Loreley, Rock formation in Sankt Goarshausen, Germany
Description
Loreley is a natural slate cliff in Sankt Goarshausen, Germany, rising 132 meters (433 feet) above the Rhine River and forming a narrow passage for ships in the valley. The rock marks one of the tightest sections of the river and creates a characteristic landmark in the Middle Rhine Valley.
History
The location gained notoriety in the 10th century due to numerous shipwrecks caused by the strong currents and submerged rocks in the river. Over the centuries, the rock became a symbol of the dangers of Rhine navigation and inspired many legends and tales.
Culture
German poet Heinrich Heine wrote a famous 1824 poem about a maiden named Loreley who sat upon the rock, singing melodies that distracted sailors. The song became one of the most recognized German folk tunes and still shapes how many visitors imagine this place today.
Practical
The visitor platform near Sankt Goarshausen provides views of the Rhine River, the surrounding castles, and the twin towns along the waterway. Access follows a well-maintained path suitable for most visitors, with several viewpoints along the route.
Did you know?
Ships passing through this section of the Rhine must follow specific light signals to navigate safely around the dangerous bend near the rock. The system was put in place to prevent collisions, as two tight curves meet here and visibility for captains is limited.
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Rhineland-Palatinate preserves centuries of European fortification architecture across a region shaped by river valleys and forested highlands. Medieval castles like Eltz Castle rise above the Moselle loop at Bremm, while Pfalzgrafenstein Castle sits on a Rhine island at Kaub, where it once...
Freilichtbühne Loreley
406 mSommerrodelbahn Loreley
718 m
Sommerrodelbahn Loreley-Bob
710 mR(h)einblick St. Goarshausen
164 mScenic viewpoint
123 mSommerrodelbahn Loreley-Bob
527 mFatal beauty
159 mFigur der Loreley
413 mLoreley Thron auf dem Loreley Felsen
54 mLoreley
21 mWork of art, sculpture
152 mWork of art, sculpture
150 mLoreleyblick
507 mScenic viewpoint
393 mEin Stück vom Paradies
188 mScenic viewpoint
52 mThe sevenfold echo
209 mScenic viewpoint
251 mLoreleyblick Maria Ruh
483 mScenic viewpoint
9 mScenic viewpoint
505 mLoreleyblick
687 mScenic viewpoint
10 mScenic viewpoint
61 mScenic viewpoint
553 mDen Schöpfern des Loreley-Liedes
489 mMemorial, war memorial
262 mWaterfall
548 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
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