The "Binger Mäuseturm" (mouse tower) was built in the early 14th century as a toll- and watchtower on a small island in the rhine to strengthen the toll system in connection with castle "Ehrenfels". It was destroyed during the 30-years-war and in 1689 by the french. The prussian king "Friedrich Wilhelm IV." rebuilt the mouse tower in the newgothic style during the years 1856 to 1858. Until 1974 it was used as a signal tower for the ships passing the narrow and dangerous "Binger Loch". The legend has it that the stone-hearted bishop Hatto I. from Mainz escaped to his tower and was devoured by thousands of mice.
During the period of "Rhine-romanticism" the mouse tower inspired famous writers as Clemens Brentano, Victor Hugo and Ferdinand Freiliggrath.