Things to do in Hattenheim

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.

Drosselgasse is a quaint, narrow alley that runs through the nucleus of Ruedesheim am Rhein’s Old Town. The bustling street, which is 472 feet (144 meters) long, is alive with wineries, markets and historic features. Stroll down the alley for an insight into the musical and cultural delights of this town.

Find Mainz Cathedral, also known as Mainzer Dom or St. Martin’s Cathedral, in the city center. The towering structure is one of the most impressive examples of Romanesque religious architecture on the Upper Rhine. Since A.D. 975, the cathedral has stood sentry in Mainz. Unlike many other historic buildings in the city, it survived World War II with minimal damage.

Niederwald Monument is a large and elaborate 19th-century structure at the top of a majestic outdoor staircase in a park. It commemorates the inauguration of the German Empire following the Franco-Prussian War. Inspect the many fine details sculpted into this masterpiece and consider its symbolism.

Stahleck Castle is one of the many magnificent fortresses that decorate the spectacular landscape of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. It stands proudly on a hilltop above the historic winemaking town of Bacharach. Established sometime around the 11th century, today Stahleck Castle operates as a youth hostel. It is also the location for an annual living card game based on the fantasy television series Game of Thrones.

Visit Rheinfels Castle (Burg Rheinfels) to journey through the ruins of a magnificent fortress that dates back over 700 years. Uncover the ancient history of both the castle and Sankt Goar via exhibits in the castle museum. Count Diether V. von Katzenelnbogen established Rheinfels Castle in 1245 as a hideout for Sankt Goar’s tax collectors. It passed to the House of Hesse in 1479 and then to the French revolutionary army in 1794 before Napoleon inflicted major damage at the end of the 18th century.

Rising from the greenery on a heavily forested mountainside overlooking the Rhine, the ancient Rheinstein Castle looks like something from a fairy tale. Pay it a visit to discover not only its incredible architecture but its fascinating history, which goes back over a thousand years.