Experience the Legendary Rhine with Viking River Cruises
Article posted: September 9th, 2010 by Administrator | No Comments »
The venerable Rhine, speckled with medieval castles, ancient towns and eye-catching vineyards, is one of Europe’s most important and historic waterways. Rising in Switzerland, it flows along the border of France, through the historic heart of Germany and into Holland where it empties into the North Sea. Experience all the highlights of the Rhine from the grand monuments of distinguished cities, to medieval centres of bustling market towns and sleepy river villages, with Viking River Cruises.
One of the key highlights of sailing the Rhine is its many castles. As you sail past the steep hillsides that climb up from the river, you will see no fewer than 28 castles, each seemingly more picturesque than the last. Their fairytale presence today makes for wonderful photo opportunities, but in centuries past these castles enabled feudal lords to control trade routes along this and other rivers, which were in essence the vital “highways” of Europe since the beginning of time.
A castle collection along the Rhine:
EHRENBREITSTEIN FORTRESS
The Rhine and Moselle converge below this formidable fortress, built by the Prussians and once the strongest of its kind in Europe.
MARKSBURG CASTLE
Preserved through the ages, this beautifully authentic structure is popular with visitors who want to experience an elevated medieval castle.
STOLZENFELS CASTLE
A 19th century king of Prussia rebuilt this charming 13th century castle. Modern visitors can admire works of the Rhenish romanticist period displayed on its walls.
MAUS CASTLE
Dubbed “mouse castle” by the counts of the larger Katz Castle, this restored complex boasts splendid architectural features and abundant medieval charm.
KATZ CASTLE
A familiar presence on the Rhine since the 14th century, it was heavily damaged by Napoleon’s forces in 1806 and rebuilt at the end of the Victorian era. Today, it remains a formidable silent sentry.
RHEINFELS CASTLE
High on a cliff above the Rhine perch the ruins of a mighty 13th century fortress. Today, the breathtaking site is home to a castle hotel.
EHRENFELS CASTLE
This picturesque 12th century castle, surrounded by ancient vineyards, keeps watch over the narrow Rhine Valley.
KLOPP CASTLE
This 19th century structure, with its beautiful stone gardens, occupies the site of both a Roman fortress and a medieval castle.
The Rhine is also home to many vineyards, uniquely located on the steep slopes of the Rhine’s banks. Wine was first introduced to the region by the Romans however, the region’s famous Riesling was cultivated here from the 15th century and maintains a strong identity whichever region it is grown. The enchanting Rheingau possesses some of the world’s oldest family-owned vineyards, where more than 80% of the vines are the celebrated Riesling. Sample the local vintages in charming villages and admire the ancient abbeys home to extensive vineyards.
With its thick pines and mossy underbrush, Germany’s Black Forest, or Schwarzwald, is anything but dark and gloomy. Beyond its picturesque scenery and setting for numerous fairy tales, the area is famous for cherry schnapps, Black Forest cake and cuckoo clocks. Visit a local workshop and see a cuckoo clock-making demonstration, and admire the stunning panoramic views of the Upper Rhine Valley and the Vosges Mountains from even the most modest tree-covered peaks.
Tour the Black Forest region, experience the ancient castles and admire the breathtaking vineyards along the Rhine with Viking River Cruises 15-day Treasures of the Rhine or 8-day Rhine Getaway itineraries. For more information on these charming itineraries visit www.vikingrivercruises.com.au.
Cruise Pilot
Michelle & Peter Lyne
Jason
Nol
