Pfalzgrafenstein Castle
Castle Island river castle on the Rhine formerly collecting tolls
Pfalzgrafenstein Castle occupies a tiny island in the Rhine by Kaub and was a medieval toll station; river cruises and shoreline viewpoints let visitors inspect its conical-roofed keep and strategic river position.
Pfalzgrafenstein Castle is a small medieval toll castle situated on an island in the middle of the Rhine River at Kaub in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, dating from the early 14th century.
The castle’s compact, fortified keep and riverside silhouette are its main attractions; visitors typically view and photograph the castle from the Kaub riverbank or reach the island by short boat shuttle when available. It is a distinctive element in the Middle Rhine valley’s string of river castles.
Constructed in the early 14th century to control and collect river tolls on the Rhine, the castle served as a customs post for river traffic and remained largely intact because of its insular position. Its role as a toll station defined its architecture and defensive features.
Sited in the Rhine at the village of Kaub in the Middle Rhine Valley, the castle lies between the larger cities of Koblenz and Mainz and is part of the Rhine Gorge UNESCO World Heritage area.
- Island location: Built as a river-toll castle on a small island in the Rhine, it retains its island setting and is commonly photographed from the banks at Kaub and the opposite shore.
- Access and context: Often reached by short ferry or boat from the town of Kaub and viewed as part of the Middle Rhine Valley's castle ensemble and UNESCO World Heritage landscape.
How to Get to Pfalzgrafenstein Castle #
Pfalzgrafenstein is best seen from the town of Kaub on the left bank of the Rhine. Kaub is reachable by regional trains from Koblenz and Mainz; the castle itself sits on an island and is most easily appreciated from the shore or by riverboat tours that include the Kaub bend.
Tips for Visiting Pfalzgrafenstein Castle #
- View the castle from the banks of the Rhine at Kaub for the best photograph; the small ferry crossings add a classic Rhine experience.
- The island castle is usually closed to indoor visits-confirm seasonal opening times if planning to enter the keep.
- Combine a stop with a walk through the old town of Kaub and the nearby Rheinfels views.
Best Time to Visit Pfalzgrafenstein Castle #
Pfalzgrafenstein Castle is most striking from late spring through early autumn when river traffic and visibility are highest.
Weather & Climate near Pfalzgrafenstein Castle #
Pfalzgrafenstein Castle's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -1°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (615 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. The wettest month with 67 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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