The Middle Rhein Valley consists of a 65-km stretch of magnificence castles and vineyards continuously amazing people. It has served as one of the most important transport routes in Europe for two millennia and continues to exchange between the Mediterranean region and the north.
In the Upper Middle Rhein Valley the physical beauty consists of the steep hillsides that vault up from the river, the dense forests, and near the southern end of the landscape lays Lorelei. The combination of the history, architecture, water traffic and beautiful physicality and view of the River make it a place that appeals to everybody.
When many people hear about the Rhein Valley, the first thing that comes to mind is Lorelei. Lorelei is a 435-foot-high slate rock that vaults out of the river marking one of the narrowest and most difficult sections to see. Because of where the area it is located, in history it has been regarded as a treacherous part of the river.
The legend is that there was once a beautiful young woman named Lorelei. She threw herself from the top of the Rhein Valley into the river in despair over a faithless lover. Upon her death she was transformed into a siren and from that time on has been heard singing on the rock along the River, near St. Goar.
Her singing drew sailors’ eyes up to hear her enchanting songs during crucial times. The ending result was many boats crashing and men dying because of the very rock that lies on the southern end of the Upper Middle Rhein Valley. It is because of this legend that the rock of Lorelei has become so feared yet so historical over time.
On a brighter note, one of the most beautiful parts is the vineyards that owe their existence to the Rhein River. The vineyards flow past the wide fertile valley of the Baden vineyards, and produce some of the finest quality wine and grapes in the world. Aside from the wine and grapes that are produced, the vineyards put a sense of ease to the soul and provide an enchanting and peaceful feel to the overall essence of the Rhein Valley.
While there are a number of tourist attractions in Germany because of the hundreds of castles that lie throughout, the Rhein Valley has much to offer in a small stretch. From the castles to the historical towns, the Lorelei to the amazing vineyards, this amazing destination has every bit to offer you plus some.
Travel To Germany: The Pulse Of European History
By: Glenn Prialde
Germany has long been a mover and shaker of European history, creating waves in time for the rest of the continent to ride out. From Charlemagne and Otto von Bismarck to Nazism and the Cold War, Germany has become the epicenter of cutting-edge culture and music, and centuries of tradition and fine arts. The juxtaposition of medieval towns against ultra-modern industrialism is a fascinating reality to experience.
Thriving Urban Centers of Germany
The capital city of Berlin is by far the most dynamic and diverse metropolis for the German traveler. Despite reunification projects since the Wall came down in 1989, the city is still very much divided between the cosmopolitan chic of the West and the tattered Communist remains of the East. The Stasi Museum, located in East Berlin, is home to the former State Security Service. The intelligence body spied on and badgered citizens throughout the Communist era from this building. The Brandenburger Tor is a monumental building built in 1792 as one of the city's 14 gates. The history of this landmark is tied directly with the enclosing of West Germany from the East as it was essentially barricaded in by the Berlin Wall.
In addition to the other popular urban destinations of Munich and Frankfurt, Aachen (also known as Aix-la-Chapelle) should not be missed on a German visit. It is considered the most international of cities in Germany, situated close to the Belgian and Netherlands borders. Many citizens and travelers enjoy regular access to both border nations. The main draw is the Aachen Dom (Aachen Cathedral), which is the oldest landmark in Germany. Emperor Charlemagne had the chapel constructed over 1200 years ago and Holy Roman Emperors were coroneted here for nearly 600 years. The cathedral is also alleged to possess Christ's loincloth as part of its collection.
Fables and Fairytales
The German landscape is still comparable to your favorite fairytale or Robin Hood adventure. Castles in the sky preside over the rich green forests where Hansel and Gretel ventured to meet their witch. The Black Forest (Schwarzwald) is famous for its intense evergreen canopy, vast outdoor activities and secluded get-a-ways. It also happens to be where Nobel Prize winner Hermann Hesse spent much of his life living and writing. The Maulbronn monastery, situated in the forest's north end, is a UNESCO World Heritage sight that has been carefully preserved. The entire wooded expanse is dotted with medieval and farm towns and is fairly easy to navigate by train.
The notorious 19th century Bavarian king, Ludwig II (Ludwig Friedrich Wilhelm), left his personal legend all over the German countryside in the form of extravagantly ornate castles. Schloss Neuschwanstein is Ludwig's (and Germany's) most famous construction, particularly because he contracted a stage designer rather than an architect to do the job. Although the monstrosity was never actually finished, visitors may enjoy concerts in the castle's centerpiece, Minstrel's Hall, every September.
Along Germany's southwest border, The Rhine Valley stretches as a monument to the country's timeless culture and love affair with art, wine, food and beer. The Middle Rhine Valley (also a World Heritage sight) is the most popular segment, studded with medieval and gothic towns and wineries that hold their own festivals annually. Additionally, WWII has left its distinct mark throughout the region despite the incredible restoration efforts undertaken over the years.
Social revolutions, wars and a fair share of domestic turmoil combined with the legacy of the Holy Roman Empire and the split of the Protestant Church all make Germany unmistakably unique and internationally modern. Travel Germany and discover that it's not all about the Beer Gardens!