There’s a soul-stirring beauty surrounding Germany’s romantic Rhine river. From its alpine source in Switzerland, the Rhine winds its way through France and Germany and creates the characteristic landscape of the Netherlands, intertwining the history and culture of four fascinating countries. Simply the name conjures images of fables and fairytales, and the legendary Rhine promises a truly magical river cruising experience. Flanked by forested peaks and studded with rocky islands decorated with whitewashed chapels, the mesmerising Rhine Gorge is picture book perfect. The spires of medieval cathedrals and churches appear around every bend in the river as it meanders past pretty vineyard-backed villages, and hilltops crowned by crumbling castles and fortresses. Fascinating towns and cities showcase a rich French, German, or, in the case of Alsace, dual heritage.
Things to know
- The majestic Rhine flows through six countries – Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France and the Netherlands
- It is home to the towering rock known as the Lorolei, which is the subject of numerous legends, poems and songs
- The annual ‘Rhine in Flames’ festival celebrates the harvesting of the wine
- In summer around 600,000 litres of water a second flow over the Rhine Falls in Switzerland
- The Rhine Gorge is famous for its natural beauty, vineyards and historic castles