A UNESCO-protected corridor of castle ruins, vineyards, and legendary river views.
The Upper Middle Rhine Valley between Koblenz and Bingen is one of the most concentrated stretches of natural and cultural beauty in Europe. Over 40 castles and fortress ruins line the cliffs above the river, each with its own legend.
The Lorelei rock — where a mythical siren was said to lure sailors to their doom — rises 120 meters above the river. Below, the Rhine narrows to its most dangerous point, and the current still runs treacherous.
Take a KD Rhine cruise for the panoramic view, but the real experience is hiking the Rheinsteig trail along the cliff tops, or cycling the river path with stops at the family-run Weingüter for Riesling tastings.
Quick Facts
50.1419°N, 7.7186°E
~65K
mix
Skip the tourist boats. Rent a bike in Bingen and ride north — every 15 minutes there's a castle, vineyard, or village to stop at.