Stahleck Castle is one of the many magnificent fortresses that decorate the spectacular landscape of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. It stands proudly on a hilltop above the historic winemaking town of Bacharach. Established sometime around the 11th century, today Stahleck Castle operates as a youth hostel. It is also the location for an annual living card game based on the fantasy television series Game of Thrones.
Appreciate the history of this longstanding structure. The first documented record of the castle dates back to 1135, when it was the residence of Goswin von Höchstadt, Count of Stahleck. The giant castle towered over Bacharach for over 500 years, before being destroyed by Louis XIV’s French army in 1689. The castle lay in a decrepit state until Frederick William IV, Crown Prince of Prussia, purchased it in 1828. Work on restoring the castle to its original glory started in the early 1900s and it opened as a hostel in 1926.
Get great views of the castle’s façade and its surrounding countryside from the large courtyard. Note the building’s huge round towers, thick stone walls and half-timbered framed windows. Look down on the rooftops of Bacharach’s town center and along the Rhine River. Admire the vineyards and forest-covered hills, which stretch for miles. A viewing platform above the castle presents additional impressive panoramas.
Visit in November for the Tourney of Stahleck. Join fantasy game players for a weekend of entertainment of living card games. The main event tests players’ knowledge of George R. R. Martin’s hit novels and the television series Game of Thrones. Additional fantasy games run concurrently to the main competition.
The castle is just a 10-minute uphill walk from Bacharach’s town center via a zigzagging path. Parking is available about 660 feet (200 meters) from the castle entrance. If you walk here, stop on the way to see the gothic ruins of Werner Chapel.
Stahleck Castle is principally a youth hostel, although non-guests can still access the courtyard. Purchase light snacks and refreshments at the hostel café. Visit the hostel’s official website for information about room rates.