Marvel at picturesque landscapes, enjoy family-friendly entertainment and learn about local folklore at Loreley (or Lorelei). The 433-foot (132-meter) tall bluff Loreley rises over the eastern shores of the Rhine River. It stands above a precarious curve in the river, which for centuries has been infamous for causing shipwrecks. The bluff has long been shrouded in myths. Discover much of this lore at the visitor center.
Get the best views from the panoramic lookout at the edge of the hill. Watch as passenger ferries and cargo ships cruise up and down the river. Raise your eyes to gaze at the surrounding forest-covered hills. Look down to the right to see a long breakwater. At its northern tip is the Statue of Loreley, which depicts a fabled mermaid whose enchanting voice is said to have caused seafarers to crash.
Find exhibits about the rocks’s myths and the plants, wildlife and winemaking heritage of the Rhine Valley at the Loreley Besucherzentrum visitor center. Watch a 3-D movie about the history of the Rhine Valley. Take a guided tour of the Loreley Plateau and listen to stories about the Loreley mermaid. A 1-mile (1.4-kilometer) path from the visitor center leads down to the Statue of Loreley.
Attend alfresco concerts by big-name bands at the outdoor amphitheater, Loreley Freilichtbühne. Previous performers have included Genesis, Tokio Hotel and U2. Adjacent to the arena is a beer garden with uninterrupted river views. Take a thrilling summer ride on the twisting and curving Loreley-Bob Sommerrodelbahn toboggan.
An enjoyable way to reach the bluff is to catch a ferry from Sankt Goar to the Fähre Loreley port. From the port, walk for 30 minutes via the riverfront and an uphill path. Buses operate from the town of Sankt Goarshausen to Loreley for concert service. Parking is available at the visitor center.
Visit Loreley for free year-round. Loreley Besucherzentrum is open from Easter until late October. Lorely-Bob Sommerrodelbahn opens from mid-March until mid-November. Concerts at the amphitheater take place during the summer.
