Cobblestone streets - check. Half-timbered houses - check. Traffic-free (almost) roads - check. Green pastures and meandering river - check, check. The most scenic stretch of the Rhine river cuts through this region by its name is more famous for its wine than beer (although there's plenty of that too). Vineyards dot the countryside and vintners have a long standing history of making and trading wine. In fact the hotel I stayed at has a crane tower (now guest rooms) that used to hoist barrels of wine onto the barges directly below when the river used to be much higher. Nowadays the rail tracks carry screaming trains past the towns. Along the Rhine river you will see "robber-baron" castles perched on the hill of towns. Before Germany's unification, hundreds of kings and princes ruled the regions of Germany. These rulers along the Rhine river would levy tolls for boats passing through; as the toll was paid the chain would lower and the boats continue to their destination, only to repeat the toll crossing at the next town. After unification of Germany, the rulers abandoned the castles and opted for more luxury living in mansions in the town.
Rhine River
The Rhine has always been a thriving commercial region.
Top of the hill overlooking the town of Bacharach on the Rhine river.
Rhine River
This castle structure at the shoreline served to hoist and lower the chains, allowing boats to pass after they've paid their tolls.
Robber-Baron Castle
Nowadays, these castles are hotels, restaurants, museums or empty shells.
Rheinfels Castle
Once a mighty castle to guard the river tolls, it now sits in ruins and open for touring with interesting history. During invasions in medieval times, these fortresses must hold enough provisions for the thousands of citizens retreating here for months. Complete with watchtowers, cannons, dungeon, wine cellar and bakery.
Guillotine Urinal
Ah, such is the medieval castle life... This is actually a modern WC for guests touring the castle.
Town Wall Tower
Towns here were fortified with thick walls and strategic watch towers, some may have as many as a dozen. Most are gone now but few remain intact.
What good is a smart phone when I can't call or text for help? A repertoire of medieval torture systems includes stocks.
The Romantic Rhine
However, freight (pictured in background), express & regional milk-run trains screams through the Rhine every 15 minutes during the day.
Cuckoo!
This store boasts the world's largest free-hanging cuckoo clock. I bought a beautiful 15" hand carved one from Germany's Black Forest.
Robber-Baron Castle
A once Robber-Baron Castle is now restored. Privately owned, it currently sits empty.
Half-Timbered Houses
This is the iconic charm of Jiminy Cricket's life in Storybook Germany.
A Little Ice Cream Humor
This isn't really spaghetti. It's ice cream cranked out of a machine to look like spaghetti. Topped with chocolate syrup and coconut flakes. Play-doh memories?