Stahleck dates to the 12th century and served as the seat of the Counts Palatine of the Rhine before falling into ruin. It was reconstructed in the early 20th century and now operates as a DJH youth hostel — one of Germany's most dramatically sited. Non-guests can walk up through the vineyards to the castle gate and take in the panoramic view over the Rhine valley. The terrace on a clear evening, with the river glinting below and the opposite bank of vineyard slopes catching the last light, is as good as it gets on the Middle Rhine.