Marksburg Castle in Germany (with Viking River Cruises)

Marksburg Castle was the most fascinating castle I have ever visited, and I’ve visited quite a few. It’s not because it was the most opulent or important castle I’ve ever seen. (It was neither.) It’s because our Viking River Cruises tour guide gave such an intriguing glimpse into what life was like during the time of castles, kings, knights, and princesses. Let me tell you, it wasn’t nearly as romantic as Disney would have us believe. Here’s why you will want to visit Marksburg Castle with Viking River Cruises.

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Marksburg Castle History

Located in Braubach, Germany – Marksburg Castle has been perched on a hill above the Rhine River for over 700 years. In fact, it is the only hill castle on the Rhine that has never been destroyed. First mentioned in the 13th century, the castle was occupied by noblemen and royalty for hundreds of years. In the 1800s the castle became a home for disabled soldiers, a prison, and eventually, apartments. Today it has been returned to its Middle Ages “glory” and is showcased for tourists.

Defense During the Middle Ages

In the Middle Ages, thick outer walls were built and cannon batteries added. Marksburg Castle’s strong defense is what warded off serious attacks and destruction for so many centuries. Its gate kept the town safe during attacks when inhabitants of the valley below would crowd into the castle grounds.

There’s a lock on the castle’s toilet door; not on the inside for privacy, but on the outside to prevent intruders from crawling through the loo and entering the residence. The toilet protrudes from the building, offering a seat over a hole…and look out below! Situated right off the central dining room, our Viking River Cruises guide explained that it would have been rude to leave guests in order to relieve oneself so the door was kept open so conversations could continue mid-duty.

The Castle’s Kitchen

In the kitchen, meat was hung to keep it from being eaten by rats and crawling bugs. (Yum!) Our tour guide showed us how the pots and pans were lowered and raised by the castle’s cooks over the fire using a handy hook system to prepare food at just the right temperature.

The wealthy castle residents were treated to technological wonders of the Middle Ages, like an ice box “refrigerator.” Slabs of ice were kept within it to keep foodstuffs cool.

Night, Night at Marksburg Castle

This wee bed shown above would never fit all 5′ 5″ of me, much less my tall husband. But people were not only much shorter in the Middle Ages, but also they slept sitting up. Why? They believed lying flat resembled death and would allow their souls to be taken in the night. The curtains around the bed protected dozers from spiders and other creepy-crawlies.

Time for Torture

What would a castle be without a dungeon? At Marksburg we got a tour of the implements used to ward off crimes during the Middle Ages. A long metal caged face mask shaped like a pig’s snout with a weight at the tip was placed on women who committed adultery so their crime could be known to all as they walked on all fours to push the heavy contraption forward. Makes the Scarlett letter seem minor, doesn’t it?! The lock above was used for thieves, who were placed on display in the town center with their feet and hands secured between the wooden slats; sometimes spikes were placed in the holes to add to the misery.

The Truth About Chastity Belts

You’ve probably heard the rumor that chastity belts were used by knights to keep their wives faithful while they were off fighting wars, or by kings to keep their daughters’ virginity intact. According to our trusty Viking River Cruises tour guide, though, this is just untrue. The belts were extremely uncomfortable and not meant for longtime wear. In fact, chastity belts were used to protect noblewomen and girls from rape during travel away from their own villages.

Marksburg Castle Tour

Our tour of Marksburg Castle with Viking River Cruises may not have evoked romantic images of princesses in ball gowns and charming princes, but it was incredibly interesting and informative. In fact, Marksburg Castle was my husband’s favorite stop on our Viking Cruise on the Rhine. At other castles I have visited in France, England, Ireland, Germany and beyond, I have received merely a brief history lesson relevant to the location. But here I gained a real understanding of the need for castles (defense!) and the harsh reality of life in the Middle Ages. Fascinating!

Would you like to visit Marksburg Castle with Viking River Cruises, or do you prefer to explore sites on your own?

A Note from The Travel Mama: Our cruise and castle tour was hosted by Viking River Cruises. All opinions are mine, as always.

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