Rheinstein / Reichenstein

The north tower as seen from the south tower, the photo at left in 1979, and the one on the right in 2007.  The results of the restoration work can be clearly seen.  However, some of the same damage and decay can be seen on the tower itself. 

The two photos to the left is of the stairway leading into the south tower.  The one on the far left is in 1979, while the one on the left is in 2007.  This stairway is the one referenced on the previous page.

When my friends and I visited in March of 1979 we were able to walk through the battlements of the castle, but did not take the tour (German:  fuhrung).  In fact, I'm not sure the tour was even available.

During 2007, my wife and I did take the tour, which is a "selbst fuhrung," or self-tour.  As you have no tour guide you can wander as you please, and the owners have done a fantastic job at restoration.

If you look carefully in the earlier photo, you can see that one had access to an area in the background that is now closed off.

The south tower and a pleasant little inner ward with a beautiful view of the river below, as well as of the town of Assmanshausen.  This would indeed have been a nice place for the lady of the lord and his closest friends to relax and talk.

The restoration of the interior is virtually complete, with a number of rooms displaying antique furniture, hunting trophies, and weapons.

Below left, the great hall where the lord would meet with friends, as well as enemies, during the days when the castle was an important defensive point on the Rhein.

Below, when going through the castle be prepared to climb a number of narrow spiral staircases.