Stahlberg Castle

Stahlberg Castle is a medieval ruin near Bacharach set high on a steep rocky outcrop above the Middle Rhine Valley. The partially preserved walls form the foundation of a former fortified structure with defensive towers and ditches.

The fortress was built in 1158 as a control point for the Archbishops of Cologne to monitor river trade. It maintained strategic importance across the centuries as part of the region's power structure along the Middle Rhine.

The ruins display Gothic and Romanesque building features that visitors can observe while walking through the site. The ground layout with its walls tells the story of the medieval defensive needs that shaped this position on the slope.

The route to the ruins follows marked trails that climb steeply from Bacharach up to the plateau level. Sturdy footwear and extra time for the uphill walk are important to plan for the visit.

The name comes from medieval words describing a steep, inaccessible rocky position. This word origin directly reflects the defensive nature of the site and its natural protection.

Location: Rhineland-Palatinate

Inception: 1158

GPS coordinates: 50.05700,7.73858

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:02