Burg Gutenfels
In this web site, we've pretty much tried to avoid any reference to where we actually stayed by name. In this case, and a couple of others in England, we just can't help it. (On the other hand, we will be happy to make recommendations if asked). Burg Gutenfels is an old castle dating from the 1200s and located high on the bank of the Rhine River with a great view of the Pfalzgrafenstein fortress. The castle looks like the knights and barons left yesterday and forgot to come back. It's definitely not a luxurious five star hotel. The floors squeak, the plumbing is just adequate, and the entire staff appears to be just two people at any one time. Weloved it.
Click on pictures to enlarge.
Second from right: a steep one lane dirt road leads up to the front door of the castle (pictured) where you must ring a bell and tell them you have reservations before being allowed to enter. Right: After opening a heavy wooden door, you follow a well marked path past castle walls, the tower, and under some arches to the reception area.
Left two photos: All rooms are entered through the central courtyard. Right: Looking out one of the guest rooms past a guard tower toward the Rhine River.
Left two photos: A cannon protects Pfalzgrafenstein from the terrace where we ate our dinner. Right two photos: The dining room looks more like a medieval banquet room with paintings on all the walls depicting the history of the castle.
The proprietors were kind enough to allow us to roam around their adjacent vineyards as well as any part of the castle grounds that wasn't locked. We only wish we had more time to explore, but tomorrow was another day and we had a plane to catch.
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