The rise of river cruises made the Rhine River one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe. The waterside landscape with its steep slopes and medieval castles and ruins inspired painters, musicians, and poets of the Romantic era, who made the Rhine an object of yearning.

The winding river valley with its legendary Lorelei rock, terraced vineyards, picturesque towns with half-timbered houses, and countless castles make the Middle Rhine Valley a unique cultural landscape that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002.

Many of the medieval castles have been turned into hotels. Staying within these venerable walls offers visitors a peek into how this landscape inspired the painters of the 19th century.