"The Pfalz", Kaub town and Gutenfels Castle

The small castle occupying the river in the Rhine is called Pfalzgrafenstein - literally, the Count Palatine's rock - and is usually referred to as the Pfalz.

The Pfalz dates back to 1340, and has had later additions, the latest in 1755. Its function was to collect tolls on behalf of the Emperor: a chain across the river at this point provided a foolproof method of stopping ships from passing. Uncooperative traders would be imprisoned in the keep until a ransom was paid.


This is serious wine-growing country. A little further up-river (i e to the south) is Rüdesheim, which happens to be Swanage's twin town.


[This back-blip was added in June 2014.]