Germany
A Photographic Adventure in Koblenz: Castles, Companionship, and Capturing History
Last week, I had the pleasure of embarking on a photography trip to the picturesque town of Koblenz with my good friend and fellow photographer, Carin Nibbering. Our goal was simple yet exciting: to capture the timeless beauty of some of Germany’s most stunning castles. With our cameras in hand and a shared passion for exploring historical sites, we set out to photograph Burg Eltz, Burg Thurant, and Marksburg, and even managed to snap some shots of Koblenz at night.
Burg Eltz: A Fairytale Fortress
Our first stop was the enchanting Burg Eltz, nestled deep within the Eifel forest. This castle, with its striking turrets and towers, has been owned by the same family for over 850 years. Walking up to Burg Eltz felt like stepping into a fairytale—its medieval architecture is impeccably preserved, giving it an almost otherworldly charm. We spent hours capturing the intricate details of the castle’s exterior, from its stone walls to the colorful timber-framed buildings.
Burg Eltz’s history is as captivating as its appearance. Built in the 12th century, it served as a fortified residence and has miraculously survived wars and conflicts without ever being destroyed. This rich history was palpable as Carin and I photographed the castle from various angles, each shot telling a story of its enduring legacy.
Burg Thurant: A Witness to History
Our next destination was Burg Thurant, perched high above the Moselle River. Unlike Burg Eltz, Burg Thurant has a more rugged and imposing presence, with its sturdy walls and twin towers. The castle was originally built around 1200 and has seen its fair share of battles, including a long siege during the War of the Limburg Succession in the 13th century.
Photographing Burg Thurant was a unique experience. The castle’s elevated position offered breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards and the Moselle River winding through the valley below. Carin and I took our time, experimenting with different compositions to capture the castle’s commanding presence against the serene landscape. The contrast between the ancient stonework and the lush greenery made for some truly stunning shots.
Marksburg: A Fortress Above the Rhine
Our final castle stop was Marksburg, one of the most well-preserved castles along the Rhine River. Marksburg has never been destroyed, making it a rare example of a medieval fortress that remains largely intact. Built in the 12th century, the castle boasts an array of defensive features, including thick walls, a towering keep, and a drawbridge.
The views from the castle’s ramparts were nothing short of spectacular, offering a panoramic vista of the Rhine River and the surrounding countryside. The most spectacular view however, we found on a hill across the Marksburg fortress! In combination wit the clouds this has to be one of my favorite pictures of this trip.
Night Photography in Koblenz
After a day filled with castles and history, Carin and I returned to Koblenz, where we set out to capture the city’s charm at night. Koblenz is a city steeped in history, with its origins dating back to Roman times. As night fell, the city’s landmarks, including the iconic Deutsches Eck and the impressive Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, were beautifully illuminated.
The calm of the evening provided the perfect backdrop for some long-exposure shots. We focused on capturing the reflections of the city lights on the Rhine River and the dramatic contrast between the illuminated buildings and the night sky. It was the perfect way to conclude our trip, with the city’s modern vibrancy complementing the ancient history we had spent the day photographing.
A Memorable Journey
Photographing these castles with Carin made the experience very inspirational, as we shared ideas, learned from each other, and enjoyed the thrill of capturing the perfect shot. Each castle we visited had its own story to tell, and through our lenses, we were able to bring those stories to life.
If you’re a fan of history, architecture, or simply love the art of photography, I highly recommend a trip to Koblenz and its surrounding castles. It’s a journey that will leave you with not only stunning photographs but also unforgettable memories.
All photo’s from this trip are on my Germany Portfolio page