Anyone who's ever been there has felt it, the magic of the Loreley. The unique landscape of the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley, the scent of noble Riesling, the murmur of the Rhine, the legends and myths entwined around the imposing rock and the unique Rhine romanticism invite you to enjoy, explore and hike. 

A hike through the vineyards, a climbing tour on the Rabenack-Klettersteig, a bicycle tour along the Rhine, a walk through the narrow streets of the historic towns or a visit to one of the numerous castles - there is a lot to discover in the Rüdesheim-Loreley region. 

The Loreley. Almost everyone knows the name and the term. It is often wrongly assumed that it is a region. But in fact it is a single rock on the Rhine whose name is connected with a legendary figure from the 19th century: Loreley. She is said to have been a beautiful blond virgin, the mysterious Loreley. She sat at the top of the slate rock and looked down on the Rhine. Dazzled by her beauty, skippers passing by on the Rhine were distracted and smashed against the rocks with their boats.

If you like to be active, you should not miss hiking on the Loreley rock. With its 132 metres it rises sharply out of the valley. The Rhine meanders past it at this point and shows strong currents there. No wonder that this place is considered particularly dangerous for ships. Several have already failed due to this current and the surrounding rocks. The Rhine here measures only a third of its usual width. To get to the rocks, simply follow the signs and walk from St. Goarshausen to the rocks in a good 30 minutes. Alternatively, a road leads around the mountain up to the rock plateau. At the top you can expect a great view and great photo motives: the whole Loreley valley with a view of St. Goar and St. Goarshausen is literally at your feet. In the visitor centre you can also recover from your exertions and stop for a bite to eat in the restaurant.

In addition to the fantastic view, other attractions await you up here: In the summer months the open-air stage regularly hosts events against a breathtaking backdrop. World stars such as Santana or Joe Cocker have already come here. The speedy summer toboggan run "Loreley Bob", playgrounds and adventure trails make the Loreley an exciting adventure even for our little guests. 

If you prefer a more tranquil setting, why not explore the region from aboard one of the many Rhine ships. There is probably no more original way to get to know the spirit of the Loreley. Experience for yourself along the Loreley itself what the countless legends and myths are talking about. When the Loreley song resounds on the ship and the vineyards, rocks and historic places pass by, you will certainly feel the unique atmosphere of the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley. 

A recommendable day trip could start in Rüdesheim. Stroll through the Drosselgasse in the morning and shop as you please. Monastery liqueur in the monastery shop, a souvenir in the Rhine pavilion and even Christmas decorations at Käthe-Wohlfahrt. After a coffee and a piece of cake on the Rhine terrace, it's time for a hike. A cable car takes you up to the Niederwalddenkmal in a few minutes. Enjoy the panorama and hike on a high-level trail to Assmanns-hausen in one hour. Numerous attractions await you on the way: an eagle sanctuary that looks after injured birds of prey, a game reserve where deer can be fed or the ruins of Rossel Castle with its magnificent view.  In Assmannshausen, not far from the Rhine, there are numerous restaurants waiting to take a break for lunch. With the scheduled boat you will later return to Rüdesheim and to a wine tasting. A must in this wine region!  In the time-honoured cellar of the Adolf Störzel Winery you will be offered five wines to taste, including an informative and humorous insight into the history of winegrowing in the entire region. In the late afternoon you should visit Rheinstein Castle, which has also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2020 and which towers high above the banks of the Rhine. On a 45-minute tour you will discover, among other things, stained glass from the 14th century, antique furniture from the 17th century, knight's armour as well as wall and ceiling frescoes. Make sure you extend your visit to the picturesque castle with a dinner on the panoramic terrace of the adjoining castle restaurant "Kleiner Weinprinz". Hot stone tarte flambée in various flavours, accompanied by a fine drop of Pinot Noir. Simply wonderful! If you like it as much as I do - you can also stay overnight - how about in your own tower room with a four-poster bed. Sleep well!