Konigstein / Falkenstein:  the Hoch Taunus

One of the corner towers, taken in 1977.  The tower once had multiple levels and an inner stairway.

Two views, left and below (1977 and 2007) of some of the massive living quarters.  Konigstein was a huge fortification that required French engineers a massive amount of explosives in their effort to destroy it in 1796.  In the process of mining the walls, the charges were prematurely set off, not only blowing up the castle but the entire 30-man demolition team with it.

Above, within the main keep there are multiple levels and stairs made of wood, rebuilds to replace what once was there.

Right, a view of the keep in 1977.

Below right, a nice view of the keep and surrounding walls as a thunderstorm rolls in.  While we were at the top of the keep the storm unloaded on us, lashing us with pea-sized hail!

I include the photo at left because of how I took it.  In 1977 I didn't have a telephoto lens.  In lieu of one I positioned my camera against the back of one lens of my binoculars.  This photo was the result.  While obviously of mediocre quality it still provides enough imagery to ascertain the size of the fortress.

Fortunately the weather was better in 2007 than in 1977, and I was able to spot Burg Epstein in the distance.  The photo at right and below were taken with my telephoto lens, with the one below a detail of the photo at right.

Here is the direct link to my Burg Epstein page.