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Observation deck · Bacharach, Renânia-Palatinado
Loreley
132-metre slate rock on the right bank of the Rhine, at the narrowest and deepest stretch of the river, with a lookout at the top and the legend of the siren who lured boatmen.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Loreley
The Loreley is a 132-metre slate cliff that rises almost vertically on the right bank of the Rhine, near St. Goarshausen. There the river makes a tight bend and is the narrowest and deepest point of the entire Middle Rhine. For centuries it was a difficult stretch for navigation, with currents, rocks and many shipwrecks.
The Loreley legend — of a girl with golden hair who sang on top of the rock and distracted boatmen until they were wrecked — was created by the writer Clemens Brentano in 1801. Heinrich Heine's poem, later set to music, spread the story worldwide and made the rock a symbol of Rhine Romanticism.
At the top, a viewpoint overlooking the river bend, St. Goarshausen and Burg Katz is part of a cultural-landscape park, with trails and an information area about the legend and the valley's nature. Beside it is the open-air amphitheatre from 1939, used for performances.
Down below, at the tip of St. Goarshausen's harbour pier, there is a statue of the Loreley. Boats passing the rock often play the song over the loudspeakers.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
1 to 2 hours at the viewpoint, plus travel time from the river.
Best time
Late in the afternoon, when the light hits the river bend from the side. The season for boats passing in front of the rock usually runs from April to October.
How to get there
From Bacharach, take the regional train to St. Goar and cross by ferry to St. Goarshausen. From the centre of St. Goarshausen there are buses to the top and a footpath with a steep climb. By car, the road reaches the viewpoint car park.
Tip
The best-known view of the rock is from below, by boat or from the St. Goar promenade on the opposite bank. For the viewpoint, wear sturdy footwear if you climb on foot.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Loreley
What is the story of the Loreley?
It is a legend created by Clemens Brentano in 1801 and popularized by Heinrich Heine's poem: a maiden who sang atop the rock and caused boatmen to shipwreck.
How do you reach the top of the rock?
From St. Goarshausen, by bus or on foot via a steep trail. From Bacharach, take the train to St. Goar and cross by ferry.
What's the best way to see the Loreley?
By boat, passing in front of the rock in the April–October season, and also from the viewpoint at the top, which looks over the river bend.