Marrying water and fire? It is one of the spells of which the enchanting “romantic Rhine” valley is capable, which unwinds its meanders between Bonn and Koblenz. From May to September, for five evenings, the banks of this majestic river ignite under the multicolored assaults of fireworks and other Bengal lights. The perfect time to discover one of the most beautiful corners of Germany where the legendary songs of Lorelei and Nibelungen still resonate. Sumptuous.

The Valley of Wonders

Between Mainz and Koblenz, the Rhine is enchanting. Welcome to the “romantic valley” that inspired poets and legends in the 19th century. We understand … Here, along its winding banks, at the bottom of a narrow gorge of 60 km, the river deploys, from meander to meander, all its majesty. On its banks, vineyards in stories, ruins of castles on the side of rocky outcrop, hillsides covered with fir trees and dapper villages each bring their touch to this idyllic picture.

You have to leave the banks of the Rhine and climb the cliffs, which dominate it over 100 m high, to be able to measure the tranquil power of the river. Many legends are linked to this valley, drawing their origins from the Nibelungen epic and the exploits of Siegfried. There is Wagner in these places.

The romantic Rhine valley is steeped in history. You only have to see the castles and ruins that line it, giving it this mysterious and timeless aspect. Between the 13th and 16th centuries, thirty-two emperors and kings descended this river, then a veritable royal road. On its edges, fortified castles (the Burgens) protected travelers.

Bewitching Lorelei

In the 19th century, it was the artists’ turn. Goethe, precursor as always, launched the fashion of the romantic Rhine during a trip to the region in 1774. The rocky escarpments, the ruined castles and the lonely islets in the middle of the river then ignited the spirits against a background of Germanic mythological heroes, from Siegfried to Parsifal via Lohengrin. The Rhine Valley became a place of pilgrimage during this romantic century par excellence.

But it is the Lorelei, legend immortalized by the poet Heinrich Heine (1797-1856), which remains inextricably linked to this valley. The myth of this blonde woman abandoned on a rock overlooking the Rhine, whose song of pain led so many sailors to the sinking, is part of German popular culture. The Lorelei still haunts the minds of those who venture into this valley. “Ich weiss nicht was soll es bedeuten” This verse, the first of Heine’s poem, is one of the most famous in the German language. Is it a legend or did this mermaid exist? No one knows for sure. For a long time, in fact, the passage of the Lorelei rock was feared by sailors due to, it is said, currents and whirlpools. In ancient German, Lorelei also means “treacherous rock”. Today, we reach it by car and, from its summit, we enjoy a superb panorama.

Magic nights

To fully enjoy the charms of the romantic Rhine, we advise you to attend one of the five “Rhine in Flames” evenings, which take place every year from May to September. Between Bonn and Koblenz, the romantic Rhine is then illuminated by Bengal lights and fireworks, while the roar of small cannons vibrates the whole valley. Fortresses, castles, ruins and banks glow in the night, creating an unreal atmosphere. A spectacle to be absolutely admired, if you can, from a cruise ship on the river.

On May 5, is the “night of sparklers.” Between Linz and Bonn, in the Siebengebirge, more than 2,000 red Bengal lights illuminate the villages along the Rhine. Over 25 km, they show the way to a fleet of more than 60 boats. In Linz, Remagen, Bad Honnef and Bonn there are fireworks, while in most villages popular balls are held.

The July 7 comes the turn of the “night of magic fires”. From Bingen to Rüdesheim, castles, churches and towers are lit by pyrotechnic displays. On the river, a fleet of 80 white boats, from which one can admire the spectacle, flows slowly.

On August 11, the shores between Braubach and Koblenz are the prey of spectacular artificial flames that can be admired from a fleet of 80 boats.

On September 8, do not miss the “night of the 1000 fires” in Oberwesel. With its Gothic church and its fortifications, this village is among the most picturesque in the region. The sky above Oberwesel, the scene of a blossoming of fireworks, shines in the night and is reflected in the black waters of the Rhine.

Finally, on September 15, Sankt Goar and Sankt Goarshausen celebrate the “Lorelei night”. These two quiet villages attract thousands of visitors who come for a wine festival and, above all, for the spectacle. More than 70 boats meet on the Rhine. The houses and castles are lit up, while a rain of light falls on the mountains, including the famous Lorelei rock, more bewitching than ever.

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