Its waters flowing through countries such as Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands until it discharges in the North Sea, the Rhine River is one of the most important rivers in Europe. For millennia, the Rhine has been a vital European waterway for transporting goods and cultural exchange. The Rhine is also an area of breathtaking natural beauty, with many of its most scenic sites located along Germany’s Upper Middle Rhine Valley. The picturesque Upper Middle Rhine Valley, stretching from Bingen to Koblenz, features dozens of medieval castles, cathedrals, and rolling vine-clad hills, and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its cultural and historical significance.
The stunning Upper Middle Rhine Valley attracts large numbers of tourists each year, and can be explored by land or via one of the many popular Rhine river cruises. Regardless of how you choose to explore this historic region, here are some of the most scenic sites along the Rhine River that you won’t want to miss.
Marksburg Castle
Perched high atop a hill in the quaint riverside town of Braubach is the impressive Marksburg Castle. The medieval Marksburg Castle was built in the 12th century A.D. and is the only hilltop castle in the Rhine Valley to have survived countless European wars fully intact.
Pfalzgrafenstein Castle
The unique Pfalzgrafenstein Castle sits on a small island located in the middle of the Rhine River. Built in the early 14th century, Pfalzgrafenstein Castle originally functioned as a toll castle to levy taxes on ships trading goods along the Rhine River.
Mannheim
Mannheim is an historic harbor city located on the east bank of the Rhine. Mannheim’s urban center is situated along the banks of the Rhine, as well as a modern local shopping mall called Rhein-Galeria. The scenic port area is where you will find the historic paddle steamer named Mannheim that now functions as a museum and offers the history of navigation on the River Rhine.
Lorelei Rock
Towering more than 430 feet high above the banks of the Middle Rhine is Lorelei Rock. The steep slate rock is steeped in German folklore; legend is that a beautiful siren haunts the rock and has lured many fishermen to their death along her rocky cliffs. Lorelei Rock offers breathtaking vistas of nearby St. Goar and hillside vineyards along the Rhine.
Koblenz
Located at the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel Rivers is one of Germany’s oldest and most beautiful cities, Koblenz. Koblenz features some of the most notable sites along the Rhine Valley: Deutsches Eck, or German Corner, is where you will find a statue of Kaiser Wilhelm I built as a monument to German unity. The Basilica of St. Castor, founded in 836 AD, is the oldest surviving church in Koblenz and located near the Deutsches Eck monument.
Ehrenbreitstein Fortress
Located high atop a hill across the river from Koblenz is the impressive Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. The fortress is accessible by a cable car ride from Koblenz, where you are treated to panoramic views of the city and its beautiful surroundings. The original fortress dates back to the 11th century, and was repurposed in the 19th century as a Prussian military base.
Stolzenfels Castle
Also located just outside of Koblenz is Stolzenfels Castle. This sprawling castle is nestled on a hillside on the left bank of the Rhine, surrounded by dense forest. Built in the 19th century on the site of the ruins of a 13th century toll fort, the Stolzenfels Castle, with its elaborate parks and gardens, epitomizes the romanticism of the Rhine.
Cologne
A stand-out among the many scenic sites along the Rhine is Cologne. With its colorful old buildings, narrow alleyways, and Romanesque cathedrals, Cologne’s Old Town, or Altstadt, is charming and distinct. Located on the west bank of the Rhine, Cologne is home to Cologne Cathedral, a 13th century Gothic cathedral referred to locally as the Dom. The cathedral’s two towers dominate the entire city’s skyline. Over the centuries, the Dom’s beautiful stained glass windows have been removed during the many wars in order to preserve the ancient glass.
Rüdesheim am Rhein
This quaint riverside town is complete with cobblestoned streets, half-timbered houses, and many shops and taverns. Rüdesheim is famous for its vineyards and award-winning wines, particularly Riesling varieties. A prime example of Rhine romanticism. this scenic town along the Rhine is a popular tourist attraction. Rüdesheim is home to the Brömserburg, the oldest castle in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, dating back to the 10th century on the site of an older Roman fort.
Mainz
The city of Mainz is located at another important confluence of two rivers: the Rhine and the Main. Known for its Old Town with half-timbered houses, this scenic city along the Rhine is home to the Gutenberg Museum and the Mainzer Dom, a notable Romanesque cathedral built between the 11th and 13th centuries.
Rheinfels Castle
An absolute highlight of the many scenic sights along the Upper Middle Rhine Valley is Rheinfels Castle located in St. Goar. The massive structure is the largest of the castle ruins along the Rhine and surrounded by thick forest. Originally built in the 13th century in order to levy taxes on ships traveling the Rhine, the fortress quickly developed into one of the mightiest castles in the Middle Rhine region as well as an important administration center for the local aristocracy.
Drachenburg Castle
Constructed at the height of Rhine romanticism in the 19th century, Drachenburg Castle sits high on a hill overlooking the meandering river. With expansive, picturesque gardens and breathtaking views, Drachenburg Castle is a highly popular attraction along the Rhine river. Drachenburg Castle also hosts a spectacular annual Christmas market that rivals Disney World at the holidays.
