Stolzenfels Castle

Stolzenfels Castle is a Gothic Revival fortress on the left bank of the Rhine near Koblenz, recognizable by its ochre-colored walls and layered design. The structure features flat roofs, multiple terraces stacked at different elevations, and open pergolas that step down the slope.

Archbishop Arnold von Isenburg ordered the original fortress built in 1259 to control passage on the Rhine and collect tolls from traders and travelers. French forces nearly destroyed it in 1689, after which the site lay abandoned for decades until it was rebuilt in the form visitors see today.

The Small Knights Hall displays frescoes showing moments from German imperial history, while the Large Knights Hall reveals how wealthy families furnished and lived in their homes during the 1800s. Together, these rooms show the daily life and interests of people from that era.

Regular bus services run from central Koblenz to the base of the castle, where a winding footpath leads upward to the main entrance. The terrain is gently sloped, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the ascent.

The gardens were designed by Peter Joseph Lenné, a renowned 19th-century landscape architect, blending natural grottos and waterfalls with formal pathways and plantings across the hillside. This mix of spontaneous nature and careful layout creates an unexpected charm that many visitors overlook.

Location: Koblenz

Inception: 1259

Architects: Karl Friedrich Schinkel

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Part of: Rhine Gorge

Website: http://schloss-stolzenfels.de

GPS coordinates: 50.30320,7.59242

Latest update: December 19, 2025 22:30