We spent the day exploring via bike and boat the Rhine area checking out the many castles that are perched on high bluffs. These were major fortifications and toll collectors for river traffic, which funded their established domination over the local economy. One, no matter station depended on the safety of the castle fortification, and lived and worked inside its walls. The castle we toured, Fortress Rheinfels, supported 2000 of the locals. What remains today is only a small footprint of what were very large complexes.
View from Castle to the town below.
From the castle you can see the verdant fields of grapes used to make their very delicious Riesling wine, which we had ample opportunity to sample.
Our guide treated us to an impromptu drinking song. They had to drink the wine because the water tasted so earthy so everyone drank wine, kids too.
More of the Fortress Rheinfels
Views by boat along the Rhine River
Today its back to Amsterdam.
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