- 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.
Drusus Bridge, Bingen
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.
Lorelei Rock, Rhine Gorge
Rhine Gorge at St Goar, Germany