Roman excavations, churches, castles and palaces on the Rhine cycle path
The Rhine Valley is one of the most important cultural regions in Europe. A rich heritage of art and culture characterizes the Rhine, having always served as a connecting axis between north and south for merchants, pilgrims, and travelers. Romans, knights, clergymen, electors, and kings have left their mark. This is evident in the well-preserved medieval old towns, Roman excavations, and numerous churches, monasteries, castles, and palaces. It is therefore not surprising that several UNESCO World Heritage sites can be discovered along the Rhine Cycle Route, including famous sites such as the European metropolis of Strasbourg, Cologne Cathedral, and the windmills of Kinderdijk. The Upper Middle Rhine Valley, perhaps the most beautiful section of the Rhine, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2002. Between Bingen/Rüdesheim and Koblenz, more than 40 castles, palaces, and fortifications await, many of which can be visited. Many modern museums and interactive exhibitions also bring the Rhine's eventful past to life.
Myths and legends
The Rhine is also known for its sagas and legends. Every year, the Nibelungen Festival in Worms stages the Nibelungen saga, whose hero Siegfried is said to have killed the dragon at Drachenfels in the Siebengebirge. The Loreley was created by Clemens Brentano. She became world famous thanks to Heinrich Heine's poem. Today you can cycle past the Loreley Rock in a relaxed manner thanks to the Rhine cycle path.
