10.07.2023 Landgang

Medieval Fortifications set against a Romantic Backdrop

When you regard Oberwesel from the Rhine, you could get the impression that the houses in the city centre are peering furtively over a massive wall. Although such fortifications lost their defensive relevance several centuries ago, parts of the structure still dominate the cityscape to this day.

Construction of the imposing wall probably began between 1220 and 1250. Shortly before this, Emperor Frederick II managed to redeem the District of Oberwesel, which had been pledged to the Archdiocese of Magdeburg since 1216. The fortifications were presumably built to protect the inhabitants of the now flourishing city from attack, plundering, and intruders. The people of Oberwesel initially constructed a wall of shale around the centre of the city situated between the bank of the Rhine and a hillside. Some years later, they increased the height of the structure and added five half towers. From 1250 onwards, suburbs located to the north and south were enclosed within the defensive wall too.

In 1312, King Henry VII pledged the city to Archbishop Balduin of Trier. This resulted in Oberwesel losing its imperial freedom. Despite this, the fortifications were expanded further after 1350, and the suburb of Kirchhausen was included within the encircling wall. Delays to the construction work were caused by plagues, a siege of the city, and the resulting Wesel War, however.

“When the construction works were complete, the wall measured roughly 2,600 meters in length and reached a height of up to 16 meters in places.”

City Wall with Walkway

In the mid-15th century, the Zehnerturm (Tenth Tower) was erected – the last of a total of 22 towers. When the construction works were complete, the wall measured roughly 2,600 meters in length and reached a height of up to 16 meters in places. Over the following years, however, new methods of warfare meant the fortifications gradually lost their relevance. Having already been partly destroyed during the Thirty Years' War and the Nine Years' War, some sections had to make way later on for the railway.

Nonetheless, the fortifications remain a defining feature of the city to this day. Sixteen towers and large sections of the wall have been preserved. What's more, parts of the structure can even be walked on. A stroll atop the wall offers magnificent views of the Rhine River and allows you to experience a touch of medieval atmosphere.

The Oberwesel City Wall

How do you get there
Anyone disembarking at the KD pier in Oberwesel will already be able to see the city wall.

What is there to see?
Surrounding the city centre are 16 towers and a defensive wall, parts of which can be walked on.

Where should you stop for a bite to eat?
On the 10th of May this year, the "Väterchen Rhein" (Father Rhine) located directly next to the KD office celebrated its grand opening and has been enticing visitors ever since with culinary treats, such as tapas from the Middle Rhine and Black Forest regions, Oberwesel wines, cakes, and coffee. And guests can enjoy the most stunning views of the Rhine from here too.