For millions of years, the Rhine has carved its valley through the slate hills and produced a fantastic narrow river landscape. Pictured: the view of the legendary Loreley Cliff from St. Goar.

A Literary Journey

It is the stories that make an experience along the Rhine rewarding. When you visit you will be captured by this unique, narrow valley with its proud castles, noble Riesling wines and, of course, by the sagas and romantic tales.

Kaub was made famous by the Prussian general, Blücher. At the turn of 1814, he transported his 60,000-man army and 20,000 horses across the Rhine to drive Napoleon out of Germany. The Blücher monument is a reminder of the event. Pictured: vineyards at Kaub am Rhein. – © Dominique Ketz / Romantischer Rhein Tourismus GmbH

“Deutsches Eck” (German Corner) is Germany's best-known river confluence. This is where “Old Father Rhine” meets “Mother Moselle.” It's also the starting point for the cable car to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. – © Herbert Piel / Piel Media, Rheintouristik Tal der Loreley

A highlight of any stay in Rüdesheim is the ride in a cable car up to the Germania monument, with awe-inspiring panoramic views over Rüdesheim's old town and vineyards and the Rhine River.

The view from the vineyards to the town of Bacharach is a perfect photograph opportunity and a great example of the “secret centre of the Rhine Romanticism.” – © Herbert Piel / Piel Media, Rheintouristik Tal der Loreley

Illuminated Oberwesel, aptly termed the "Town of Towers and Wine." A total of 16 defence towers still dominate the town, linked by the mighty mediaeval town wall, much of which you can walk along. – © Ruth Vogel / Rheintouristik Tal der Loreley

A beautiful panoramic view from the Vierseenblick to the largest Rhine loop, overlooking Boppard, Filsen, and Osterspai. – © Thomas Merz / Rheintouristik Tal der Loreley

Boppard's riverbank promenade is lined with traditional hotels and historical buildings. – © Herbert Piel / Piel Media, Rheintouristik Tal der Loreley

Kaub was made famous by the Prussian general, Blücher. At the turn of 1814, he transported his 60,000-man army and 20,000 horses across the Rhine to drive Napoleon out of Germany. The Blücher monument is a reminder of the event. Pictured: vineyards at Kaub am Rhein. – © Dominique Ketz / Romantischer Rhein Tourismus GmbH

For centuries, visitors from all over the world have been attracted to the riverside and wine-growing communities between Bingen and Koblenz: Rüdesheim, Bacharach, Boppard, Braubach and St. Goar to mention a few. Picturesque old quarters, an abundance of sightseeing opportunities and excellent cuisine are not only the hallmarks of the better-known resorts. They are also characteristic of the many historical villages and small towns, which line the banks of this great river like so many pearls on a string.

But, the legends along the way are what make this experience particularly rewarding—especially among literary types—for those who want to take a journey through the Middle Ages. Perhaps you will also be captured by this unique, narrow valley with its proud castles, noble Riesling wines and, of course, by the sagas and romantic tales.

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