Things to do in Trechtingshausen

Marvel at picturesque landscapes, enjoy family-friendly entertainment and learn about local folklore at Loreley (or Lorelei). The 433-foot (132-meter) tall bluff Loreley rises over the eastern shores of the Rhine River. It stands above a precarious curve in the river, which for centuries has been infamous for causing shipwrecks. The bluff has long been shrouded in myths. Discover much of this lore at the visitor center.

Drosselgasse is a quaint, narrow alley that runs through the nucleus of Ruedesheim am Rhein’s Old Town. The bustling street, which is 472 feet (144 meters) long, is alive with wineries, markets and historic features. Stroll down the alley for an insight into the musical and cultural delights of this town.

Find Mainz Cathedral, also known as Mainzer Dom or St. Martin’s Cathedral, in the city center. The towering structure is one of the most impressive examples of Romanesque religious architecture on the Upper Rhine. Since A.D. 975, the cathedral has stood sentry in Mainz. Unlike many other historic buildings in the city, it survived World War II with minimal damage.

Niederwald Monument is a large and elaborate 19th-century structure at the top of a majestic outdoor staircase in a park. It commemorates the inauguration of the German Empire following the Franco-Prussian War. Inspect the many fine details sculpted into this masterpiece and consider its symbolism.

Stahleck Castle is one of the many magnificent fortresses that decorate the spectacular landscape of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. It stands proudly on a hilltop above the historic winemaking town of Bacharach. Established sometime around the 11th century, today Stahleck Castle operates as a youth hostel. It is also the location for an annual living card game based on the fantasy television series Game of Thrones.

Rising from the greenery on a heavily forested mountainside overlooking the Rhine, the ancient Rheinstein Castle looks like something from a fairy tale. Pay it a visit to discover not only its incredible architecture but its fascinating history, which goes back over a thousand years.

Burg Reichenstein, or Reichenstein Castle, is a dramatic sight even from a distance, perched on the rock edge of a hill above the Rhine and surrounded by lush green forest. Step through its ancient doorway and you will be even more impressed by the deep sense of history that permeates this ancient building. Build up an idea of what life would have been like here centuries ago as you view the many fascinating exhibits on display in the museum contained within the castle.