Romantic Rhine - river valleys and the best riesling estates

Situated in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley in the west of Germany, the Romantic Rhine region has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2002. It is also one of Germany's main international tourist attractions. The Romantic Rhine is also the valley of the Loreley, the legendary mermaid said to have lured sailors on the Rhine to their death with her beguiling song, a legend that still captivates visitors from all over the world  today. The majestic River Rhine, lined with castles, palaces and medieval villages shrouded in the mystery of ancient sagas, winds its way through one of Germany's best wine-growing regions.

The "Rhine in Flames" firework spectacular
This event on the Rhine is guaranteed to turn your stay in Germany into a truly memorable experience. You can relax on the sundeck of a boat as sights such as Assmannshausen, Bacharach and the Loreley rock roll gently by. The companies operating riverboats on the Rhine offer a variety of packages - choose between a genuine paddle steamer or the futuristic design of a modern boat. You can enjoy music and dance on one of the special themed evening tours. Another highlight not to be missed is the opportunity to take part in the large boat procession during the Rhine in Flames festival. The largest and most famous event on the Rhine, it takes place along several sections of the river on a number of dates between May and September, transforming the valley with its many castles into a giant magical firework display.

The legend of the "Mouse Tower" in Bingen
One of the most famous landmarks along the Rhine, the "Mouse Tower" is set on a small island in the river Rhine just outside Bingen. This fabled customs tower of Roman origin was home to the terrible Archbishop Hatto in the 10th century, during whose cruel reign the people were forced to pay higher duties and suffer strict subordination. Legend has it that he was attacked by thousands of mice in the tower and died shortly afterwards. From Bingen it's well worth making a detour to the lovely town of Rüdesheim am Rhein where you can stroll around the famous tavern-lined Drosselgasse alley.

A prime example of "Romanticism on the Rhine" - Stolzenfels Castle
Stolzenfels Castle in Koblenz-Stolzenfels is a prime example of the many castles and palaces sitting majestically on either side of the Rhine. Documented for the first time in 1250, it started off like many other castles along the Rhine as a Trier toll castle. Also sharing the fate of many of its neighbouring buildings, it was destroyed by the French in the 17th century. In 1823, the beautifully situated castle ruins were presented as a gift to the Crown Prince Friedrich Wilhelm, who went on to become King Friedrich Wilhelm IV of Prussia. He ordered its reconstruction and adaptation as a summer residence in 1842. The interior is richly furnished with paintings, works of art and displays of weaponry and armour. The wall paintings in the chapel and small Knights' Hall are among the most important works associated with the heyday of Rhine romanticism.

Boppard - the "Nice of the Rhine"
The Rhine Valley is famous throughout the world for its charming towns with a rich history such as Koblenz and Rüdesheim. Another highlight is Boppard. A visit to the town's beautiful riverside promenade with its many hotels and historical buildings steeped in tradition is an absolute must on any trip to the Rhine Valley. A number of riverboats, large and small, offer tours from Boppard, and it is also a popular stop-off point for river cruises. On a stroll through the lanes of the historical old town, you're bound to be enticed into one of the traditional inns selling wine from the "Bopparder Hamm" estate. Along the way, you'll see the excavations of the former Roman fort and the medieval town wall.

A riesling paradise
The most delicious wines are produced from the vines planted on the region's steep terraces - riesling is the most common variety of grape grown in the Valley of the Loreley. The regional cuisine has also been strongly influenced by the history of the Rhine - as the river was an important trade route, exotic spices were incorporated into the local specialities early on. From traditional classics such as dippekuchen (grated potatoes, onion and meat) and Rhenish sauerbraten (marinated braised beef) to the finest new German cuisine featuring a wealth of local produce, the Rhine region has a variety of culinary delights to offer. Associations such as the "Middle Rhine Moments" also offer special packages on the theme of wine, food and culture.