Loreley, Rock formation in Sankt Goarshausen, Germany
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
