One of the main rivers in Europe, the Rhine, brings with its legends, mysteries, but also prosperity, in a route that crosses the most beautiful landscapes of Central Europe.
Beginning in Switzerland, near the city of Basel, the Rhine runs its course towards Germany. Sometimes it comes up against France and flows into the North Sea, there in Rotterdam, in the Netherlands, after running for more than 1,200 km, being the natural border that divides Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Germany and Switzerland, and Germany and France. The strong Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen (Switzerland) is already impressed with the impetuous waters of the Rhine.
Natural frontier and historical rivalries
The Rhine was and still is very important for the countries through which it flows. For the Roman Empire, the Rhine (which they called the Rhenus River) constituted most of the border, separating them from the Germanic “barbarians”. Today it is one of the most important rivers in the world because it is a ticket for tourist ships, transporting iron and coal, a source of electricity production in Switzerland, and also by the many industries located on the river.
Furthermore, these waters were the subject of much dispute between Germany and France, as the French have long claimed the Rhine as their country’s eastern border. Throughout history, its left side has changed nationality several times and today, the Rhine is the border that crosses the two countries, right in the region of Alsace, once so disputed.
Legends of the Rhine
A walk along the Rhine is accompanied by a lot of beauty and history and legends. One of the best known is the legend of Loreley, which was associated with the rock in the town of St. Goarshausen, in the middle Rhine valley. In one of the many existing versions, it is said that a beautiful girl named Loreley, sitting on the rock, bewitches sailors and takes them to the bottom of the river. The rock is said to have echoed its name for many years, and even today, the sculpture of the lonely Loreley attracts travelers to Germany’s Rhine valley.
The Rhine and the Grand Tour of Europe
In the XVII century, it was common for young people from the upper classes to make a big trip through Europe when they reached adulthood, with the intention of learning about different cultures and preparing to become a member of the elite. This trip was called the Grand Tour. The Rhine was also a part of the route – although there was no specific tour with an itinerary to follow – for those traveling on the river, from the Alps to Basel.
The culture of wines
To speak of the Rhine is also to speak of wines. From the slopes on the banks of the middle Rhine valley in Germany, excellent wines come out, with Riesling being the predominant grape. Knowing the castles of the Rhine valley, savoring the region’s wines, and admiring the exuberance of the Rhine is an unforgettable experience! Descending a little further on the map, in Alsace, the traveler is taken through flowery villages, in which barrels and vats are often seen already by those who walk in its streets.
At Lake Constance, on the border of Germany and Switzerland, the vineyards meet the blue of the lake crossed by the Rhine and the silhouette of the Alps. To know the Rhine wines, whatever the region, is to feel the aroma of the grapes and the fermenting juice, to see the vines growing and developing during the four seasons of the year. And so, the River Rhine runs its course, bringing beauty, history, culture, and prosperity along its path.
Who we are
Majestic Germany is a company that specialized in private guided tours and trips in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. More than traveling, our philosophy is to take the traveler to live experiences and enjoy every moment – without excursions, with flexibility, and all our care. What our travelers say.
