It towers majestically over Bacharach on the Rhine: Stahleck Castle from the 12th century. For several centuries, the castle was considered the strongest fortress on the Middle Rhine and was therefore the center of power of the Rhenish Palatinate. After heavy damage during the Thirty Years’ War, the Count Palatine had the palace building of the castle rebuilt in 1666 as a sign of his great esteem. However, during the Palatinate War of Succession, the castle was completely destroyed by the French in 1689. It remained a ruin until 1925, when it was rebuilt according to the historical model. Today, Stahleck Castle is home to one of the most beautiful youth hostels in Germany.
