About Rhine Valley
The Rhine Valley or Middle Rhine in Western Germany is a romantic region of fertile vineyards, steep hills, dense forests, historic towns, magnificent medieval castles, and idyllic wine-growing villages great for hiking, biking and for scenic boats trips on the Rhine.
The scenic region offers wine tasting tours in Rhine Valley, and wine festivals in autumn after harvesting.
Along the Rhine which has a length of only thirty-five miles, there are more castles than in any other river valley in the world. Built to protect power and possessions, they were not only well-fortified residences and refuges, but also lucrative customs posts and hideouts for infamous robber barons.
As one of the most important transport routes in Europe, the Middle Rhine Valley has for two millennia facilitated the exchange of culture between the Mediterranean region and the north. It is an outstanding organic cultural landscape, the present-day character of which is determined both by its geomorphological and geological setting and by the human interventions such as settlements, transport infrastructure, and land use that it has undergone over 2,000 years. As a result, it is an outstanding example of an evolving traditional way of life and means of communication in a narrow river valley.
The terracing of its steep slopes in particular has shaped the landscape in many ways for more than two millennia.
The appearance of the Middle Rhine Valley is characterised by the interaction between its physical natural features, the human interventions, and its tourist image.
Outdoor activities
The famous towering rock of Loreley and the ruins of the magnificent fortress of Burg Rheinfels are must-sees for visitors in the Rhine Valley area. The fortress of Burg Rheinfels is home to labyrinthine alleys and tunnels. Other remarkable medieval castles in the region include Marksburg Castle, Ehrenbreitstein, and Schloss Stolzenfels. Guided tours are usually organised in Rhine Valley’s medieval castles.
The dramatic landscapes of Rhine Valley are not only scenic but also perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking.
Biking is also a popular way of exploring the region. There are good hiking trails and bicycle paths along the both east and west banks of the river. Boat trips on the river Rhine are popular way of sightseeing the romantic Rhine, the longest river in Germany.
Practical information for your stay
Rhine Valley has a temperate climate with warm, humid summers and cool winters. In winter, the mercury can drop to below zero temperatures.
Rhine Valley is best visited in spring, summer and autumn.
Many wine festivals in Rhine Valley region take place in October.
There are plenty of cozy guesthouses and small hotels in Rhine Valley with great views over the river, the vineyards and the hills.