Palace Stolzenfels, the most beautiful palace among the castles of the Rhine

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Hi Hive Friends,

Today I continue with my series on the Middle Rhine Valley region. In Koblenz I visited a friend who lives there, and she showed me the most beautiful palaces and castles and something of the surrounding area. A highlight was the palace of Stolzenfels. It is also located in the Middle Rhine Valley in Koblenz.

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The palace is different from the other buildings in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley

You can already see the palace from afar, because it is very conspicuous: Compared to most other castles and palaces, it has a very bright, almost white colour. I would say it’s rather a delicate yellow, quite light, so you would almost think it’s an already slightly older white. But by no means a dirty white!It is rather a bright, very bright yellow. Yeah, that’s a perfect fit.
The palace is located on the left bank of the Rhine in the
UNESCO World Heritage Site Upper Middle Rhine Valley. It is located directly opposite the mouth of the Lahn.

A typical example of Rhine romanticism

From the district of Stolzenfels you can reach the palace. The palace sits almost above the district of Stolzenfels. It was named after him.

We visited the palace in the summer. Early in the evening. We were very glad that trees were standing up the mountain, giving us some shade.
We arrived at a rock grotto with waterfall and a catholic Parish church on a rocky spur past.The small catholic chapel on the right is dedicated to St. Menas. She gave the place the name Kapellen Stolzenfels. The waterfall is artificial.
We cross a viaduct (a small bridge over a gorge) and pass the cloister. At that time it was intended for the servants and as a stable for horses.
After some time we saw the castle not too far away. Already from the outside, the castle seemed to me very powerful and above all sublime.

The palace and its complex were not extended until the beginning of the 19th century by the Prussian Crown Prince. And I think you can see that. The palace looks different from the castle Eltz, which is close to the palace. The history of the palace goes back to a customs castle from the 13th century. It was destroyed in 1689. The palace is aware of the influences of the neo-gothic. It is considered THE work of Rhine Romanticism. Here you can visit not only the palace itself, but the entire complex. This also includes a landscape park.
The palace of Stolzenfels is not like the castle of Eltz on a rock. But it is on a mountain ridge. This falls steeply to the east to the Middle Rhine Valley and to the north to the Gründgesbach Valley. On the south side there is a neck trench.

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Built on the remains of a castle

We entered the courtyard through an impressive portal.Then we are already in the courtyard of the palace. From here you have a wide view of the Rhine and the mouth of the Lahn. Just opposite we see Burg Lahneck in the distance. A little further to the right is the Marksburg castle. To the left is Koblenz with the fortress Ehrenbreitstein.

If you like, you can take part in a guided tour here. The palace can also be visited from the inside.The palace was built by the then Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm IV. It was built on the remains of a castle. The purpose was to please his Bavarian wife. What I really liked about the castle is that it consists of several buildings of different times. So here you find many different epochal influences. The buildings are connected by the bedroom of the two. The large Knights' Hall is particularly impressive. This was designed after the Marienburg Castle in Gdańsk. Especially in the summer hall I could see many Bavarian influences. Of course, the castle should also please his Bavarian wife. I can really highly recommend the tour. I also believe that there is only one provider.

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The pergola garden, pure romance

After the tour we visited the pergola garden. This garden is probably the heart of the castle. It was converted back to its original style a few years ago. Directly in its center is a fountain. Soothingly, I heard the water ripple. In fact, I must admit, I had expected a fountain in a garden at the exterior of the castle. But this garden is really something special. Unfortunately I couldn’t find any more photos on my phone, but if you ever get there, you’ll know what I mean. The fountain is surrounded by flowers and vines. Roses grow on the edge.

The only palace in the middle of a castle landscape

You know what I’ve been wondering since I’ve been writing about castles and palaces? What’s the difference? Especially at palace Stolzenfels this question came to my mind again. This is because otherwise in the vicinity of the palace there are only castles. But why? I did some research and found out this:
Castles were used to defend the population as well as their own power or to obtain direct revenue through customs duties. That’s why they were equipped with thick, strong walls to protect the people inside. With the exception of the Marksburg, all castles on the Rhine were destroyed over the centuries.

Palaces, on the other hand, served as a flagship for the rich and the nobility. The architecture showed playful contours,often there were beautifully landscaped gardens. It was not uncommon for castles to become palaces at some point.

If you like, you can even get married here in the castle. For this there is a castle chapel or the summer hall (the Bavarian room).

A small tip at the end: Take something to eat and drink with you. Because there is neither a café nor a restaurant upstairs. However, I found this very good, because so the place has less something touristy. This is also because Stolzenfels Castle is one of the few castles and palaces on the Rhine that are not yet as well known and therefore not overcrowded.



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A pretty castle from the outside would be lovely to see the interiors. I know some of the castles in Germany do not allow taking photos. Instead, they make a profit by selling cards.
I also liked how well the "wife" has been treated. I wanna a castle like that!

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to be honest i forgot to take some photos inside i recognized it later;) i think it was allowed. yeah thats true every wife should be treated like this hahaha :)

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This is such an amazing and beautiful place! And I love your pictures! You really capture the different colors in a beautiful way.
Also your description gives a lot of details helping to understand everything!
Thanks for sharing.
Wish you an amazing 2022!
Cheers,
@andy-plays

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thank you :) yeah they are lots of cold colours but i like it and it fits to the palace:) whis you an amazing 2022 too!:) cheers

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There are so many castles on the Rhine in that area. Its amazing to drive along the road and see them as you go by. I haven't been to Koblenz but I've seen pictures online that make it look like an interesting city to visit. A castle always helps as well lol

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true i dont know which i like the best haha. :)) it is !

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I admire the way you protect the monuments. I feel I went to Middle age:) I love your article always. Great contains you give us. thanks

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thanks a lot, yeah the rhine are has a lot to offer especially castles and palaces.:)

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