Due to low water levels, Burg Pfalzgrafenstein must unfortunately remain closed until further notice. (Status 02.09.26)

That Pfalzgrafenstein was once part of one of the most lucrative customs stations on the Rhine is already evident from its location:
Standing in the middle of the river, the fortress is only accessible by ferry. In 1327, the count palatine and later emperor Ludwig IV. had a pentagonal keep built on the small Rhine island as the first part of the fortifications - much to the dismay of the bishops and even the pope of the time, who were concerned about the profitable dominance of the church in the collection of tolls. With the construction of the ring wall and walkways starting in 1340, the resilience of Pfalzgrafenstein was significantly increased. In 1504, it even survived the 39-day siege during the Bavarian-Palatinate War of Succession unscathed.
Undoubtedly, “die Pfalz” is today one of the most photographed motifs in the Middle Rhine Valley.

A small passenger ferry brings visitors from Kaub safely onto the “stone ship.” You can find the ferry schedules on the website of the General Directorate for Cultural Heritage: https://tor-zum-welterbe.de/pfalzgrafenstein