Travel along the Rhine. Castles of Germany. German Tales: Rhine Legends Middle Rhine Valley From Cologne to Mainz

A cruise on a motor ship on the Rhine is a fascinating event that is impressive in its variety and richness and will remain in the memory for a long time. The mighty, full-flowing river, which originates in the snowy foothills of the Swiss Alps, flows through the picturesque hills of France and Germany and ends on the green plains of Holland, flowing into the North Sea.

It is best to travel along the Rhine from early spring to mid-autumn, when the river landscapes are most beautiful and colorful, as well as during the Christmas period, when wonderful festivals and fairs take place in coastal cities on a grand scale.

During the trip, tourists are presented with the most beautiful landscapes: dense forests and endless, colorful fields are replaced by quiet, cozy villages, ancient fortresses and majestic castles rise on the rocky shores. In cities, you can get to know the magnificent historical heritage and admire the sights.

Rhine cruise usually lasts about a week. Reputable travel companies that care about an interesting and comfortable stay for their clients will certainly include it in the program.

Germany)

Most often, the journey begins from the ancient German city of Cologne, famous throughout the world for its Gothic cathedral. Its tall, austere spiers and magnificent openwork stained glass windows have long become the hallmark of the city. It is also worth visiting the Town Hall, decorated with sculptural portraits of the townspeople who once glorified the city. And during the annual Christmas Market, you can treat yourself to the famous Cologne beer. This light, bitter drink is brewed according to a special secret recipe.

(Germany)

The motor ship definitely stops in the wine-growing town of Rüdesheim, nicknamed for the wonderful architecture that looks like it has descended from the pages of a fairy tale, the “gingerbread town”. Nice traditional German-style houses are sculpted along the narrow, shady streets, and the austere medieval citadel of Bosenburg rises above them. However, the main and most noticeable attraction in the city is the huge monument to the Motherland, erected in honor of the victory of the German army in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871.

On the eastern bank of the Rhine rises the mysterious Lorelei rock, overgrown with a dark, dense forest, which is familiar to every German since childhood, and is associated with the romantic legend of a lonely golden-haired mermaid who with wonderful singing lured sailors and drowned their ships in the depths. Indeed, the river in this place narrows strongly, bends, teems with turbulent eddies and is dangerous for navigation. Water transport does not dare to come close to the rock, so the stone statue of a beautiful mermaid sitting on it can be seen only from afar.

(Germany)

Traveling along the Rhine, one should not miss the acquaintance with the interesting French city of Strasbourg, which is called "Little Paris" for the richness of architecture and the many places for mental and cultural relaxation, intellectual enlightenment. In the very center of the city, there is the magnificent Rogan Palace. Strasbourg Cathedral, built of sandstone, amazes the imagination with its size and detailed decoration of the interiors, and the Church of St. Peter impresses with amazing frescoes. There are many museums in the city, and the embankments are dotted with charming old mansions.

(Germany)

The most notable landmark of the city of Heidelberg is the Heidelberg Castle, otherwise known as the "legendary German ruins". The castle's cellar contains a unique object recorded in the Guinness Book of Records - the largest barrel in the world, containing more than 200 thousand liters of wine.

Mainz (Germany)

Mainz is an old, welcoming town with winding streets, fountains, cozy cafes, small shops and souvenir shops. In the gigantic Mainz Cathedral, whimsically combining elements of Gothic, Baroque and Romanesque style, you can admire the luxurious decoration, expensive canvases and sculptures, and in the Church of St. Stephen - azure stained-glass windows made by the famous Marc Chagall.

Basel (Switzerland)

The Swiss city of Basel is proud of its world-class higher education institutions and over 40 museums.

Cochem (Germany)

Cochem is the smallest town in Germany, imbued with the spirit of the Middle Ages and famous for the fortresses of Winneburg and Reichsburg. Every Saturday a mysterious gray-haired man in antique clothes takes tourists along the evening streets, telling them legends and fairy tales. Annually in August, the city hosts knightly tournaments and a festival of medieval dishes.

Koblenz (Germany)

The tour ends with the beautiful city of Koblenz, located in the so-called "German corner" between the Rhine and Moselle rivers. This place, included in the UNESCO list of cultural heritage, is known, first of all, for the grandiose monument to Emperor Wilhelm I. Not far from the city, on a high cliff above the river, the Stolzenfels castle rises, visiting which you can get acquainted with the collection of knightly armor, weapons and cups. A well-tended garden with artificial grottoes and waterfalls is laid out around the castle.

Tourist route "Loreley- und Burgenstraße" (Loreley- und Burgenstraße) Legends and stories about Lorelei

Rhine Valley, especially in the section between and, is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. There are many landscapes that are impressive in their beauty, but the peculiarity Middle Rhine in the fact that here nature really is a melodramatic backstage of human passions and destinies: in music, poetry, painting and, last but not least, in reality. The Rhine flows through the forests of the Vulkaneifel region and the Siebengebirge (German: Siebengebirge) mountain ranges, through the Westerwald, Hunsrück and Taunus vineyards, and stretched its steep banks locks. The river has more than once inspired the creators of great works: these are architectural monuments of the era of Emperor Wilhelm, and the magnificent music of Richard Wagner. Travel back to the origins of German romance along the middle Rhine.

Region in the valleys of the Rhine, Moselle, Lahn and Nahe famous for its myths and legends. All of them are based on real events and historical facts and reflect the social and cultural characteristics of a particular era and area. It is not surprising that over time, the legends have not lost their attractive power, and people have long started looking for traces of numerous stories and their heroes.
Here, in the picturesque Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the Rhein river winds through the Hunsrück and Taunus mountains, rises the world famous loreley rock. A narrow valley, an indomitable stream and a mysterious echo gave birth to the legend of a blonde girl on a cliff, who in ancient times lured shipbuilders to the rocks with her enchanting singing and mysterious beauty.
The Legend of Loreleiexists a long time ago, but world fame was brought to her by the famous poem by Heinrich Heine and the melancholic melody of Friedrich Silcher. Lorelei is still alive, but her charms do not destroy anyone anymore: every two years, the most beautiful girl is chosen among the girls of the region - Lorelei.

In this land of fortresses and culture, practically unchanged over the centuries, you literally travel back to the time of the robber knights, whether in the fortresses towering over the banks of the Rhine, or in the Palatinate customs castle, built on an island in the middle of the river near the city of Kaub (Kaub) ... Here begins the picturesque Lorelei, Fortress and Castles Road 56 km long, leading from Kaub to the town of Kestert, which has preserved many interesting old buildings. For example, the castle Maus (German for "mouse", Maus), as before, enjoys a special privilege: it houses a medieval falconry, where unusual performances with eagles and falcons are held every day.

Tasty regional dishes can be sampled at local celebrations. Wine tasting seminars are also held in this region. We recommend visiting the wine-growing regions where vines ripen on the slopes, get acquainted with local wines and growers. Not only wine connoisseurs, but above all those who are ignorant of this business will learn a lot of interesting things about the past and present of winemaking.
There are no strangers in this region. The holiday draws everyone into its whirlpool, introduces places, people and stories that do not appear in any guidebook. At wine festivals and folk festivals, the high spirits are maintained by the golden juice of the Rhine vine. Near the Lorelei cliff, on the open-air summer stage (Loreley-Freilichtbühne) - the best amphitheater in Germany with excellent acoustics - concerts of classical, popular and rock music are held.

Every September, the Rhine is on fire: a unique "light show" and set right next to the Lorelei cliff. The event is world-famous and takes place against the backdrop of the majestic castles of Rheinfels, Katz and Maus. It is impossible not to succumb to the charm of the landscapes on the right and left banks of the majestic Rhine. The spirit of the Lorelei legend also lingers in the landscape park with its visitor center. Numerous fortresses and castles with a rich history that have left their mark everywhere will not leave anyone indifferent.

We highly recommend taking a boat tour of the Lorelei Valley - day or night: with music, dancing and views of the majestic, beautifully illuminated fortresses and castles. The variety of Lorelei Roads, Fortresses and Castles can be explored in different ways: on foot or by bike, for example, along the Rhineland-Palatinate Route (RP-Pfad) or along the tourist routes of the International Sports Union (IVV), by boat, in the car or by rail.

All you need to do is simply succumb to the charm of the legend of Lorelei, romantic wine-growing towns, half-timbered houses, fortresses and castles and, of course, the Rhine - the most beautiful river in Germany. It is no coincidence that the Rhine and the landscapes of its banks have long served as a source of inspiration for writers and thinkers. The days spent here will remain in your heart for a long time, and that is why there is nothing better than relaxing on the banks of the Rhine!

basic information
... Length: 56 km
... Topics: Fortresses and castles, Rhine romance, culture.

Attractions: brief information
... Kaub
Gutenfels Fortress, Marshal Blucher Museum, Pfalzgrafenstein Castle
... Sauerthal
Sauerburg fortress, grave of the imperial knight Franz von Sickingen
... Sankt Goarshausen
Lorelei rock, Lorelei landscape park with a tourist center, outdoor summer scene
... Patersberg
view of the three fortresses
... Kestert
Hindenburg lookout
... Camp Bornhofen
fortresses Sterenberg and Liebenstein, monastery in Bornhofen
... Weisel
Fire brigade museum

Valley of the middle Rhine
From Cologne to Mainz

The Rhine Valley is an attractive tourist destination, not only for its castles, fortresses, churches, monasteries, historic towns and villages, but also for its landscape and wonderful landscapes.

Rhine is both the most important inland waterway and the most beautiful river in Europe in terms of its landscape. Its length is 1320 km, the river basin is 252000 sq. Km. It originates in the Alps (Swiss canton of Graubünden) and empties into the North Sea (Netherlands) as a vast delta. Particularly attractive is the section of the Rhine between Mainz and Cologne (Middle Rhine) with its paintings, settlements and romantic mountains.

The Middle Rhine Valley is one of the finest European areas for tourism, winemaking and romance. The majestic river, framed by dozens of castles and medieval towns, winds through one of Europe's finest natural landscapes.
Traveling in search of natural masterpieces, artists and poets discovered the romance of the Rhine more than 200 years ago. Inspired by the beauty of nature, they created enthusiastic works of art, culminating, of course, with Lorelei's touching poem. Lorelei is still considered synonymous with 18th century and Rhine romance to this day.

Since the 18th century, the landscape of the Rhine Valley with its castles and fortresses has attracted tourists from all over Europe. The Rhine Ride was a must for educated travelers of the 18th and 19th centuries, as was the trip to the Gulf of Naples. Numerous prints, primarily published in Great Britain, illustrating the castles and fortresses of the Rhine Valley testify to the popularity of the area and its culture. The idea of \u200b\u200bGermany was created abroad significantly and thanks to the romantic landscapes of the Rhine Valley. The direct steamboat service between London and Mainz, opened in 1829, shows how important tourism was already then for the economy of this region.

Rolandsek with Rolandsbogen (river bend) and the remains of the Rolandsek fortress. The legend tells about the knight Roland, the knight of Charlemagne, who looked here with longing from the window of the former fortress on the island of Nonnenvert, where the lady of his broken heart, who had retired from the world to the monastery, lived. A beautiful view opens up of Siebengebirge (7 mountains).

Oberwinter Winter harbor, lovely old half-timbered houses.

AppounariskircheThe four-tower Gothic (1839-1843) famous pilgrimage church located on a small hill.

Roman origin (Castel) is the gateway to the romantic Arsk valley (Neuenahr resort with its gambling house, Altenahr et al., Red grape cultivation).

Sinzig Famous late Romanesque churches, carbonated thermal springs, Celtic-Romanesque settlement (762). During the Frankish and Staufer times, the imperial palace, in the 14th century. town.

Bad-Bresig Thermal springs, chairlift to the Reineck fortress (built in 1832 on the site of the old Pfalzgrafen fortress at the mouth of the Vinkstbach).

Brohl Broleque Castle. The starting point of the excursion to the Broolsk valley and to the Laakhersee (lake) with the old abbey Maria Laach. There is an observation tower on the lake.

Insel Namedy In 1903, a mineral well was drilled here at a depth of 343 m. There is a fortress in the settlement (collection of works of painting on glass).

Laid by the Romans. Sightseeing "Runde turm" (Round tower 56 m high, wall thickness 4 m), an old stone wall (city fortification), an old river crane (1554), a late Romanesque church. Picturesque city landscape. Starting position for an excursion to Lake Laaher.

Weissenthurm Pumice production. The bridge over the Rhine leads to Neuwied.

Urmitz Julius Caesar crossed here in 55 BC. first time Rhine.

The main city of the administrative district of Koblenz at the confluence of the Moselle with the Rhine (Deutsches Eck). The medieval core (Roman city) is still visible in the old city. Gothic churches, including St. Castar (836 - 12th century), the medieval Moselle bridge (14th century), the Jesuit church and the Collegium (now the Rathaus) from the 17th century, the castle (18th century), theater, museums. Founded by the Romans, from the time of the Merovingian royal court, from 1018 on Trier. The thriving city was often elected by the archbishops for its residences. Since 1815 it has been a Prussian city. 1822-1845 the central city of the province. Favorite walking area: Rittersturz
Koblenz, surrounded by the four mountains of the Eifel, Gunsrück, Taunus and Western Forest, lies at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle and has more than 2,000 years of history. Walking through the old part of the city, you can come across numerous testimonies of the past, such as the Prince's Castle or the home of the Teutonic Knights. Along with historical monuments, cultural institutions and numerous museums, Koblenz also offers pubs with a garden, cafes and a magnificent wine village by the Rhine bridge.

The most amazing place in Koblenz is the famous "German corner" - the peninsula, where two rivers - Rhine and Moselle join. There is a 37-meter monument to Kaiser Wilhelm I on horseback. From the observation deck on this monument, you can see both the corner and the place where the Moselle flows into the Rhine.

From Koblenz to the capital of the Rhine tourism - the city of Rüdesheim, less than 100 kilometers. But between these cities there are 40 castles. They have been built since the 10th century, and the castles were something like medieval customs. The owners of the castles - bishops, earls, princes - took
tribute from those wishing to walk along the Rhine. For those who were unwilling to pay, security dropped dramatically.
Some of the castles were security - for example, they guarded the lead and silver mines.

Stolzenfels Castle Laid over the village of Stolzenfels (80 m above the Rhine). Built in the 13th century, destroyed by the French in 1689, in 1836-1842. restored by Schinkel for the Prussian king Friedrich Wilhelm IV.

The city was founded by the Romans (frontier fortress), later the Frankish royal court, until 1312 an imperial city. Picturesque, founded at the intersection of 6 lateral valleys. On the Rhine level, below the city, four-lake view, Kneipp healing baths, cable car to Gedeonsek. Further sights: Soveruskirche near Markt (late Romanesque church), Karmepitenkirche (Gothic), Courtrier fortress (14th century), monastery (founded in 1125).

Bad salzig Radioactive sources, cherry dog \u200b\u200band orchards. Due to the strong current of the Rhine, the tug trains split here and remain in storage

Hirzenach Probsteikirche (church) - 13th century

Erected in 1250 as a customs house on the Rhine by Count Dietrich von Katzenelbo-gen, 115 m above the Rhine. The fortress was destroyed in 1797 by the French. Monument of Celtic origin.

Town St. Gohar, located opposite the legendary Lorelei cliff, founded in 570 by St. Goar, the patron saint of innkeepers and potters. Lively area, center, viticulture. It belongs to the most beautiful towns in the Lorelei Valley. The city rises above the Rhine Cliff Castle, the largest castle ruins on the Rhine with extensive labyrinths of underground passages. Other attractions include the Evangelical monastery church with Gothic frescoes and a crypt; Catholic. the parish church with one of the most valuable icons in the entire Rhine Valley; and the German Doll and Bear Museum of St. Goar.

Among the many old towns along the left bank of the Rhine, none has such a medieval look as Oberwesel. Of the original 21 defensive towers along the city wall, 16 towers have been preserved to date. The building association "Historic City of Oberwesel" was able to make accessible a part of the city wall approximately 3 km long. From the Golden Corkscrew, past the Werner Chapel down to Sadovy Lane, visitors can enjoy views of the Rhine from the walls of the towers.
Gothic Lieb Frauenkirche with magnificent decoration (high altar, lettner, wall paintings, tombstones) and Martinskirche, Wernerkapelle (only the high altar has survived). Remains of city fortifications, viticulture and trade, summer holidays. Outside the city, the Schönburg fortress (about 1000 years old).

Wine road The famous German wine road starts almost from Bonn. It begins in the area of \u200b\u200bthe Semigorye mountain range, or in another way, the "Rain Mountains". Green mountains with ancient castles hang over the Rhine. Better than these species can only be those that replace them further, along the road along the river.
The river valley is geographically predisposed to the production of Riesling wine: the river water heats up during the day, and at night it evaporates the heat to the nearest slopes where vineyards grow. The result is a natural greenhouse effect that is beneficial for wines. In Germany, there is a law prohibiting the addition of sugar to wine, so even the most inexpensive Rhine and Moselle wines are of very high quality.

Baharach Ancient (over 1000 years old), charmingly located city. The city fortification has 16 towers; half-timbered houses, viticulture school. Ruins of Wernerkapelle (Gothic) above the city. The Shtaleck fortress, destroyed in 1689, opens up even higher. French, now Jugendburg.

Sooneck Castle The fortress, erected in 1010, in the 13th century. the infamous lair of the robber knights, destroyed in 1282 by Rudolf von Habsburg. Was restored many times (by Frederick Wilhelm IV. Wilhelm I).

Reichenstein castle The fortress laid down near the village of Trekhtingshaus. More than 1000 years, in 1282. destroyed by Rudolf von Habsburg as a robber's fortress. Sightseeing: Fortress Museum and Art Treasures. The fortress is located at the end of the Morgenbach valley, where Klemenskapelle is also located (12th century). Easy to walk.

Rheinstein Castle Prince Frederick of Prussia gave the old customs house in 1825-1829. today's appearance.

Das binger loch Skippers dreaded this place because of its dangerous rocky cliffs. In the 19th century. the fairway was improved by targeted explosions.

Bingerbruck Located at the mouth of the Nae River. Formerly the seat of activity is St. Hildegardis von Bingen.

Der mauseturm Originally a customs tower. It is located on an island and is currently used as a signal tower. The legend tells of the miserly Mainz bishop Hat-to II (968-970), who was imprisoned in a tower because of his inhuman deeds and was bitten by mice there.

Bingen Roman origin. Nowadays a popular regional center at the mouth of the Nahe. Near the Klopp fortress (local history museum), towering over the city, are the remains of the Roman Castells Bingi-um. Drususbrücke (bridge) was erected by the Roman general Drusus. Harbor, viticulture and trade. Rochusberg (mountain) with Rochuskapelle (south of the city) are also attractions.

Ingelheim Remains of the imperial palace of Charlemagne. Sightseeing Saal-kirche (12th century). Red grapes and asparagus are cultivated.

Capital of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. also called "Mainz Gold". Roman name: Mogontiakum (probably of Celtic origin); in the 13th century. B.C. Roman military camp, 3rd c. the Roman municipality (urban community) and the provincial capital were mostly destroyed during the Great Migration. In 747 the residence of Bonifatius, from 782 the residence of the archbishop, from the 13th century. (reign of the great electors) the center of the empire. This city has made a huge contribution to the development of world culture. Here, in 1448, John Gutenberg invented the method of printing with movable letters that can be used endlessly. This greatly simplified the laborious process. As usual, the inventor himself did not profit from his brainchild and needed funds until the end of his days. Currently, the residents of Mainz are proud of such a compatriot. The university is named after him. The city has a Museum of Book Printing, where you can see many rare publications.
Museums: Roman-Germanic Museum, Gutenberg Museum.
Points of interest: Kaiserdom. one of the 3 largest royal cathedrals on the Rhine, Romanesque style, two-kleros basilica, remnants of early Romanesque construction, consecrated in 1036 Baroque aristocratic manors, Renaissance fountains, churches, Elector castle (1627-1678 and 1687-1752), former Deutschordenskommende (now the Landtag building. Mainz Carnival.

SchwarzrheindofRomanesque double church, consecrated in 1151. In the north of Schwarzreindorf - the place where the Sieg flows into the Rhine and Mondorf.

The city at the foot of Siebengebirge is often visited by tourists. Classical parish church, classicist and baroque buildings, Siebengebirgs museum, viticulture, rack railway to Drachenfels.

Das Siebengbirge A unique group of volcanic mountains, part of the Rhine Shale Mountains. The mountains are named for especially outstanding peaks: Drachenfels (the name came from the times of the legend of Siegfried, 321 m, the ruins of a fortress in 1147), Groser Olberg (461 m), the highest mountain Siebengebirge, Petersberg (331 m), bus service, Leuvenburg ( 455 m), Volkenburg (324 m), Lörberg (435 m), Nonnenstromberg (335 m). Siebengebirge surroundings: ruins of the Heisterbach monastery (Caesarius von Heisterbach), a former Cistercian abbey in Oberdollendorf; from the church (1202-37) only the kliros and the kliros gallery have survived.

Bad Honnef Resort (mineral medicinal waters) with a mild climate, a place for recreation and conferences. Part of the city of Rhöndorf: Adenauerhaus and memorial. From Bad Honnef, a bridge leads to the Grafenwerth Island with a beautiful park, sports and healing pools, tennis courts and a rowing canal. Hohenhonnef, center for the treatment of lung diseases, sanatorium with a park.

Rheinbreitbach - the upper castle was the residence of the writer Rudolf Herzog.

Unkel Half-timbered houses, Frailigrathaus, viticulture (Unkeler Funkeper), a popular walking area.

Erpeler ley Located in the picturesque area Erpel (viticulture), 153 m above the Rhine, a basalt cliff. The Rhine bridge, destroyed in 1945, led to it, over which the American troops were able to continue their offensive. The bridge led to the opposite bank at Bad Kripp.

A bustling city of winegrowers, with half-timbered houses, city gates and the remains of a stone wall, a loading area for the basalt stone mined in Westerwald. Surrounded by the Ockenfels and Dattenberg mountains.

Leubsdorf Castle (4 towers), former royal court, red grape cultivation.

Bad-honningen Thermal springs (rheumatic, cardiovascular diseases, circulatory disorders), thermal outdoor and indoor swimming pools. Arenfels Castle (13th century), 1849-55 rebuilt in neo-gothic style by architect Zwirner.

Rheinbrohl It connects on the heights with the famous "Limes", the Roman "West-Val". Bad Arienheler (carbonated springs)

Hammerstein The ruins of the Hammerstein fortress (1105, the seat of Heinrich IV), are located on a mighty cliff.

Leutesdorf Pilgrimage Church of Heilig-Kreuz (St. Crucifixion), cultivation of grapes and apricot crops.

Neuwied Regional center. In 1648 a castle was founded here by Count von Wid; the settlement that arose around it received the rights of a city in 1653 and quickly became prosperous. The castle of the rulers of Vid was built in the 18th century. Has a garden 2 km long, interesting species of overseas trees. Homeland of the poetess Carmen Sylvia von Weed. Produced: pumice, wood, metal. Regional Museum. Located in the Neuwieder Basin, the eastern part of the Middle Rhine Basin, formerly the Binnesee. Thick deposits of pumice tuff. In part of the village of Engers, there is the castle of the Electors von Trier (since 1928 a hospital).

Bendorf Production of gravel, sand, clay, ceramics. Part of the village of Zain is an air resort. Here is the castle of the dukes von Sein-Wittgenstein.

The right-hand Rhine suburb of Koblenz, opposite the mouth of the Moselle with the old Ehrenbreitstein fortification removed in 1919 (now a museum, state archive, tourist base). During the war, the shelter of St. Rocks of Trier. A cable car leads to the fortification. The old baroque buildings are worthy of attention. The destination of numerous pilgrimages to Arenberg. with the Roter Khan monastery.

Lahnstein Netherlandstein. Johanneskirche (Romanesque church), on Mount Allerhaili-gen, a memorial to the fallen soldiers.

Oberlanstein The bridge leads to Oberlanstein. Old Kurmeinz town. Attractions: towers and city stone walls, the Witches Tower - or the Tower of Torture at Markt, Martinsburg is especially interesting. Lanek Fortress, (13th century), pentagonal tower. Amazing view.

Braubach Nice old town. Sightseeing: St. Barbarakirche (church, around 1300).

Marksburg fortress Rhine Fortress (150 m above the Rhine).
Marksburg - one of the few fully preserved castles - has its own legend. In the 12th century, a young man got married to the daughter of the owner of the castle, Mr. Epstein. Then he went to war, and the girl was waiting for him. A few years later, a knight in black armor, strong and handsome, similar to her fiancé, came to the girl and began to court her. Soon the engagement took place. But the girl doubted. She shared her doubts with the monk Mark, who served in the castle chapel. The monk, just before the engagement, approached the knight, touched him with the cross, and the knight fell into the underworld. He turned out to be the prince of darkness. So the monk saved the girl's soul.
The castle has a museum with interiors of medieval noble dwellings. And not only dwellings. In the courtyard, there are artillery sites with original cannons from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. True, this castle was never stormed, so they only saluted from the cannons.
One of the most interesting places in the castle is the wine cellars with huge wooden barrels connected by pumps for pumping wine. In the Middle Ages, people drank 3-5 liters of wine a day. Above the cellar is the kitchen with all the utensils and a fireplace in which a whole bull was roasted. By the way, the fireplace works even now, when medieval holidays are held in the castle, it is heated for cooking.
Next comes the bedroom with a small "sitting" bed (in the Middle Ages, after all, they did not sleep lying down, for fear of dying in a dream: it is not appropriate for a living person to take the position of a dead man).
Then - the dining room, interesting for its design. In the center of the room is a huge wooden table, the most honorable place behind it is the owner, and in the back is an uncovered toilet.
There are two more interesting rooms - the armory and the torture hall. The torture room, however, leaves the most unpleasant sensations.

Bornhofen monastery In the Marienkirche of the Bornhofen monastery - the painting of mercy "Pieta" (1289), is the target of pilgrimage ships.

Die feindlichen bruder Ruins of two fortresses (Sterrenberg and Liebenstein). Erected as imperial fortresses in the 11th and 13th centuries. The fortresses are separated from each other by a "wall of discord". The legend tells of the brothers who killed each other in the Bornhofen church.

Filzen is a lovely little community located on the right bank of the Rhine opposite the town of Boppard. This position makes it possible to grow almost all types of fruit. Anyone who once visited Filzen during the cherry blossoms will never forget him. The name Filzen probably comes from the word rock. This rock is still seen today and can be walked around. The hiking trail is a hiking trail in the Rhine Valley that starts at the port and ends at Kamp Bornhofen.

Fortress Maus Fortress Turnberg. Counts von Katzenelbogen (Burg Kasch) irony, called "Mouse" (mouse).

Since 1324 city rights. The city fortifications have been partially preserved.

Fortress "Cat" Built in 1393, destroyed in 1804, restored in 1898.

Glorified by legends cliff over the Rhine (132 m). The Rhine is only 90 m wide here. At low water levels in the Rhine, you can see the dangerous Sieben Jungfrauen (7 virgins) reefs. According to one of the legends, 7 virgins were turned here because of their hardness of heart into the rocks. At the foot of the Lorelei cliff, you can hear a sevenfold echo.

And one more legend - about Lorelei. She was lovely. She combed her golden hair on the rock and sang in such a way that the sailors forgot about their work, which caused the ships to crash on the rapids and drown in the abyss under the rock. Mount Lorelei stands at one of the narrowest places and one of the most rugged. Shipwrecks did occur frequently here.

Now, near Mount Lorelyai, it is quiet and incredibly beautiful. And Lorelei herself is just a dark graceful statue, touching which promises soon a beautiful love story.

Kaub The city with its stone walls and towers is very picturesque. Crossing the Rhine on New Year's Eve 1813-1814 resembles Blucherdenkmal. Above the city, the Gutenfels fortress (13th century).

Die pfalz (Island on the Rhine) The former Kurpfalz border fortress of the Palatinate Grafenstein (14th century).

Lorch The place where the Whisper flows into the Rhine (the Whisper valley leads to the Taunus). Sightseeing: St. Martinskirche (Gothic), Hilchenhaus (Renaissance). The ruins of the Nollig fortress rise.

Assmannshausen A well-known tourist center with mineral springs (radioactive, carbonated). Especially famous for its excellent red wine. A cable car and a hiking trail lead to Jagdtschlos (hunting castle). Rossel lookout point (344 m) and Niederwald-Denk-mal.

Ehrenfels fortress The ruins of the fortress are the place where the treasures of Mainz Cathedral were kept during the wars in the 15th century. Due to its geographical location (the entrance to the Binger Loch), it made it possible for the archbishops of Mainz to collect customs duties from passing ships.

Niederwalddenkmal Built in 1883 in memory of the war of 1870-1871, 35.5 m high (base 25 m, Germany 10.5 m), located on the Niederwald hills (225 m above the Rhine).

Ruedesheim Several thousand people live in this town on the Rhine. Moreover, it is called the wine capital of Germany and the tourist capital on the Rhine. Millions of tourists from all over the world come here every year.
In Rüdesheim, you can have fun, in general, and "cultural". There are historical fortresses with museums, the interesting Bremserburg wine museum. In the old Bremserhof estate, the Siegfried Musical Instrument Museum is one of the largest collections of self-playing mechanical musical instruments. Cable car to the Niederwald monument.
However, as a rule, tourists go to the Drosselgasse street, well-known throughout Germany, which consists of cafes, pubs, restaurants, shops with tasting tables. And - they forget about all other entertainments.
There are, in principle, many different pleasures in the world. But any of the wine cellars in Rüdesheim, overlooking the Rhine, along which paddle boats from the 19th century sail in these places, to the vineyards along the slopes and the ever-fair crowd on the waterfront, is a special pleasure.

Eltville Half-timbered buildings ruins of the Elector Fortress of the Archbishops of Mainz, in the Bergfried Gutenberg-Gedechtnis Stett (memorial). It is widely known for its winemaking and the production of sekt (champagne). Beautiful houses of townspeople and estates of the nobility.

Wiesbaden

The state capital is Hesse. For centuries, Wiesbaden has been famous as a spa resort. Already in the 1st century, Pliny the Elder in his "Natural History" spoke about the presence of warm springs in this region. But the real development of the city began under the earls of Nassau, who later became dukes and then princes. They settled here in the 13th century. The rise of the city was halted in the 17th century when the Thirty Years' War and the plague devastated it. There are only 50 people left in the city. But the persistence of the Nassau family was rewarded. Since the 19th century, the glory of a luxurious balneological resort has been entrenched in Wiesbaden, where Dostoevsky, Wagner, Brahms treated their mental and physical ailments. None of the world wars caused significant damage to the city.
The Old Town Hall building, built in 1609, is one of the oldest in the city. In 1829 the building was reconstructed, the roof was replaced. Nearby there is a fountain built in 1537. This boiling spring has been documented since 1366. It combines 15 hot springs and produces 346 liters of hot mineral water per minute. The wrought-iron gazebo over the spring dates back to the 18th century.
Marktkirche Evangelical Church (Market Church) - a neo-Gothic three-aisled basilica - was built in 1852-1862 by Karl Boos. The 92 meters high West Tower makes the church the tallest building in the city. This church is the first all-brick building in the Duchy of Nassau.
The new Town Hall was built in 1884-1887 in the neo-Renaissance style. But in 1945 it was completely destroyed due to the bombing of the city. In 1951 it was completely restored.
Sonnenberg Castle has been known since 1200 as the residence of the Earl of Nassau. Most of the castle is now in ruins. The only surviving tower houses a small city museum.

We also offer this tour with air flight (8 days)

TOUR PROGRAM

1 day: A train

Departure from the Belorussky railway station by train.

2nd day: Poland

Bus travel across Poland. Overnight at a hotel in the Czech Republic.

Day 3: Augsburg

After breakfast we head to Augsburg - one of the oldest cities in Germany, the largest jewelry center in medieval Europe. Inspection of the old part of the city. In your free time, you can visit the cozy Fuggerei quarter - a whole city within a city, a unique example of urban planning and charity, the world's first social housing of the 16th century, where time seemed to stand still, as well as explore the richly decorated Golden Hall of the City Hall. In the afternoon - transfer to the southern part of Bavaria. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Lindau - Lake Constance

Breakfast. Transfer to the shores of Lake Constance. Excursion around Lindau - "German Venice", a city picturesquely located on an island in the eastern part of the lake, not far from the confluence of the Rhine. Boat trip on Lake Constance (if possible). From the pier of Lindau, we will cruise along the German and Austrian coasts, admire the panorama of the Swiss coast and the Alps framing the lake. Overnight at the hotel in the Lake Constance region.

Day 5: Swiss Alps - Lucerne - Basel

After breakfast we cross the Rhine and find ourselves in Switzerland. Breathtaking alpine landscapes will open before us. We will stop for photographing at a mountain lake. A tour of the historical part of Lucerne, where the famous wooden bridges and ancient spiers look into the waters of the Reuis River. Moving to Basel - the second most populous city in Switzerland, majestically stretched out on the banks of the Rhine. We will see the Cathedral, the Town Hall, the perfectly preserved quarters of the old city. We cross the Rhine again and arrive in French Alsace. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: Black Forest - Lake Titisee - Freiburg

This day will be devoted to acquaintance with the treasures of the German state of Baden-Württemberg, located on the right bank of the Rhine. During the additional excursions in the Black Forest* we will drive along the picturesque roads of the “Black Forest” - a mountainous region that has preserved its nature and way of life intact. We will see the highest waterfall in Germany - the 163-meter Triberg, get acquainted with the unique art crafts, the main of which is the production of cuckoo clocks. We will stop on the shore of Lake Titisee and take a boat trip along it (if possible). Then we will visit Freiburg - “the southern gate of Germany”, a cheerful and hospitable city. The famous cathedral made of pink sandstone, the predominance of reddish tones in the buildings give it a special flavor. Return to the hotel.

Day 7: Wine Route Alsace - Colmar - Upper Koenigsburg Castle

Breakfast. We set off on a journey along the Alsace Wine Route. We will get acquainted with the beautiful city of Colmar, the traditional Alsatian village of Riquewihr, the largest castle in Alsace - Upper Koenigsburg, unique wine-making landscapes, and also taste the famous white wines - dry and dessert - during tasting (tasting is paid separately). Return to the hotel.

Day 8: Speyer-Schwäbisch Hall

After breakfast we set out on the Rhine town of Speyer, once a free imperial city dominated by a grand 11th century cathedral, the world's largest Romanesque temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Moving to Schwäbisch Hall - one of the most picturesque small towns in Baden-Württemberg, in the architecture of which the half-timbered style is harmoniously combined with the Baroque style. Walk through the historical part of the city. Moving to the Czech Republic. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 9: Wroclaw

Breakfast. Moving to Wroclaw. Tour of the historical part of the city. Wroclaw is a stunning city for the traveler ready to hike, admire and enjoy. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: Poland

Breakfast. Moving to Brest. Departure by train to Moscow.

Day 11: A train

Arrival in Moscow at Belorussky railway station.

The legend of the beautiful girl Lorelei was born in the south of Germany, in the dangerous places of the narrowing of the navigable Rhine, pressed on both sides by mountains. The swift current, sharp turns and dangerous rocks posed a considerable danger to ships. Some drowned, crashing on stones, others were thrown ashore by waves. The most dangerous turn was considered to be near the highest cliff. There were shipwrecks most often. The cliff was named Lorelyai, after a girl who allegedly lived in these places, fell in love with a knight, and then threw herself off the cliff into the dark waters. The poet Heinrich Heine gave a new life to this Rhine legend in his poems.

Not far from this rock, according to legends, lived an old fisherman, who had a beautiful daughter, the golden-haired Lorelyai. She loved to go out on the banks of the Rhine in the morning, sit by the cliff and comb her golden hair. Captains and fishermen sailing past greeted her. It seemed to them that the appearance of a beautiful girl on the cliff calmed the Raine, the current slowed down, and when she combed her golden hair and sang a song, the stones disappeared deep under the water.

One day, while Lorelei was sitting on a cliff, an unfamiliar youth swam in a boat. He liked the golden-haired girl, and she liked him. The young man called himself a knight, said that he lived in a castle near the Rhine and invited Lorelei to visit him. Lorelei agreed. The castle was large, with many servants scurrying about. Lorelei met the knight's mother, who immediately realized that her son was in love with a girl. But she did not want to see Lorelei as the future mistress of the castle and tried to dissuade her son from marrying.

The knight did not listen to his mother and proposed to Lorelei, and she became his wife. They loved each other and would have lived in harmony for a long time, if not for the knight's mother. Once the knight went hunting with his friends. And his mother told her daughter-in-law that her son, along with his friends, had gone to a carouse and they invited other girls for fun.

Therefore, it would be better if she returned to her hut near the river.
Without waiting for her husband's return, proud Lorelei left the castle. She returned to her home, but it was empty, her father had already died without waiting for her return. She didn't know what to do. She didn't even want to go out to her favorite cliff. Local youths heard about her return and began to woo, but she refused everyone. Many disappointed young men accused her of witchcraft, called her a water witch. She did not attach any importance to this.

Rumors reached the local priest. He invited Lorelyai to confession, she told him about her unhappy love and vowed that she had nothing to do with witchcraft, out of grief she was even ready to go to a monastery.

The priest was pleased with her repentance and sent her to the monastery. The way to the monastery passed by her hut and her beloved cliff. Suddenly she heard a familiar voice. Lorelei moved closer to the river. And she saw a sailing boat, and in it a knight, her husband. She, not remembering herself, called out to him. He turned around, dropped his oars and reached for her. At this moment, the waves covered the boat, the current dragged it to the cliff, a blow was heard, and the boat with the knight disappeared from the surface of the Rhine. Lorelei, in despair, threw herself into the water, hoping to save her beloved, but the waves caught her and dragged her deeper.

Since then, in the evenings, the legend says, when the sun goes down, a girl appears on the cliff, she combs her golden hair and sings a sad song. This is Lorelei's shadow. Her voice is very gentle and sad. He captivates the fishermen, they look at the rock, unable to take their eyes off. Many boats and ships were carried away into the abyss by the sweet-sounding voice of the girl.