Romantic Rhine
One of the most famous German river valleys is the Upper and Lower Middle Rhine Valley between Remagen, via Koblenz, to Bingen. For holidaymakers, this region is the epitome of German Rhine Romanticism. Anyone wishing to escape the everyday and immerse themselves in a world full of legends, castles, and wine bliss has come to the right place.
The Rhine is over 1200 kilometers long and is one of the most important waterways in Europe. On just 67 kilometers between Bingen/Rüdesheim and Koblenz, there is a concentration of historical treasures that is unparalleled worldwide. It is not without reason that this ensemble was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002.
A holiday in the Rhine Valley, one of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe, has been delighting visitors for many years. As early as the beginning of the 19th century, poets and artists such as Heinrich Heine, Victor Hugo, and William Turner were drawn to the romantic Rhine Valley. Numerous works were created that brought the era of Rhine Romanticism to life.
But the Romantic Rhine is not only distinguished by its fantastically beautiful landscape. The most striking feature of the region is the more than 40 castles and palaces that line up like pearls on a string on the steep slopes of the Rhine Valley. The Marksburg near Braubach, the only hilltop castle on the Middle Rhine that was never destroyed, offers an authentic insight into medieval knightly life. The imposing Ehrenbreitstein Fortress in Koblenz towers over the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle at the Deutsches Eck (German Corner) and rewards the ascent with a breathtaking panorama. Another highlight is Rheinfels Castle near St. Goar, once one of the most powerful fortresses on the Rhine and today an impressive landscape of ruins that invites exploration.
Between the castles, holidaymakers will find picturesque wine villages with narrow alleys and lovingly restored half-timbered houses. And of course, a visit to the legendary Loreley rock near St. Goarshausen is a must. At this narrowest and deepest point of the Rhine, the Loreley is said to have once lured sailors to their doom with her song.
For active holidaymakers, the Rheinsteig, a challenging hiking trail on the right bank of the Rhine, offers spectacular views and nature experiences. On the left bank of the Rhine, the RheinBurgenWeg invites you to equally charming tours. Cyclists also get their money’s worth on the well-developed Rhine Cycle Path.
Another reason to discover the Romantic Rhine is the wine. Hiking through the steep vineyards, visiting seasonal wine taverns (Straußen-/Besenwirtschaften), drinking wine, and of course, experiencing wine production up close are simply part of it. Numerous vintners invite you to immerse yourself in the world of wine and be seduced.
Romantic Rhine – Excursion tips
Andernach is one of the oldest towns in Germany and is located just under 10 kilometres from Koblenz on the left bank of the Rhine in Rhineland-Palatinate.
At Rhine kilometre 555 there is a 123-metre-high slate rock, the world-famous Loreley Rock. Who doesn't know the stories about the mysterious Loreley, which is said to have been responsible for many a shipwreck on the Rhine?
Who would have known that the highest cold-water geyser in the world is located on the Rhine? Close to the tranquil town of Andernach, you can visit this geyser from the end of March to the end of October.
Sayn is a district of Bensdorf and is located just under 12 kilometers from Koblenz. You should definitely plan a day trip to Sayn during a visit to the Romantic Rhine.
On a 160 meter high slate cone, high above the small town of Braubach on the Romantic Rhine, stands the Marksburg. The hilltop castle from the 12th century is the only medieval castle on the Middle Rhine, which was never completely destroyed.
Travel information for the Romantic Rhine region
Arrival
By train
The Rhine Valley is easily accessible by train. On both sides of the bank run railroad lines. With the ICE you can reach Bingen on the Rhine and Koblenz.
By car
The Rhine Valley is served by two federal highways. The B 9 runs on the left bank of the Rhine and the B 42 on the right bank. The A 61 freeway takes motorists to the Upper Middle Rhine Valley.
There are no bridges in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley between Mainz/Wiesbaden and Koblenz-Süd! Only ferries operate here!
By ship
The Rhine is navigable between Bingen and Koblenz. In addition to cargo ships, river cruise ships and excursion ships also sail here.
By bike
On the left side of the Rhine, a continuous cycle path runs from Bingen to Koblenz. The cycle path on the other side of the Rhine is not as well developed and has gaps in between.
On the way in...
Public transport
There are buses and local trains along the Rhine.
Ferries
There are no bridges in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley between Mainz/Wiesbaden and Koblenz-Süd. There are a total of eight ferries that can be used to cross to the other bank:
Car and passenger ferries:
- Ingelheim harbor – Oestrich-Winkel
- Bingen harbor – Rüdesheim station
- Lorch – Niederheimbach
- Engelsburg – Kaub
- St. Goar – St. Goarshausen
- Boppard – Kamp-Bornhofen
Passenger ferries:
- Bingen Brücke 5 – Rüdesheim Brücke 8
- Koblenz − Koblenz-Ehrenbreitstein (März – April: 8 – 18 Uhr, Mai – November: 7 – 19 Uhr)
Cable car
A cable car runs from Koblenz Old Town to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.
On foot
The Rheinsteig hiking trail runs on the right bank of the Rhine, the Rheinburgenweg on the left bank.