Kevin.German110: Middle Rhine Valley

Facts about the Rhine River –

1230km (~764miles)

Countries - Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Liechtenstein, Germany, France, Netherlands

Many castles, cities, and vineyards on the river make up the main attractions. In the earliest history of Europe, small settlements developed around this river and grew into the towns that still exist today. During the middle ages, rich land owners built up castles along the banks mostly as strategic fortified strongholds. The owners put up tolls on the roads and river in exchange they would protect travelers from robbers. It was also difficult to maneuver with the many different currents. The biggest current was the Binger Loch which, at one point, took 40 horses to pull a ship through it. In the Thirty Years War between 1618 and 1648, the Rhine was a main amphitheatre for battles and several castles were destroyed. New lords and landowners rebuilt many of the castles in later centuries.

Well Known Areas

Lorelei Rock – This rock is 120 meters tall and is the source of myths and folklore. Most famously is a story about a siren who would lure sailors in with her singing, sending them crashing into the rock cliff.