Upper Middle Rhine Valley

Background

The Upper Middle Rhine Valley lies in Rhineland-Palatinate and Hesse, Germany: the roughly 65-kilometre stretch of the Rhine between Koblenz and Rüdesheim/Bingen. The river runs between steep walls about 200 metres high, and its most famous landmark is the Lorelei, a rock about 132 metres high. At its height the river was lined by about 40 hilltop castles; the valley was at the centre of the Thirty Years' War, which left many of them in ruins. The steep terraced slopes are planted with vines, mostly in the Middle Rhine wine region, with the southernmost parts in the Rheingau and Nahe. The valley was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2002. Since ancient times this has been an important trade route into central Europe, and the riverside towns keep their historic character; in the 19th century the valley became part of Prussia. Today railways, roads and the shipping lane run side by side, and the way buildings and terraces are fitted to the steep slopes is distinctive.

Local customs

• Take a cruise from Koblenz or Rüdesheim and watch the castles appear one after another on both banks
• climb to the Lorelei viewpoint for the river bend
• visit a winery to taste Middle Rhine white wine.

Travel tips

• Cruise timetables and fares are subject to the cruise companies' official websites
• accommodation in the valley towns is limited, so book ahead in high season
• some stretches of the Rhine trails are steep, so bring water, sun protection and non-slip shoes.
• Koblenz and Rüdesheim are reached by train, railways and roads run along both banks, and a cruise is the classic way to see the valley
• timetables are subject to the official information. In spring and summer both banks are green, good for cruises and hiking
• in autumn the grapes ripen and wineries hold many events
• Koblenz (August) and St. Goar (September) host the "Rhine in Flames" fireworks, with exact dates subject to official announcements.