On an optional tour, a bus took us up to the Marksburg Castle, believed to have been built in the 13th century

From the castle we had some great views of the Rhine and the Rhine Valley.

We are led to think that every castle had its cannons...

and armor display...

as well as a rack in its torture chamber.

But castles also needed a winecellar...

and a kitchen.

We ended this excursion with a visit to a German beer garden where we had a beer, a pretzel and a variety of sausages. Prosit!

Continue to Bernkastel.