A Medieval Banquet - Marksburg Castle near Bonn

From Cologne we cruised up the beautiful Rhine Valley to Bonn, by which time it was early evening. There we piled into our coaches for the drive through Bonn and up one of the mountains to Marksburg Castle for a spectacular fun evening.

Bonn had at one time acted as the capital of Germany. It still has many stately government buildings. We found out that duplicates of all German government records are still kept here in case the President of Germany or its Chancellor Angela Merkel needs to access them whilst in Bonn. But we were only speeding through, so unfortunately I was unable to take any photos of Bonn. 

What mattered this night was the feast we were to have in the castle. We left Bonn behind and drove through some small villages and then up the heavily wooded slopes to this impressive castle, which is now used for events such as receptions and medieval banquets. The road was so steep the bus had to park a little way from the foot of the castle. I huffed and puffed again to get up there, so did not go on the castle tour, which involved a lot of climbing over very rough pathways. 

Instead I spent a very pleasant hour on a terrace with a few other passengers who were not up to that climb either. Two musicians in costume came out and played some ancient instruments for us as the sun glowed on our faces. It was a great start to the evening. 

When everyone arrived back from their castle tour we went into the special banquet hall for a night of a lifetime. Whilst everyone ate and drank their mead at the long tables, the two musicians sang, played one ancient instrument after another and got everyone involved in making music. They were superb entertainers. We also had a ‘court jester’ who juggled and then involved people in acting out elaborate, very funny ‘fairy tales’. All in all, the three of them managed to very quickly captivate the audience and established an atmosphere of great fun and delight. 

The sun was just setting as we were leaving. (The sun sets late here.) We drove back to the ship tired but very contented. We all had had a ball. 

This was a brilliant way to help forge friendships amongst the passengers and make everyone feel part of the group. This was going to be trip of a lifetime, a whole experience and not merely a sight-seeing tour. It was the first of a series of special memorable times together. 

Inside the banquet hall before the event. Beautiful timbers made up the curved roof.

Looking toward the river from the terrace where we were sitting. Below was another terrace at which umbrellas were used.

The outside wall of the banquet hall, looking up towards the castle tower.

Looking down at a nearby village from the terrace.

Another view of the river taken at dusk.

One of the musicians playing a most unusual instrument.

More of the castle.

Inside the instrument.