The 11 Most Scenic Spots On A Rhine River Cruise

Between Bonn and Rüdesheim, the Rhine River shows off all of its beauty. The fascinating landscape encompasses rolling vine-clad hills that are crowned by medieval castles and fortresses, historic villages, rock formations steeped in legends, and monuments that commemorate the war-torn past of the region. In 2002, the Upper Middle Rhine earned UNESCO World Heritage status, a testimony to the cultural importance of the valley. Here’s a list of the 11 most scenic spots you’ll pass on a river cruise

1. Drachenburg Castle

Villa

Drachenburg Castle | © Laura Facchini / Shutterstock

2. Ehrenbreitstein Fortress

View from Ehrenbreitstein Fortress | © Lightboxx / Shutterstock

3. Stolzenfels Castle

Ruins

Stolzenfels Castle | © haveseen / Shutterstock

5. Rheinfels Castle

Hotel

Rheinfels Castle | © Andreas Jung / Shutterstock

Lorelei

The iconic Lorelei rock formation near Sankt Goarshausen is shrouded in myths revolving around a beautiful maiden who sat atop the cliff and serenaded sailors with her voice. Hypnotised by her singing and determined to reach the beauty, sailors would crash at the treacherous rocks and drown. The story has inspired numerous songs and poems, and a statue at the top pays tribute to the saga.

Lorelei, Sankt Goarshausen, Germany

6. Pfalzgrafenstein Castle

Pfalzgrafenstein Castle | © marcociannarel / Shutterstock

7. Stahleck Castle

Hostel

Stahleck Castle | © Igor Plotnikov / Shutterstock

8. Rheinstein Castle

Hotel

Rheinstein Castle | © haveseen / Shutterstock | © haveseen / Shutterstock

9. Niederwald Monument

Niederwald Monument | © LaMiaFotografia / Shutterstock

Rüdesheim

Just around the corner from the imposing Niederwald Monument is Rüdesheim. A stop at the enchanting riverside town is a perfect opportunity to sample some of the award-winning wines from the vineyards you passed on your way here. The cobblestoned streets lined with quaint shops, taverns and half-timbered houses are a bonus.

Rüdesheim am Rhein, Germany

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