Bacharach - Blog Posts

Burg Stahleck, Bacharach

The Mittelrhein, valley of the Rhine between Mainz and Köln, is one of the most spectacular geographic and historic locations in Germany. It is lined by medieval forts like we've seen closer to where I live (exhibits A, B, C...), castles usually destroyed or ruined during or following the Thirty-Years War. Except that in this part of Germany, many of these castles were restored or rebuilt in the 19th to 20th centuries for new purposes. As such, Burg Stahleck, the castle above the town of Bacharach, was redeveloped into a youth hostel!

The architect in charge was told to use the existing walls as much as possible, and, I'd argue rather tastefully, added storeys for the hostel. I had considered staying here, but by the time I had made my decision, it was full. That said, in a case of sour grapes perhaps, I reasoned that I wouldn't have enjoyed climbing up to the castle from the station with luggage, however light. Nonetheless, noting that the hostel has drinks for sale, I decided to enjoy a lemonade with this view of the river!