Ehrenfels Castle, Medieval hillside castle ruin in Rüdesheim am Rhein, Germany
Ehrenfels Castle is a medieval fortress ruin standing on a hillside above the Rhine, featuring two round towers and remnants of an elongated residential building. The remains give visitors a clear picture of the castle's former layout and defensive structure.
The Archbishop of Mainz commissioned the castle in 1212 to defend the region against attacks. The structure became part of a broader strategy to control this important river region.
The castle once served as a toll station controlling river traffic on the Rhine. Its position on the hillside shows how important this location was for managing passage along the waterway.
The ruins are accessible by hiking trail from Rüdesheim, with an easy to moderate climb up the hillside. Afternoon visits offer the best light for photographs and clear views of the river valley below.
A grape variety called Ehrenfelser was named after this castle and grows on the vineyards surrounding it. The name reflects how closely the castle's history is tied to winemaking in this region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
