Palatinate-Ahrweiler's Niederdürenbach-Hain and traces its origins back to the 12th Century. Found in a state of ruins, it has served as the official residence for over 15 noble families ever since it was built. The hilltop mansion is famous as one of the oldest and the biggest in the Eifel mountain range. A major historical landmark of the Brohl valley, it is frequented by thousands of tourists every year.
Burg Pfalzgrafenstein or Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, or simply the Pfalz, is a historic toll collecting station. In administration since the 14th Century, tolls ceased in 1867, but the castle retained its unique architecture. Built on the Falkenau island over the Rhine, its dimensions match that of the island. A pentagonal tower, baroque tower top, turrets and gun bastions were added over the centuries. A short ferry ride from the Kaub shore takes visitors to this present day museum.
Construction on the impressive Eltz Castle began some time in the 9th-Century. Continued up through the 11th-Century, when the main portion of the castle was built; this structure can still be seen today. Eltz Castle was the home of Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa in the 12th Century. Following a family feud in the 13th Century, the castle came to be known as 'Ganerbenburg' for housing several lineages in its many rooms, and not just the royal family alone. Encompassed by the Elzbach River, it is characterized by its eight towers. A tour of the Eltz Castle gives visitors a glimpse of the courtyard, treasury, armor room, kitchen and the picturesque grounds. The castle was featured on the 500 Deutsche Mark note of Germany.
This former city palace from the 16th Century in Andernach now houses a beautiful museum. The unique building with its colorful facade is an architectural marvel in itself. Stadtmuseum Andernach offers informative insights into the town's fascinating history with various permanent and special exhibits. It also hosts special events for visitors to experience the town's culture. Learn about Andernach's development as a thriving port in the Middle Ages with various artifacts like pots, coins, household items, documents, and other antiquities. When in Andernach, this museum is an interesting place for history buffs to delve deeper into the past of one of the oldest cities in Germany.