Gutenfels Castle, Medieval castle in Kaub, Germany
Gutenfels Castle is a fortress perched 110 meters above the Rhine bend near Kaub, built with defensive walls, towers, and fortification structures. The complex shows multiple construction phases across different buildings and can be viewed from several vantage points along the riverbank and road.
The castle was founded around 1220 as a medieval fortification to control Rhine traffic and toll collection. It maintained this function for centuries until Prussian acquisition in 1866 shifted the region's political status.
The castle was built in the 13th century to control river traffic and remains a defining feature of the local landscape. Together with Pfalzgrafenstein across the water, it forms a recognizable landmark that river travelers notice immediately.
The castle is privately owned today and cannot be entered, but the exterior is visible and can be photographed from multiple locations. Visitors find the best views from the Rhine riverbank or from the road above the town.
The name Gutenfels means good rock and was given to the castle in 1504 after it survived a siege by Landgrave Wilhelm of Hesse. This resilience is preserved in the name itself, which honors its strength.
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