We arrived at the Konigswinter railway station together with my aunt Tanya around noon. We had a group ticket that wasn't properly stamped and that almost got us in trouble with the conductor who thought that the date was 05/15/08 instead of 05/16/08.
The romantic Drachenfels, crowned by the ruins of a castle built early in the 12th century by the archbishop of Cologne, rises behind the town. From the summit, which can be accessed by the Drachenfels railway, there is a magnificent view.
But first one has to get to the summit which is not easy.
It's a 5 minute ride by a railway car and it costs 7 euros per person. The alternative - enduring ascent by foot to the summit. We decided on spending 21 euros for a 5 minute ride. The train driver was a tall German with a stiff face and abrupt manners:
The former masters of the castle, the Counts of Drachenfels, had a winged, fire-spitting dragon in there coat of arms. This ties up with the saga of Siegfried, who is reputed to have slain the dragon, which lived in a cave on the hillside, and then bathed in the blood. Lord Byron and many other poets glorified the Drachenfels. In the last century the hilltop and the tower were jeopardized by the stone quarries, which had been continually extended, until the Government stepped in, taking over the peak and safeguarding the ruins from any further danger of subsidence. A cave in the hill is said to have sheltered the dragon which was slain by the hero Siegfried.
On the wild, jagged Drachenfels towering up so mightily above the river, there once stood a proud castle, of which today only the high tower is still to be seen.
The hill and the castle enjoy enjoy tremendous popularity and are visited yearly by countless numbers of people. The view from the 1050-ft.-high summit is considered one of the most famous on the Rhein.
There is only one way to get to Kongiswinter castle - by foot only. It was a humid day, we used umbrellas quite a bit and finally made it to the top past some horses and beautiful scenery.
And here's the Königswinter castle itself and the scenery around it. The place is truly beautiful and mesmerizing.
It is often used for receptions, weddings and other celebrations. When were were there, the place was getting prepared for an event and was partially under remodelling.
Unfortunately because the place was getting remodelled we couldn't get inside this time to explore the place from within. My aunt was enjoying our time together as well as the beautiful place that she brought us to. We had great time together and will definitely be back here for the inside tour as well.
Now it was time for our way back. We decided against the ride on the rip off train and walked all the way down by foot.
We saw a peculiar road sign.
Vineyards on the side of the road. By the way, this is how they grow in Germany - on steep slopes some of which seem to be almost 90 degrees.
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