Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, Medieval toll castle on Falkenau Island, Rhine River, Germany
Pfalzgrafenstein is a stone castle that rises directly from the Rhine River and has a pentagonal shape. The building features thick walls, a central tower, and small windows that are typical of medieval fortifications.
The castle was built in the early 14th century by a Palatinate count to monitor ships and collect fees. It played an important role in Rhine trade for centuries until its function was taken over elsewhere.
The castle's name refers to the Palatinate counts who controlled toll collection here. Inside, visitors can see how soldiers and officials monitored river traffic in their daily work.
A ferry connects the town of Kaub with the island and operates regularly during the day. It is wise to wear comfortable shoes, as the visit involves stairs and uneven stone surfaces.
The castle was so small and well-fortified that only a handful of soldiers were needed to stop all ships. This tiny garrison made it one of the most efficient toll stations along the entire river.
Location: Kaub
Inception: 1326
Elevation above the sea: 72 m
Website: http://burg-pfalzgrafenstein.dee
GPS coordinates: 50.08306,7.76583
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:01
Rhineland-Palatinate preserves centuries of European fortification architecture across a region shaped by river valleys and forested highlands. Medieval castles like Eltz Castle rise above the Moselle loop at Bremm, while Pfalzgrafenstein Castle sits on a Rhine island at Kaub, where it once controlled river traffic. Roman foundations lie beneath later structures such as Limburg Monastery near Bad Dürkheim, and Romanesque abbeys like Maria Laach demonstrate monastic design from the 11th century. The landscape ranges from the Teufelsfels rock formation in the Hunsrück to the ruins of Hardenburg, among the largest fortress complexes in the state. From the Rhine Valley with Stolzenfels Castle and the Loreley to the Palatinate fortresses of Hambach and Trifels, these sites document the region's strategic importance. Pyrmont Castle stands beside a waterfall near Roes, while the ruins of Frankenstein Castle near Kaiserslautern show medieval defensive works. Natural formations like the Kaltwasser Geysir at Andernach and the Geierlay Suspension Bridge at Mörsdorf complement the historical structures, providing access to the geological features between the Rhine, Moselle and Nahe rivers.
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