As we’re on our way to the starting point of our next cruise with Viking, let’s take a look back at a moment on a prior cruise. In 2022, we took a cruise from Amsterdam to Basel with Viking, which was our first cruise experience. It was amazing! From the guided tours to the service, everything was perfection, even when things went wrong.
Here’s a view from the ship as we travel up the Rhine…
This picturesque castle was in essence a toll-booth on the Rhine river. King Ludwig had the castle builtin in 1326/7 to increase his toll revenue. After all, all that water doesn’t flow without the king’s permission! And yes, that means it is coming up on its 700th anniversary soon!
How did they ensure toll collection you ask? Massive chain booms were raised across the rather narrow river passage by the castle. Upon payment the chain was lowered. Otherwise the ship and cargo were seized and the crew thrown into the dungeon. Those were tougher times!