Visit the Rhine Valley, Germany

A winding river of wineries, ruined castles and stories of mischievous mermaids, all in Rhine Valley

The long and winding Rhine, delicate Riesling and seemingly countless castles — the Rhine Valley lets you explore the history and culture of trade and conflict in central Germany.

Flowing from the Swiss Alps all the way to the North Sea, the Rhine has been the backbone of the area for centuries, forming a major trade route. The cities along the stretch that runs through Germany often collected tolls from the ships passing through, and castles sprang up all along both banks, built by regional lords defending their pieces of the pie.

The portion between Heidelberg and Saint Goar is most photogenic and inviting for a cruise due its mild climate, quaint villages, wineries and ruined castles. Our specialists have thoroughly explored this river, its strongholds and the storied cities of the region. Whether you want to explore the legends of mermaids around Lorelai Rock, or visit Ludwigsburg Palace and the Porsche museum in Stuttgart, our experts can plan a trip tailored to your interests.

The late spring and early summer, near the beginning of May, is an excellent time to visit before the weather gets too warm. It’s also when the Rhine in Flames festival lights the river up with fireworks.