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Castle · Bacharach, Renânia-Palatinado
Burg Pfalzgrafenstein
14th-century toll castle on a rocky island in the middle of the Rhine, opposite Kaub, shaped like a stone ship. It is reached by a small ferry.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Burg Pfalzgrafenstein
Burg Pfalzgrafenstein occupies the rocky island of Falkenau in the middle of the Rhine, opposite the town of Kaub. The five-sided tower, the oldest part, was ordered built by Louis the Bavarian, Count Palatine of the Rhine and later emperor, in 1326 and 1327. Between 1340 and the following centuries the surrounding wall and galleries were added, giving the complex the profile of a stone ship.
The castle was used to control toll collection on boats, carried out in Kaub. For that reason it was never a residence. It operated as a toll station until 1867, when both river banks became Prussian.
Pfalzgrafenstein is one of the few castles in the valley that were not destroyed or heavily altered. The visit goes through the courtyards, the wooden walkways, the tower and the guards' rooms, with river views on all sides.
The crossing is made by a small passenger ferry that departs from Kaub. When the river is very high or very low, the ferry cannot land on the island and the castle is closed: check before you go.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour, including the ferry.
Best time
From spring to autumn, on days when the river level is normal. In the morning the ferry carries fewer people. For the classic photo, view the castle from Kaub's promenade or from the train on the opposite bank.
How to get there
From Bacharach, drive to the Kaub ferry, which crosses the Rhine from the left bank a little north of the town, or take the train along the right bank to Kaub station. From Kaub's quay the small passenger ferry departs for the island.
Tip
Before you go, check whether the ferry is operating: the Rhine's level determines it. Even if the castle is closed, the view from Kaub and from the train is worth the stop.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Burg Pfalzgrafenstein
How to get to the castle?
By boat only: a small passenger ferry departs from the Kaub pier on the right bank of the Reno.
Can the castle be closed?
Yes. When the river is very high or very low, the ferry cannot dock at the island and the castle is closed. Confirm before you go.
What was the castle used for?
To control the collection of tolls from boats that passed along the Reno, carried out in the town of Kaub.