Lahneck Castle, Medieval fortress at the Rhine River, Germany
Lahneck is a fortress built on a steep rocky outcrop where the Lahn and Rhine rivers meet in Oberlahnstein. Its rectangular layout is defined by a distinctive pentagonal tower that dominates the stronghold's profile.
The fortress was founded in 1226 by Archbishop Siegfried III of Eppstein to protect his territory and the silver mine at the Lahn's mouth. It became an important defensive stronghold along one of the region's major waterways over the following centuries.
The castle draws its name from the Lahn River at whose mouth it stands, shaping the landscape for travelers on the Rhine for centuries. Today, visitors can experience the medieval architecture firsthand and grasp why this fortress held such strategic importance in the region.
The castle is privately owned and can be viewed from the outside, with its dramatic position on the rocky cliff being particularly impressive from the river. Visitors will find the best views of the fortress from the opposite shores of the Rhine or Lahn.
The fortress came into private ownership in 1850 and now holds a remarkable collection that includes a full-length portrait of Queen Victoria. This personal assemblage offers a rare glimpse into the private interests and connections of its owners across generations.
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