History of the Castle
The Ehrenfels Castle was constructed (rebuilt) around 1212 under orders from the Archbishop of Mainz Siegfried II von Eppstein. The castle possesses features common with late medieval castle design, typically with prominent flanking towers and high shield walls.
The castle walls reach about 20 meters, while the conspicuous round towers stand at 33 meters. Before it became a ruin, it used to house the Mainz Cathedral treasures and was the venue for the appointment of Konrad II, Archbishop of Mainz.
Alongside the supposedly “Mouse Tower,” Burg Ehrenfels made up a significant collection of excise buildings and aimed to regulate Rhine navigation at “Binger Loch.” This regulation and control through tolls was the work of the Archbishop of Mainz.
He employed Burgmannen as staff in the castle and the toll post. The major reason for the castle functioning as a Rhine control tower was to strategically hit back at the regular attacks from Elector Palatine Henry V, the Imperial vicar of Franconia, who continuously tried hard to reduce the influence and authority of the Mainz archbishop.
The Ehrenfels Castle was severely damaged during the Thirty Year’s War. The French troops destroyed it in 1689. The ruins can only be accessed from Rüdesheim by hiking the route within the vineyards. However, the interior of the ruined castle is open to visitors only by prior scheduled guided tours.
Cultural Context
Romantic Rhine castle ruin embodying medieval knightly culture and 19th-century nationalism. Part of Upper Middle Rhine Valley UNESCO site representing 2,000 years of transport, trade, and cultural exchange. Symbol of Rhine Romanticism inspiring poets, painters, and Wagner’s Ring Cycle.
Historical Context
Built circa 1211 by Archbishop of Mainz to collect Rhine tolls at strategic narrows. Destroyed 1689 by French troops during War of Palatine Succession, never rebuilt. Romantic ruin attracted Grand Tour travelers and artists. Name honors medieval concept of chivalric honor (Ehre).
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