- The Rhine Gorge is a 40 mile (65km) section of the Rhine valley between Bingen and Koblenz in Germany.
- There are no bridges between Mainz and Koblenz and all crossings are by ferry.
Unesco World Heritage Site
- In 2002 the Rhine Gorge became a Unesco World Heritage Site.
- This is because of the large number of medieval castles, villages and world famous vineyards along the valley.
- The Gorge is part of German Folklore and provided the setting for Wagner’s Opera, Gotterdammerung.
Bingen
- There is a rock barrier at Bingen which historically divided the Rhine into two navigable sections.
- Until 1834, the river was unnavigable past Bingen without a pilot, and most barges transhipped their cargo by road around the reef to Lorch.
- The Classis Germanica, the Roman Navy in Germany, operated two separate fleets on the Rhine, one based above Bingen at Mainz, and the other below Bingen at Cologne.
Lorelei
- The Lorelei Rock on the east bank of the Rhine, is the most famous landmark on the Rhine Gorge.
- It is a 393 ft (120m) high rock overlooking dangerous rocks and strong currents.
- The legend of the Lorelei rock maiden is an integral part of German Folklore, Literature and Music.
Rhine Gorge, Germany