Runkel Castle Tour – Travel in Germany
Even though it was predicted to be 95+ degrees Fahrenheit on Sunday, Mrs. W. still wanted to go out in the heat. We first stopped at Limberg old town and walked around. We finished up getting some ice cream to go from an Eis Cafe. She said she wanted to go to another castle nearby, so off we went to Schloßplatz 2, 65594 Runkel.
Before we go on to visit Runkel Castle, I thought I’d let you know that I have over 69 travel videos on my YouTube channel. So, if it doesn’t look like you will be able to visit Europe in the future I’d love to share my experiences with you, just subscribe to my Les Waller International Channel and enjoy my adventures throughout Europe.
Runkel Castle History
Although Runkel Castle isn’t seen in any documentation until 1159, it is commonly agreed that it was built perhaps as much as 100 years earlier. The significance of the location is that it is on a hill that overlooks the Lahn river. This makes it strategically important for providing protection for the ferry then later the bridge that would span the river.
In the 1200s there was drama between two cousins; Siegfried V von Runkle and Heinrich. Due to this in-family fighting, Heinrich went to the other side of the Lahn River and built the Schadeck Castle, known as Trutzburg.
In 1440 the building of the bridge over the Lahn River; however, once again due to family drama it would not be finished until 1448. I don’t know about that, the bridge over the Rhein River between Wiesbaden and Mainz has been under construction for over 9 years now and I don’t think it has anything to do with family disputes.
1634 was not a good year for the castle or the town as the Croats torched them both. The upper castle was in ruins; however, later in 1642 the lower castle would be rebuilt.
In the 1700s, due to the rolling back and forth for control of the land by different parties the castle would change its name and banners multiple times. The poor thing, talk about an identity crisis.
The 1800s brought about a change to which family would own the castle as the last of the Wied-Runkel passed away in 1824. Thereafter, the Wied-Neuwied line became the owners and still are to this day.
The current owner of the castle is Maximillian, Prince of Wied. As the castle is currently a museum, a chapel, and an archive the Prince of Wied lives at Neuwied Castle. There are some of the family that lives in a private wing of the Runkel Castle.
Outer Court
After you have paid your 4 euro admission fee you will come to what once was a draw bridge. You will see that there is now a residence above it before you go through it. In the video you can see me being a knucklehead and chaining myself to the walls. The small red and white shields with numbers on them are referenced in the small pamphlet you will get with your admission that gives some small details about that location. Not only do they have them in German, but you can also get one is English, just ask for it.
The outer court was important for defense if the attackers got past the bridge. You will see #4 on the building on the right where the ground floor was built using quarry stones. Above that wooden framing was used. These building are all private.
Inner Court and Museum
To get to the inner court, we walk through a gothic building in the center of the castle. You will see a #5 on the left side as you enter the passageway. I also show you that there are signs in German and English about the rules to follow due to the corona virus in 2020. The ground floor on the left is part of the museum and you will enter it from within the passageway. The first thing you see when you go in is a model of the castle and village. After you’ve looked at the various setups inside you will enter the inner court. Now this looks like a castle!
Here you will be able to look into a
- Wagnerei, a place where carts, carriages, and agricultural tools are repaired;
- Smithy, where the blacksmith would shoe horses and repair metallic items;
- Presshouse, this is where the Runkeler Rothe grapes were pressed and tasted.
You will also find the
- Armory, which has a nice collections of swords and other weapons
- Torture Chamber, where you will be detained for 5 days without food or water. Just kidding!
- South Tower, built in the 15th century
- Schadeck Tower, built to defend the northern side of the castle facing the castle of Schadeck
Scenic Views
The climb up the stairs is well worth it, even though the steps are steep and uneven and the stairway is narrow, the view alone is worth the four euro you paid to enter the castle. Besides, you’ll get some good exercise going up the down the stairways!
Visit the Castle
The castle is open to visitation Tuesday through Sunday form 1000-1700 and adult admission at the time of this writing is 4 euro and is well worth it.
For more information from the castle you can Email them at info@burg-runkel.de
To see my video of our visit to the castle you can watch it below. If you haven’t already, I hope that you subscribe to my channel. Once we reach 1,000 subscribers not only will we be recording our visits to old towns, castles, and other places, but we can then also live stream from those locations and let you see things live.