Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
Welterbe-Atlas
UNESCO Welterbe Oberes Mittelrheintal (in German)
www.zv-welterbe.de (in German)
Upper Middle Rhine World Heritage Site

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 2002
Size of heritage: 27,250 ha
- Buffer zone: 34,680 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 7,694°
Latitude: 50,174°

Summary

The 65km-stretch of the Middle Rhine Valley, with its castles, historic towns and vineyards, graphically illustrates the long history of human involvement with a dramatic and varied natural landscape. It is intimately associated with history and legend and for centuries has exercised a powerful influence on writers, artists and composers.

Location on Map


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Upper Middle Rhine Valley

The Upper Middle Rhine Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the states of Rhineland-Palatinate (Rheinland-Pfalz) and Hesse (Hessen) in Germany. It stretches for about 65 kilometers along the Rhine River, between the cities of Bingen and Koblenz. This picturesque region is renowned for its stunning landscapes, medieval castles, and charming towns, making it a popular tourist destination.

History

The history of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley dates back thousands of years. The area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, and it played a significant role in the Roman Empire as a strategic location for trade and defense. During the Middle Ages, the Rhine River became a vital transportation route, and numerous castles were built along its banks to protect the trade routes and exert control over the region.

In the 19th century, the Romantic movement brought attention to the beauty of the Rhine Valley, inspiring poets, painters, and writers. The region became a popular destination for travelers seeking the picturesque landscapes and the romantic atmosphere of the castles and vineyards.

Current State

The Upper Middle Rhine Valley continues to captivate visitors with its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The region is characterized by steep vineyards, terraced slopes, and the meandering Rhine River, creating a breathtaking panorama. The area is also home to more than 40 castles and fortresses, each with its own unique history and architectural style.

The towns and villages in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley are well-preserved, offering a glimpse into the past. The historic city of Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, is a popular starting point for exploring the region. Its charming old town, dominated by the impressive Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, is a UNESCO World Heritage site in itself.

Another notable town in the area is Bacharach, known for its half-timbered houses and medieval charm. Strolling through its narrow streets, visitors can admire the well-preserved city walls and the picturesque ruins of Stahleck Castle. Rüdesheim, famous for its wine production, is also a must-visit destination. The Drosselgasse, a narrow alley lined with traditional taverns and wine bars, is a lively spot where visitors can sample local wines and enjoy traditional German cuisine.

The Upper Middle Rhine Valley is not only a cultural and historical treasure but also an important ecological area. The region is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species. The steep vineyards are meticulously maintained by local winemakers, producing some of Germany's finest wines, particularly Riesling.

To preserve and protect this unique landscape and cultural heritage, the Upper Middle Rhine Valley was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2002. Efforts are made to ensure sustainable tourism practices and to safeguard the region's natural and cultural assets for future generations to enjoy.

Visiting the Upper Middle Rhine Valley is like stepping into a fairy tale. Its enchanting landscapes, medieval castles, and charming towns create an unforgettable experience that showcases the rich history and natural beauty of this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site.

Hotels and places to stay

Romantik Hotel Schloss Rheinfels

Address
Distance: 1,6 mi
Schloßberg 47
56329 St. Goar
Germany

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: 0:00 - 24:00
Weekend: 0:00 - 24:00


Weinhotel Landsknecht Komfort Zimmer

Address
Distance: 0,5 mi
Alte Heerstr. 95
56329 St. Goar
Germany

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: 8:00 - 22:00
Weekend: 8:00 - 22:00


Pohl´s Rheinhotel Adler

Address
Distance: 1,7 mi
Bahnhofstr. 6
56346 St. Goarshausen
Germany

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: 8:00 - 22:00
Weekend: 8:00 - 22:00


Rheinhotel

Address
Distance: 1,8 mi
Heerstr. 71
56329 St. Goar
Germany

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: 8:00 - 20:00
Weekend: 8:00 - 20:00


Rheinfels

Address
Distance: 1,9 mi
Heerstrasse 69
56329 St. Goar
Germany

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: 8:00 - 21:00
Weekend: 8:00 - 21:00


Winzerhaus Gärtner

Address
Distance: 2,5 mi
An der Loreley 49
56329 St. Goar
Germany

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 14:00
Reception
Weekday: 11:00 - 21:00
Weekend: closed


Loreleyblick Cafe Restaurant

Address
Distance: 2,5 mi
An der Loreley 37-38
56329 St. Goar
Germany

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 12:00
Reception
Weekday: 8:00 - 22:00
Weekend: 8:00 - 22:00


Schlaadt

Address
Distance: 2,3 mi
Kirchstr. 7
56348 Kestert
Germany

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: 7:00 - 18:00
Weekend: 7:00 - 18:00


Krone Hotel Restaurant

Address
Distance: 2,2 mi
Rheinstr. 37
56348 Kestert
Germany

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 15:00
Reception
Weekday: 8:00 - 23:00
Weekend: 8:00 - 23:00


Nassauer Hof Loreley

Address
Distance: 1,6 mi
Bahnhofstr. 22
56346 St. Goarshausen
Germany

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 08:00
Reception
Weekday: 7:30 - 22:00 (lunchbreak: 10:30 - 16:00)
Weekend: closed


Videos from the area

ライン川 クリスマス・マーケットクルーズ③

Published: November 22, 2014
Length: 24:22 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: 森本哲也

ライン川 クリスマス・マーケットクルーズ ルフトナー アマデウス・プリンセス ③コブレンツ~マインツ 世界遺産・ライン川古城クルーズ...

Weihnachtsdorf 2010/2011 X-mas Town

Published: December 15, 2010
Length: 34:58 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: Uwe Wieser

Weihnachtsente - Dancing Duck St.Goar

Published: December 15, 2010
Length: 35:04 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: Uwe Wieser

Unserer Weihnachtsente geht es auch nach dem Weihnachtsende noch gut. Ente gut alles gut!

Baden im Rhein mit Empfehlungen

Published: November 12, 2014
Length: 03:06 min
Rating: 0 of 5
Author: Deutsches Hygieneinstitut

11. November 2014, an der Rampe in St. Goar-Fellen.

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