Ruins of Fürstenberg

The castle was founded in 1219 by the Archbishop of Cologne, Engelbert I. With the construction, the Cologne archbishops attempted to limit the growing influence of the Rhenish counts palatine, who soon gained feudal lordship. In 1314, the impressive structure changed its feudal lord for the second time: The King of the Holy Roman Empire pawned it to the Electorate of Mainz. Thus, within a century, the front tower castle was under the rule of three different electorates. After severe destruction during the Palatine War of Succession, it remained in ruins. Changing owners, including the current owner, have always cultivated the surrounding vineyard. Hikers can reach the ruin by taking a detour from the nearby RheinBurgenWeg.