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The Upper Middle Rhine Valley lined with hillside vineyards

July 28, 2012

The Upper Middle Rhine Valley between Bingen and Koblenz was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. The committee praised the region as a "cultural landscape of great beauty."

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Image: Tanigo/Fotolia

Just past Bingen, we step on board a boat and make our way along the Rhine River. The stretch between Bingen and Koblenz, which measures more than 60 kilometers, boasts a number of castles and castle ruins. These historical landmarks are one reason this part of the river is so famous. Rheinfels Castle is just one of the sights worth seeing on the route.

The Rhine is lined with hillside vineyards and towns - including Bacharach. The wine trade here started long ago, during the Middle Ages. Riesling grapes are even cultivated on an island in the middle of the river, Heyles'en Werth.

Upper Middle Rhine Valley
There are many pretty villages and towns along the Upper Middle Rhine Valley

The Rhine hooks a sharp curve near St. Goar, past the Loreley rock - which has served as inspiration for countless folktales. Today, the Loreley is one of the most popular destinations in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. The Rheinsteig Trail allows hikers to walk all the way to Koblenz - and features plenty of places to stop and enjoy the view.

Koblenz - three travel tips

From Visit Germany
Editor: Sue Cox

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Trier home to Roman relics, Riesling and romanticism

Trier home to Roman relics, Riesling and romanticism

Two thousand years ago, Roman conquerors brought the people of the Moselle Valley grapes and the knowledge of how to cultivate them. The hub of this wine-growing region is Trier, Germany’s oldest city. (16.07.2012)
July 28, 2012
With its Stone Bridge and cathedral, Regensburg, pictured here, presents the perfect image of a riverside city. The best preserved medieval city in Germany has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006.

Regensburg the best preserved medieval city in Germany

Regensburg the best preserved medieval city in Germany

With its Stone Bridge and cathedral, Regensburg presents the perfect image of a riverside city. The best preserved medieval city in Germany has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006. (09.07.2012)
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An exterior view of Sanssouci castle with its grapevines in Potsdam, Germany, 10 September 2003.

Potsdam home to World Heritage palaces and parks

Potsdam home to World Heritage palaces and parks

The palaces and parks of Potsdam have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990. They were commissioned by the Prussian kings in the 18th and 19th century and encompass an area over 500 hectares. (02.07.2012)
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